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<b><small>HANOI OPEN UNIVERSITYMID -TERM TEST ON ENGLISH AND AMERICANLITERATURE </small></b>

<small>FOR STUDENTS OF ENGLISH (No 1)Subject Code: EN16</small>

<small>Full name: Date of birth: Group: </small>

<b><small>I. Answer the following questions: (50 points )</small></b>

<small>1. What new tendencies were noticeable in the cultural life of England of the 5th century and where did they come from? </small>

<small>2. What can you say about the composition of the Canterbury Tales? 3. What are the characters of the Canterbury Tales?</small>

<small>(The file sent will be named after each student’s name. Plagiarism will lead to failure)</small> 1. What new tendencies were noticeable in the cultural life of England of the 5th century

and where did they come from?

In the cultural life of England in the 5th century, several new tendencies were noticeable. These tendencies emerged as Britain transitioned from Roman rule to establishing an independent culture and society. Here are some notable tendencies and their origins:

Establishment of an Independent Culture: In the 5th century, Britain fell from Roman rule, leading to the establishment of an independent culture and society. The Anglo-Saxons, comprised of Germanic tribes who migrated from continental Europe, played a significant role in shaping this new culture

Resurgence of Christianity: Christianity had been the official imperial religion of the Roman Empire, and in the 5th century, Christianity experienced a resurgence inBritain. Despite the collapse of the Roman system, Christian communities still survived in certain areas, particularly in the western regions of England

Flourishing as a Center for Learning and Cultural Production: With the establishment of Christianity in the 6th century, Britain began to flourish as a center for learning and cultural production. This period saw the rise of smaller territories coalescing into kingdoms, with the kingdom of Mercia being one of the most dominant

re-Germanic Influence: The re-Germanic immigrants of the 5th and 6th centuries, such as the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, interacted with the indigenous Romano-British inhabitants, contributing to the emergence of an English cultural identity

2. What can you say about the composition of the Canterbury Tales?

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The Canterbury Tales is a medieval literary work written by Geoffrey Chaucer between 1387 and his death in 1400. It is a collection of 24 stories within a frame story. The frame story involves the pilgrimage of 30 people traveling from London to Canterbury Cathedral to visit the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket . The

composition of The Canterbury Tales includes a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique story to tell. Some of the notable characters include the Knight, the Pardoner, the Wife of Bath, the Miller, and the Host . The tales cover a wide range of genres, including romance, comedy, morality tales, and fabliaux . The structure of The Canterbury Tales is framed by the pilgrimage itself, with each character taking turns to tell their story along the journey. This narrative technique is known as a frame narrative, where one story connects a series of other stories . It is important to note that The Canterbury Tales provides valuable insights into the social and cultural aspects of the Middle Ages. The work reflects the diversity of medieval society and offers a glimpse into the lives and perspectives of people from different backgrounds and walks of life .

3. What are the characters of the Canterbury Tales?

"The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer is a collection of stories told by a group of pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury

Cathedral. Each pilgrim tells a tale during their journey, and through these tales, Chaucer provides a diverse and vivid portrayal of characters from various social classes and backgrounds. Some of the notable characters include: The Knight: A noble and honorable man who has fought in many battles. The Wife of Bath: A lively and opinionated woman who has been married five times and is well-versed in the ways of love. The Miller: A strong and brawny man who enjoys telling crudeand bawdy stories. The Pardoner: A clergyman who sells indulgences and relics, and is known for his moral hypocrisy. The Nun's Priest: A rooster named

Chanticleer and his adventures are the focus of this tale. The Franklin: A wealthy landowner who enjoys the pleasures of life. The Reeve: A shrewd and cunning estate manager. The Summoner: An official of the church court who is corrupt and takes bribes. The Merchant: A shrewd businessman involved in trade. The Clerk: Ascholarly and studious student. The Squire: The Knight's son, young and romantic. These are just a few examples, as there are a total of 29 pilgrims, each with their own distinct personality and story. The diversity of characters and their tales

provides a rich tapestry of medieval English society, showcasing the various social classes, professions, and moral values of the time.

II. Comments (50 points )

What are your comments on the contents and significance of the works “The Canterbury Tales”?

The Canterbury Tales, written by Geoffrey Chaucer between 1387 and 1400, is a collection of 24 stories within a frame story. The frame story revolves around a group of 30 people who embark on a pilgrimage from London to Canterbury Cathedral to visit the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket. Each character in the group takes turns telling their own unique story along the journey.

The contents of The Canterbury Tales cover a wide range of genres, including romance, comedy, morality tales, and fabliaux. The tales provide valuable insights

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into the social and cultural aspects of the Middle Ages, reflecting the diversity of medieval society and offering a glimpse into the lives and perspectives of people from different backgrounds and walks of life.

The significance of The Canterbury Tales lies in its portrayal of medieval society and its exploration of various themes and moral lessons. The work is considered one of the most important works in English literature and has earned Chaucer the title of the father of English literature. It captures the emergence of the middle classduring the Middle Ages and provides a vivid depiction of the social hierarchy and interactions among different classes.

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