Middle Ages

The Crusades were a series of military conflicts held in the name of Christianity, trying to reclaim Jerusalem from the Muslims. They occurred from 1095 to 1291 and were usually endorsed by the Pope.

The Magna Carta was a document written around 1215, to diminish the King's rights and have him held accountable in a common law. It has had a significant impact on the idea of constitutional law throughout history.

The Black Death, aka the Black Plague, was a very devastating epidemic in which is estimated to have killed around 75 million people world wide. It was spread by fleas which were commonly found on rats during the middle ages.

Thomas Becket was murdered over what is believed to have been a misinterpretation of King Henry II's words. Four of his knight's had plotted to kill Becket on December 29, 1170. He died in the Canterbury Cathedral. King Henry had been angered over an argument about the rights and power of the Church.

The knight is a muscular, pure hearted man who has traveled the world. He is also a very cunning man, but now has lain his armor aside to embark on a pilgrimage. The quotes "Though so strong and brave, he was very wise,"and "For he had lately returned from his voyage, And now was going on this pilgrimage."

The prioress a well mannered nun, who cares greatly about all things. "but ate with so much care the food upon her plate, that no drop could fall upon her breast," shows how carefully she ate. Her kindness and care are demonstrated in the lines "She was so charitable and solicitous that she would weep if she saw but a mouse stuck in a trap. . ."

The monk is an older man who enjoys hunting and riding with his horses. He also is a very handy man who works hard in the garden. "An outrider; hunting was his sport," displays his love of hunting while the line "Or yet go labour with his hands and work and sweat," shows how hard he works with his hands.

The friar seems to be great with words, in that he is one of the best beggars, and a very charitable person. This is best demonstrated in the text "He had arranged many a marriage, giving each of young women, and at his own cost," and "He was the finest beggar of his house."

The clerk is an older man who has studied in philosophy, "A clerk from Oxford was there also, who'd studied Philosophy, long ago." He also doesn't eat much, "As lean was his horse as is a rake, and he too was not fat, that I take."

The Sergeant of the Law seems to be a man of wisdom, and able to bring justice to many situations. "His words were so wise, often he was a judge in court, in assize, by roal assignment or commission giving jurisdiction."

The Franklin appears to be an overly spoiled rich man who spares no expense in his dining routines. "And these in large supplies, it seemed to snow therein both food and drink, of every dainty that a man could think."

The Sailor knows well how to navigate the seas and has survived many storms. "But as for craft, to calculate his tides, his currents and the dangerous watersides, his harbours, and his moon, his pilotage, there was none such from Hull to far Carthage."

The Miller seems to be of Scotish decent. He is good with the bagpipes and also very big and strong. "He was stoutly built, broad and heavy, he lifted each door from its hinges, that easy." "A bagpipe he could blow well, up and down, And with that same he brought us out of town."

The Reeve is very good at his job, and helps out his lord when in need. "Well could he manage granary and bin; No auditor could ever find anything." "He knew well how to please his lord subtly, By giving him, or lending, of his own goods."

The Pardoner has many items he claims to be rare, and also is a great singer. "To gain some silver, preferably from the crowd; Therefor he sang so merrily and so loud."

The Wife of Bathe seems like an older woman, who dresses very nice. "Who was somewhat deaf, it is a pity. At making clothes she had a skillful hand." "Her stockings were of the finest scarlet red, Tightly fastened, and her shoes were soft and new."

The parson is a man full of kindness, preaching equally to both sinner and saint. "And holy though he was, and vituous, To sinners he was not impiteous, Nor haughty in his speech, nor too divine, But in all teaching courteous and benign.

I chose to read the Miller's tale. It involves a few obscenities, but it is also quite funny in a way. It is about a carpenter named John, who has a very beautiful wife named Alison. There is a clerk named Nicolas who tricks John into believing there to be a flood coming in order to sleep with his wife. There is another character involved named Absalom, who sings outside the window every day trying to woe Alison as well. Absalom never gets what he wants, but has the last laugh in the end, seeking revenge for a prank Alison and Nicolas pull on him. John is made fun of by the entire town in the end, believing him to be a madman.