The Nun’s Priest’s Tale

Question 1

Who is the main character in The Nun’s Priest’s Tale?

Answer 1

A poor old widow

She lives in a small cottage with her two daughters.

Question 2

What animals does the widow keep?

Answer 2

• Three sows
• Three cows
• A sheep called Molly
• A cock named Chanticleer

Question 3

What is Chanticleer known for?

Answer 3

His exceptional crowing

He is described as having a voice jollier than an organ.

Question 4

What color is Chanticleer’s comb?

Answer 4

Redder than fine coral

It is also described as battlemented like a castle wall.

Question 5

What does Pertelote advise Chanticleer to do about his dream?

Answer 5

Take a laxative

She believes his dream is caused by a choleric state.

Question 6

What does Chanticleer dream about?

Answer 6

A beast that tries to seize him

The beast is described as a blend of yellow and red.

Question 7

True or False: Pertelote believes dreams should be taken seriously.

Answer 7

False

She argues that dreams are a vanity and can be explained by bodily humors.

Question 8

What does Chanticleer argue about dreams?

Answer 8

They can signify triumphs and tribulations

He references ancient authors who support this view.

Question 9

What happens to the friend in Chanticleer’s story about dreams?

Answer 9

He is murdered in an ox’s stall

His dream foretold his death.

Question 10

What does the saying ‘Murder will out’ imply?

Answer 10

Murder will eventually be revealed

It suggests that truth cannot be hidden indefinitely.

Question 11

Fill in the blank: The widow’s diet consists mainly of _______.

Answer 11

Milk and brown bread

Question 12

What is the significance of St. Kenelm’s dream?

Answer 12

He dreams of his own murder

His nurse warns him about it but he does not heed her advice.

Question 13

What does Macrobius write about?

Answer 13

The significance of dreams

He discusses the vision of young Scipio Africanus.

Question 14

What does Pertelote accuse Chanticleer of being?

Answer 14

A coward

She believes his fear from the dream is shameful.

Question 15

What is the widow’s socioeconomic status?

Answer 15

Poor

She leads a simple life and makes do with little.

Question 16

How does Chanticleer describe his dream?

Answer 16

Terrible and frightening

It causes him to groan and lurch.

Question 17

What is the relationship between Chanticleer and Pertelote?

Answer 17

They are companions

Pertelote is one of Chanticleer’s wives.

Question 18

True or False: The widow has a rich diet.

Answer 18

False

Her meals are described as slender and lacking in variety.

Question 19

What does Chanticleer think about the wisdom of ancient authors regarding dreams?

Answer 19

He believes they are significant

He cites examples to support his argument.

Question 20

What does Macrobius affirm about dreams?

Answer 20

Dreams can give a due warning of things that later come true

This refers to the belief in the prophetic nature of dreams, as discussed in classical literature.

Question 21

Which biblical book is mentioned as a manual worth studying for understanding dreams?

Answer 21

The Book of Daniel

This book contains stories of dreams and their interpretations, particularly regarding King Nebuchadnezzar.

Question 22

What did Joseph interpret in the Bible regarding dreams?

Answer 22

Many dreams give cognizance of what is to befall

Joseph is known for interpreting Pharaoh’s dreams, predicting famine and abundance.

Question 23

Who is Croesus and what significant dream did he have?

Answer 23

Croesus, the Lydian king, dreamt that he was sitting in a tree, meaning he would be hanged

This illustrates the theme of dreams foreshadowing fate.

Question 24

What did Andromache dream about Hector?

Answer 24

She dreamt that Hector would be lost in battle if he went to war

This highlights the tragic nature of ignoring prophetic warnings.

Question 25

What is the significance of the phrase 'Mulier est hominis confusio'?

Answer 25

'Woman is man’s delight and all his bliss' ## Footnote This Latin phrase reflects the theme of love and desire in the text.

Question 26

What does Chanticleer do upon seeing the sun rise?

Answer 26

He crows triumphantly, expressing joy and confidence ## Footnote This represents a moment of bliss before the impending danger.

Question 27

What is the role of the fox in the story?

Answer 27

The fox is a sly character who deceives Chanticleer ## Footnote The fox symbolizes treachery and the dangers of flattery.

Question 28

What does Chanticleer fail to heed that leads to his capture?

Answer 28

He ignores the warnings from his dreams ## Footnote This underscores the theme of ignoring prophetic signs and advice.

Question 29

What happens when Chanticleer begins to sing?

Answer 29

The fox seizes the opportunity to capture him ## Footnote This illustrates the consequences of letting down one's guard.

