Question

In describing the Cook, Chaucer says, "But very ill it was, it seemed to me, / That on his shin a deadly

sore had he" (lines 387-388). Is this a direct or indirect characterization? Is it both? What do these lines
from "The Prologue" to The Canterbury Tales tell you about the Cook?

Answer 1

Direct characterization: Students may say the Cook has a sore on his shin. Indirect characterization: Students may say the Cook is unsanitary and contaminates the food with bacteria from his sore.