Analytical Option
- The Canterbury Tales (CT) and The Refugee Tales both address the power structures in their society in different ways. CT looks at the three estates (social classes) through a tale-telling contest, often asking questions about what truly guides the tales told by each of the pilgrims. The Refugee Tales, on the other hand, uses the telling of tales to look at the corruption of power and the dangers of losing power or agency. Using these two works, examine the different ways in which they address the issues of social class, agency, tale-telling, and power. Think about how these ideas are defined, how they are different in each work, and any similarities you see between them.
- Compare and contrast the portrayal of two of the pilgrims from the Canterbury Tales by looking at the portraits in the General Prologue. Consider what sort of social stereotypes are used in these portrayals. Consider, too, how they are assessed by the narrator or even by other characters in the text. Try to come to a conclusion about the portrayal of the two characters you choose.