Lesson Plan: The Prologue of The Canterbury Tales
Subject: English
Grade Level: 11
Duration: 30 Minutes
Topic: The Prologue of The Canterbury Tales
Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
- Summarize the key themes and characters introduced in the Prologue.
- Analyze the social commentary provided by Chaucer through his character descriptions.
- Discuss the significance of the Prologue in setting the stage for the tales that follow.
Materials Needed
- Copies of the Prologue of The Canterbury Tales (excerpts)
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector (if available)
- Handouts summarizing key characters and themes
- Video clip (optional) about Geoffrey Chaucer and The Canterbury Tales
Lesson Outline
Introduction (5 Minutes)
- Begin with a brief introduction to Geoffrey Chaucer and the context of The Canterbury Tales.
- Discuss the historical significance of the work during the Middle Ages.
- Pose a question to the students: "What do you think a tale can reveal about the storyteller?"
Direct Instruction (10 Minutes)
- Read aloud key excerpts from the Prologue, highlighting notable characters.
- Discuss the primary themes presented in the Prologue, such as social class, religion, and morality.
- Explain the concept of frame narrative and how it applies to The Canterbury Tales.
Group Activity (10 Minutes)
- Divide students into small groups and assign each group a specific character from the Prologue (e.g., the Knight, the Wife of Bath, the Pardoner).
- In their groups, students will:
- Summarize their character’s traits and background.
- Discuss the social commentary Chaucer might be making through this character.
- Prepare to share their insights with the class.
Class Discussion (5 Minutes)
- Invite each group to present their findings.
- Facilitate a discussion on how Chaucer’s portrayal of these characters reflects the society of his time.
- Encourage students to consider how these themes might still be relevant today.
Conclusion (5 Minutes)
- Recap the main points discussed during the lesson regarding key characters and themes in the Prologue.
- Reinforce the idea that The Canterbury Tales serves not only as a collection of stories but also as a reflection of human nature and societal norms.
- Assign homework: Students are to select one character from the Prologue and write a one-page reflection on what they believe that character represents in today's society.
Assessment
- Participation in group discussions will be assessed to gauge student understanding.
- The reflective homework assignment will be evaluated for insight and comprehension of the themes explored in the Prologue.
Additional Notes
- If time allows, consider showing a brief video clip about the historical context of The Canterbury Tales to enhance understanding.
- Encourage students to think critically about the characters' motivations and how they relate to contemporary issues.
References
- Chaucer, Geoffrey. The Canterbury Tales
- Selected scholarly articles on the themes in The Canterbury Tales.
This lesson plan aims to engage students with the text actively and foster a deeper understanding of Chaucer's work while encouraging group collaboration and critical thinking.