The Shipman’s Tale

Thinksheet Please answer question 2

1. What type of tale is it? How does it compare generically to the other tales we have read? Which is most like?

2. Does the tale have a moral? What is it?

3. Look at lines 1622-4. What meanings does “taillynge” have? What is the role of “taillynge” overall in the tale?

4. Is this tale ecclesiastical satire? How? Who is the satire directed against?

5. We think this tale was originally assigned to the Wife of Bath? What if it had been? How would this have changed your view of her? What difference does her “Arthurian” tale make?

6. What role does money play in this tale? How is money regarded? How is marriage regarded? Are they connected?