2 The Miller s Tale BEFORE READING 1 Tale The story so far. Fill in the blanks with the suitable words, choosing from the ones in the box. apologizes applaud drunk introduces persuade warns word The pilgrims (1)....................................... the Knight s Tale, and the Host asks the Monk to match it. Before the Monk can say a (2)................................, however, the Miller interrupts. Drunk, he promises that his noble tale will repay the Knight s. In vain the Host tries to (3)................................ him not to speak. After the Miller reminds everyone that he is (4)................................... and not responsible for anything he says, he (5).................................. his tale of a carpenter and his wife, and how a clerk made a fool of the carpenter. The narrator and (6)................................. (7).............................. in advance for the vulgarity of the tale, that those who are easily offended should read another tale. 2 Match each word with its definition/synonym. a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. 3 harp lodger slender scream (v.) scholar flood tub buttocks 1. Student 2. Large amount of water which covers the land 3. Shout 4. Part of your body you sit on 5. Slim 6. Someone who rents a room 7. Musical instrument with strings 8. Container used for washing Answer the following questions. a. What does a carpenter do? b. What do you remember about Noah and the flood? c. Do you think the Miller s tale will be amusing? 39