Question

2.1.8 quiz: analyze themes in literature
question 4 of 10
what is the most likely reason \the monks tale\ is full of parables?
a. parables, unlike prior forms of storytelling, tended to focus on broad themes rather than on morals.

b. parables were commonplace in chaucer’s time, and audiences would have found them familiar.

c. parables were starting to replace fables as the popular form of moral storytelling in the 14th century.

d. parables cast animals as characters, which 14th century audiences found safe compared to fables.

Explanation:

• Option A is incorrect because parables are defined by their moral lessons, not broad themes without morals.
• Option C is incorrect; fables remained popular alongside parables in the 14th century, and parables did not replace them.
• Option D is incorrect because it is fables, not parables, that typically feature animal characters.
• Option B is correct: Geoffrey Chaucer wrote The Canterbury Tales (which includes "The Monk's Tale") in the 14th century, when parables were a well-known, familiar form of storytelling tied to religious and cultural traditions, making them accessible to his contemporary audience.

Answer:

B. Parables were commonplace in Chaucer's time, and audiences would have found them familiar.