Balti state university a. Russo chair of english philology

 
 
 
 
 

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Practical assignments:
 
1. Read Canterbury Tales and choose two stories and comment on their main conflicts. 
2. Characterize both the story teller and the main characters of his (her) story. Are there any 
similarities between them? Name them.
3. Compare or contrast the portraits of the following pilgrims: 
a) The Nun and the Monk (feelings, conversation, manner of life, interests, achievements) 
b) The Knight and the Squire (accomplishments, rank, ages, clothing, feelings, habits) 
4. Bring examples of irony and satire. Which of the characters are not presented in a satirical or 
ironical tone? 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Renaissance in English Literature 
(16
th
 Century) 
Plan 
1. Economic, social and cultural changes in the 16
th
century in England. 
2. Renaissance in England. The humanists.
3. The first period in English literature of Renaissance: Thomas More (1478-1533) - great humanist 
of the age. His contribution to English literature. “Utopia” (1516). 
4. The Second period of Renaissance in English literature. The new poetic forms: epigrams, odes, 
hymns, eclogues, elegies. The English sonnet and its structure.
5. Edmond Spenser (1552-1599): life and literary creation: Shephearde‟s Calender (1579), Faerie 
Queene (1591). 
6. The third period of Renaissance in English literature: English Drama of Renaissance. Christopher 
Marlowe (1564-1593): life and literary activity. “Doctor Faustus”. 
7. Conclusions