Chaucer Today

Lesson Plan 2 – Exoticism

Lesson Plan 2: Exoticism

Lesson Objective:

Understanding the engagement of the exotic in the “Squire’s Tale.” Find out how the Squire establishes a Western influence in a world completely unknown to him through a thorough analysis of the Squire as a pilgrim, and how these qualities affect his perspective on an Eastern civilization.

Materials:

1. A copy of Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.
2. A copy of John M. Fyler’s “Domesticating the Exotic in the Squire’s Tale”

 

Allotted Time for Lesson:

1 hour 50 minute class session.

 

Plan:

1. Split class into groups of 3-4.
2. Define the Squire as a character. Sample Question: What differentiates him from other pilgrims? Why is his youth important? How does experience factor into his tale?
3. Have groups read and annotate Fyler’s article. Define the exotic in the “Squire’s Tale.”
4. Quick, 5 minute individual write up to summarize general ideas from the article.
5. Each group discusses their findings.
6. Analyze how these “others” are viewed in comparison to “others” in different Tales? For example, Syrians in the “Man of Law’s Tale,” or pagan religion in “The Knight’s Tale.”
7. Name three key moments in the tale where the Squire assumes something about the East.
8. Figure out the Western influence in these texts. How do they fail to create something authentically foreign?
9. Elect one member from each group to summarize their group’s findings.
10. Have a class discussion, where each elected group member presents their work to the class.

Assessment:

As a class, decide on the three most significant moments of Western influence. Have each student write a two page response to one of the three moments to be turned in at at the next class period. Each short write-up should consist of a strong analysis of the Squire’s attempt to domesticate an exotic world, as well as a strong understanding of the Squire as a character.