Question

“the miller’s tale” quiz
circle the correct answer.

1. what is the miller’s condition as he begins to tell his tale?

a. he is cheerful and sober, ready to entertain the group.
b. he is inebriated (the long lunch) and speaks reluctantly.
c. he is short and plump but lively and speaks loudly.
d. he is drunk and insists on telling a bawdy story.
e. he is angry because someone insulted his profession.

1. who is nicholas?

a. a wealthy merchant who lodges with the carpenter.
b. a young scholar who boards in the carpenter’s house.
c. a traveling minstrel who charms alison with music.
d. a parish clerk who courts alison secretly.

1. describe the carpenter’s wife, alison.

a. she is elderly and wise, respected by the townsfolk.
b. she is young, attractive, and fond of fashionable clothes.
c. she is stern and modest, devoted to her husband.
d. she is plain and pious, avoiding frivolous company.

1. how did nicholas get the carpenter out of the way so he and alison could sleep together?

a. he convinced the carpenter to attend a distant wedding.
b. he pretended to be ill and asked for privacy.
c. he intended to be and prepared for a great flood.
d. he bribed the carpenter’s servants to distract him.

1. who is absalom?

a. a parish clerk who is infatuated with alison.
b. a wealthy landowner who is infatuated with alison.
c. a wandering friar who offers alison’s hand in marriage.
d. a minister who entertains the household’s guests.

Explanation:

These questions are about "The Miller's Tale" (from Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales). Let's analyze each:

Q1: Miller's condition at start of tale

The Miller is drunk (part of his characterization—boisterous, inebriated when he tells his tale). Option C: "He is drunk and insists on telling a bawdy story." matches.

Q2: Who is Nicholas?

Nicholas is the clerk (student) who lodges with the carpenter, pursues Alison. Option A: "A parish clerk who is infatuated with Alison." is correct.

Q3: Describe Alison (carpenter’s wife)

Alison is young, attractive, and fond of fashionable clothes (portrayed as desirable, lively). Option B: "She is young, attractive, and fond of fashionable clothes." fits.

Q4: How Nicholas gets carpenter out

Nicholas tricks the carpenter into thinking a great flood (like Noah’s) is coming, so he prepares a tub. Option C: "He tricked the carpenter into preparing for a great flood." is correct.

Q5: Who is Absolon?

Absolon is a wandering friar (or clerk) who seeks Alison’s hand in marriage (or romantic attention). Option C: "A wandering friar who offers Alison’s hand in marriage." (or more accurately, a parish clerk who pursues Alison, but among options, C aligns with his role as a suitor).

Answer:

1. C. He is drunk and insists on telling a bawdy story.
2. A. A parish clerk who is infatuated with Alison.
3. B. She is young, attractive, and fond of fashionable clothes.
4. C. He tricked the carpenter into preparing for a great flood.
5. C. A wandering friar who offers Alison’s hand in marriage.

(Note: For Q5, Absolon is a parish clerk, but the option “C” is the closest among given choices to his role as a suitor for Alison.)