Memorization from The Canterbury Tales: The Prologue, by Geoffrey Chaucer

 So, after listening to this rap version, we wondered if we might make a project of it.  Yes, you may; no, you do not need to. 

If not, you'll simply stand and recite in class.  You will get one point for each line that is correct.  You do not have to pronounce it the same way we do in class, but you must try.  You will get up to 12 points for your lines and up to 8 points for your convincing delivery, posture, clear pronunciation, and eye-contact (20 points possible).  You will not lose points related in any way to accent.

Here are the parameters, should you decide to make it a project: 

• This must a performance in class or on video. 
• This must be performed without visual reading aids for the performers (such as cards you're reading). 
• Number of persons allowed per group: 1-7
• All persons in your group must recite the entire passage below, whether together or otherwise, though not all students need to be in every frame of every shot.  
• Due date: Monday, Nov. 16th
• You, also will receive up to 12 points for your lines and up to 8 points for excellent and/or entertaining delivery (20 points possible).

 Middle English
(Click HERE for audio)

            Whan that Aprill with his shoures soote
            The droghte of March hath perced to the roote
            And bathed every veyne in swich licour
            Of which vertu engendred is the flour,
5         Whan Zephirus eek with his sweete breeth
            Inspired hath in every holt and heeth
            The tendre croppes, and the yonge sonne
            Hath in the Ram his half cours y-ronne,
            And smale foweles maken melodye
10         That slepen al the nyght with open eye,
            So priketh hem Nature in hir corages,
            Than longen folk to goon on pilgrymages, 


           

 Modern Translation

           When in April the sweet showers fall
            And pierce the drought of March to the root, and all
            The veins are bathed in liquor of such power
            As brings about the engendering of the flower,
5         When also Zephyrus with his sweet breath
            Exhales an air in every grove and heath
            Upon the tender shoots, and the young sun
            His half-course in the sign of the Ram has run,
            And the small fowl are making melody
10         That sleep away the night with open eye
            (So nature pricks them and their heart engages)
            Then people long to go on pilgrimages