Question 30

Fill in the blank: 'A woman’s counsel is so often ______.'

Answer 30

cold ## Footnote This reflects the narrator's skepticism about women's advice.

Question 31

What does Chanticleer tell the fox when he is in danger?

Answer 31

He suggests the fox should turn back and taunt those pursuing him ## Footnote This clever ploy allows Chanticleer to escape.

Question 32

What moral is conveyed through the story?

Answer 32

Beware of flatterers and be cautious of ignoring warnings ## Footnote The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of naivety.

Question 33

True or False: Chanticleer's confidence ultimately protects him from danger.

Answer 33

False ## Footnote His overconfidence leads to his capture by the fox.

Question 34

What reaction do the hens have when Chanticleer is captured?

Answer 34

They shriek in anguish and despair ## Footnote This emphasizes the emotional impact of Chanticleer's fate on his family.

Question 35

What type of characters are the chief characters in the tale?

Answer 35

Thinking and talking animals ## Footnote Common in fables and stories to convey moral lessons.

Question 36

What literary concept involves mocking a serious style?

Answer 36

Parody

Question 37

What is a fable?

Answer 37

A short story that typically features animals and conveys a moral lesson.

Question 38

What does St. Paul suggest about the purpose of writings?

Answer 38

All things are written for our learning.

Question 39

What is the primary topic of the stanza, lines 12-26?

Answer 39

The moral implications of actions and the nature of flattery.

Question 40

What kind of home does Chanticleer have?

Answer 40

A barnyard.

Question 41

What is happening in lines 62-70?

Answer 41

Chanticleer is expressing fear and concern about a dream.

Question 42

What context clues help interpret the word 'aghast' in line 69?

Answer 42

The surrounding description of fear and shock.

Question 43

In lines 78-85, what animal is described?

Answer 43

A fox.

Question 44

What does Pertelote suggest as a cure for scary dreams?

Answer 44

Herbs and remedies.

Question 45

What is the meaning of 'tribulations' in line 160?

Answer 45

Sufferings or trials.

Question 46

Why is it unexpected for an animal fable character to tell a story that teaches a lesson?

Answer 46

Because animals are usually not portrayed as having human-like wisdom.

Question 47

What is the moral truth for the fable that ends on line 242?

Answer 47

Beware of flatterers and false friends.

Question 48

What does the explanation in lines 297-298 turn into a parody?

Answer 48

A scholarly debate about dreams.

Question 49

What happens in each of Chanticleer's examples?

Answer 49

They illustrate the foolishness of ignoring dreams.

Question 50

What types of authorities does Chanticleer cite in lines 290-328?

Answer 50

* Ancient literature * The Bible

Question 51

What effect do the references in lines 303-330 have?

Answer 51

They add a serious tone to the tale.

Question 52

What is significant about Chanticleer’s mistranslation of the Latin tag in line 344?

Answer 52

It mocks the practice of using references to support opinions.

Question 53

What does Chanticleer do after concluding the debate on dreams?

Answer 53

He sings.

Question 54

What moral is Chaucer offering in lines 387-391?

Answer 54

To be cautious of deception and flattery.

Question 55

What context clues help interpret the word 'counsel' in line 441?

Answer 55

The surrounding discussion about advice and guidance.

Question 56

How does Chaucer’s description of Chanticleer lack of heroism make fun of scholarly explanations?

Answer 56

It highlights the absurdity of serious analysis in trivial situations.

Question 57

What compliments does the fox pay to Chanticleer?

Answer 57

* Praise for his singing * Flattery about his beauty

Question 58

What happens to the reader’s faith in fables if every character tells them for their own ends?

Answer 58

It undermines the moral integrity of the story.

Question 59

What does 'gorge' likely mean in the context of the fox asking Chanticleer to stretch his neck?

Answer 59

To consume or devour.

Question 60

What epic story does Chaucer allude to in lamenting Chanticleer’s abduction?

Answer 60

The Iliad.

Question 61

What do the comparisons in lines 539-559 add to the mock-heroic style of the tale?

Answer 61

They elevate a trivial event to an epic scale.

Question 62

By what means does the fox capture Chanticleer?

Answer 62

By grabbing him by the neck.

Question 63

What does 'contrived' suggest about the fox's actions?

Answer 63

It implies a sense of deceit or trickery.

Question 64

What general lesson about the power of words do Chanticleer and the fox's fates suggest?

Answer 64

Words can be powerful and persuasive, influencing actions and beliefs.

Question 65

What additional lesson does the contrast between formal language and brutal reality suggest?

Answer 65

It highlights the disparity between perception and reality.