Canterbury Tales Paper #1

Keep in mind that the topics are intended to initiate your thinking. Don't
feel like you have to answer each question in minute detail. You should, however, stick to the general
topic. Your paper should include:
♦ an introductory paragraph with a thesis statement that presents an argument for the reader
♦ supporting paragraphs that offer evidence to back your argument
♦ At least 2 scholarly sources
* transitions that connect your ideas smoothly and logically
♦ a conclusion that sums up your argument and indicates why it is important
* MLA formatting that is executed flawlessly
* 3 pages of text

YOUR PROMPT:
One approach to understanding what Chaucer might have been trying to do in the General Prologue is to
read the portraits in pairs. Discuss two portraits of pilgrims who are related in some way. You may
choose from the following pairs: Knight/Squire, Prioress/Monk, Miller/Reeve, Summoner/Pardoner. Be
sure to examine imagery, detail and tone as you formulate your opinions. In what ways do the details in
the pair complement one another? How does this pair contribute to what you see as the larger aims of the
General Prologue? You should develop a thesis that interprets the relationship between the two pilgrims
and that considers their function in the General Prologue as a whole. To examine the characters and their purpose completely, you will need to consider their historical significance. You should support your thesis
with close readings (formalist) of the poetic portraits.

Instructions
1. Make sure your thesis presents an argument, not a statement of fact.
2. Construct an interpretive argument. This may be motivated by your opinion, but goes well beyond a
mere statement of your tastes, likes, or dislikes. An argument makes a claim and backs that claim up with carefully considered evidence.
3. Do not the use of the second person "you."
4. Use present tense when analyzing a text.
5. Use signal phrases to introduce quotations. Use quotations to support your argument, but be
selective. Do not just drop large block quotes in the middle of your paragraph without explanation.
6. Avoid plot summary. Assume your reader has read the work, but not with your eyes, experience, background.
7. Be sure to proofread your essays carefully, and consider giving your paper to a friend or classmate
for proofreading. Also read your paper out loud to yourself before completing a final draft; assume a reader who knows the text, but has not memorized every detail.
9. Remember essays are never finished, only abandoned when we run out of time.

SIGNIFICANT DATES:
3/25: Outline due at the beginning of class
3/28: Final draft submitted to turn-it-in by end of class and works cited page printed off and turned in to Schulenberg

Turnitin.com class numbers

2nd Hour: 7068204
4th Hour: 7068217
6th Hour: 7068224
7th Hour: 7068229

Password for all classes: bearcats