Paper # 1
Chaucer’s view of women
Guiding Questions
What attitude toward women and marriage does Chaucer convey through the female
characters and the tales told on the pilgrimage to Canterbury?
How does this view compare to attitudes toward women and marriage that prevailed
in medieval society?
Introduction/including Thesis:
Identify attitudes toward women and marriage in 14th-Century England
Formulate your thesis – What is Chaucer’s view of women and marriage as
interpreted through the CT’s female characters and/or other tales about marriage?
Body:
Use examples from The Prologue, The Wife of Bath’s Tale, and at least one other tale
(i.e. “The Clerk’s Tale”, “The Merchant’s Tale,” “The Franklin’s Tale,” etc.) to
illustrate Chaucer’s characterization of women and, by inference, his views on
women and marriage.
You need to include at least 2 articles of literary criticism by 2 different critics on
your Works Cited page. Use their ideas to support your thesis.
Conclusion:
Restate thesis
Summarize main points
Tie back to Introduction
************************************************************************************
 Essay Length: 3 – 5 pages; Typed (12 point Times New Roman, Double-Spaced )
 Also include a Works Cited Page- MLA Format
 Use MLA format for embedded citations within your essay. Follow directions for quoting verse
(poetry).
 Paper must be submitted to Turnitin.com
 Due Date: October 11, 2010
Paper #2
Chaucer’s view of the Catholic Church
What attitude toward the Catholic Church does Chaucer convey through the tales of
the characters connected to the clergy? (Pardoner, Friar, Monk, Prioress, etc.)
How does this view compare to attitudes toward the Catholic Church that prevailed in
medieval society?
Introduction/including Thesis:
Identify prevailing attitudes toward the clergy in 14th-Century England
Formulate your thesis – What is Chaucer’s view of the Catholic Church as interpreted
through Chaucer’s characterization of the CT clergymen and their tales?
Body:
Use examples from “The Prologue,” “The Pardoner’s Tale,” and at least one other tale
(i.e. “The Friar’s Tale,” “The Monk’s Tale”…or any tale you are familiar with to
illustrate Chaucer’s characterization of the clergy and, by inference, Chaucer’s view
of the Catholic Church.)
You need to include at least 2 articles of literary criticism by 2 different critics on
your Works Cited page. Use their ideas to support your thesis.
Conclusion:
Restate thesis
Summarize main points
Tie back to Introduction
************************************************************************************
 Essay Length: 3 – 5 pages; Typed (12 point Times New Roman, Double-Spaced )
 Use MLA format for embedded citations within your essay. Follow directions for quoting verse
(poetry).
 Also include a Works Cited Page- MLA Format
 Paper must be submitted to Turnitin.com
 Due Date: October 11, 2010