Product Description

Six-hundred-year-old tales with modern relevance. As well as the complete text of the Merchant's Prologue and Tale, the student will find illustrated information on Chaucer's world, including a map of the Canterbury pilgrimage, a running synopsis of the action, an explanation of unfamiliar words, and a wide range of classroom-tested activities to help bring the text to life. Guided by the suggestions for study and the wide range of helpful information, students will readily appreciate Chaucer's wit and sense of irony, his love of controversy and his delight in character portrayal.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #228406 in Books
• Published on: 2001-06-07
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 112 pages

Customer Reviews

A good read for historical context, or just interest
'The Merchant's Tale' is one of many of 'The Canterbury Tales'. Not only does it fit in well with the overall pilgrimage that Chaucer is relaying, but it is also stands well as a book alone. The story of Januarie and his hunt for the perfect wife is told in such an intricate and complex way, that it has a variety of interpretations. There are many arguments, for example relating to who is speaking in the marriage encomium at the beginning - is it Januarie, or the Merchant? The strong use of comic effects, especially satire, also make the book more accessable on a wider spectrum of levels. The interweaving levels of thought, coming from Januarie, the Merchant and Chaucer, leave the book very open to individual interpretation and a wide maze of enlightening discussions