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Lesson 1 (from General Prologue)

Objective

Geoffrey Chaucer was an English poet from the Middle Ages who was crucial in developing the legitimacy of Middle English vernacular during a time in which French and Latin dominated language. As a result, Chaucer helped shape English literature for future generations. The objective of this lesson is to learn about Geoffrey Chaucer in preparation for studying The Canterbury Tales.

Lesson

Class Discussion: Who wrote The Canterbury Tales? What was literature like during Chaucer's time? How was The Canterbury Tales different? Why is this important during Chaucer's time? What does this reveal about Chaucer?

Activity: Divide the students into groups of three or four. Have each group address the following. What does it mean for society that Chaucer legitimized the vernacular in his society? How did this change literature? What would have happened if Chaucer had written in French or Latin?

Assignment: Have each student write...

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