Knight S Tale Worksheet

Knight’s Tale Worksheet Directions: Once you have read parts III and IV of the Knight’s Tale, review the entire tale again as you complete this worksheet. Please download and type your responses on this sheet. Your notes should include quotations and interpretive notes—be sure to include support from all four sections of the tale in each section of the chart. You may divide your evidence between both sides of each question or choose one side, whichever you prefer. Please leave space on the printed sheet for additional class notes. During the next literature class, we will have an oral quiz—you will be asked a question related to one of the topics you are collecting notes on. You will have a few minutes to pull your thoughts and evidence together; then you will present your answer to the class. BE SURE TO INCLUDE PAGE NUMBERS FOR YOUR EVIDENCE

Topic One: To what extent is the Knight suffering from battle fatigue or PTSD? http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=2443 sets out these symptoms Battle fatigue: The World War II name for what is known today as post-traumatic stress, this is a psychological disorder that develops in some individuals who have had major traumatic experiences (and, for example, have been in a serious accident or through a war). The person is typically numb at first but later has symptoms including depression, excessive irritability, guilt (for having survived while others died), recurrent nightmares, flashbacks to the traumatic scene, and overreaction to sudden noises. Post- traumatic stress became known as such in the 70s due to the adjustment problems of some Vietnam veterans. Signs of battle fatigue (evidence from all Signs he is OK parts)

Topic Two: To what extent has the Knight lost faith in the ideals of knighthood? (Chivalry, loyalty, service to the church—including battles) Signs he is losing faith in chivalry Signs he is strong as ever—the ideal knight (evidence from all parts) who is sure of his ideals

Topic Three: Does the Knight seem to place greater faith in a Providential God (one who is looking out for the welfare of human beings) or in the pagan forces of chance and fortune—and unpredictable, capricious gods? He feels capricious forces of chance and He believes in a Providential God mischance determine most outcomes

Once you have finished, set out a few thoughts—what do you think Chaucer the Poet believes about the knight and his faith? (It might well be different from what the Knight thinks or feels.)