Which statement best compares the Middle English
version of the text to the modern English version of the
text?
Read the excerpt from the General Prolgue to the
Canterbury Tales
There was a knight, a reputable man,
Who from the moment that he first began
Campaigning, had cherished the profession
Of arms, he also prized trustworthiness,
Liberality, fame, and courteousness.
In the king’s service he’d fought valiantly,
And travelled far, no man as far as he
In Christian and in heathen lands as well,
And ever honoured for his ability
O Because English has not changed a lot since
Chaucer’s time, the two versions of the text are
nearly the same
O The modern English words are pronounced the
same as the Middle English words, but they are
spelled differently
O Though the Middle English words are spelled
differently, the modern English words still look quite
similar
O The modern version of the text is nearly
unrecognizable when compared to the Middle
English version
Read the same excerpt from the Middle English version
of the General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales.
A Knight ther was and that a worthy man,
That fro the tyme that he first bigan
To ryden out, he loved chivalrye,
Trouthe and honour fredom and curteisye.