Here is a detailed version of the story.
This story is about a lovely noblewoman named
Prudence and a gallant knight named Edmond.
Prudence was out picking flowers or something,
when she was spotted by Edmond, who
was so smitten with her beauty that he proposed
to her. Prudence was young and not very prudent at that time, so
she agreed to marry this seemingly wonderful
man. They lived in Prudence's manor happily enough for a while
until one day Prudence found Edmond whispering
sweet nothings into a very unvirtuous woman's ear. Prudence was aghast
at this sight and kicked Edmond and his lover out of her manor. Then she
moved to the quaint little town of Chartres, France
She was very happy. Then one day, she met a frenchman
named Guille. He was not as dashing as
Edmond was, but he had a wonderful personality
and was very kind. They had a good time together, talking
and going on long horseback rides and stuff.
They truly knew eachother, and they were friends for 3 years before
Guille proposed to Prudence. THEY lived happily
ever after.
Review Questions
1. Why did Prudence agree to marry Edmond?
2. How can you tell Edmond's lover was not a
virtuous lady?
3. Why might have Prudence moved to France?
4. Compare and contrast Guille and Edmond.
5. Critical Thinking: If Guille hadn't proposed
to Prudence, how do you think their relationship would have been like after
3 years?
6. Think and Respond: What are the morals of
this story?
The Answers.
1. Prudence was very young and naive at the time
she met Edmond. Edmond was very handsome and gallant, and hey, he was a
knight and I bet his armor was very shiny. She didn't know that he was
really a scoundrel.
2. You can tell Edmond's lover wasn't virtuout
because she was not wearing a headpiece, which was the symbol of virtue
at that time. Women who didn't cover their heads were prostitues, as Edmond's
lover most likely was.
3. Prudence chose to move to France because,
well, it's France. Nothing bad ever happens in France. The birds
sing and wind blows through the trees and people love eachother. People
are content to sit and daydream while sipping wine and chewing on centuries
old cheese. C'est la bonne vie.
4. Edmond is a sharp shooter. He's probably been
married a milliion times before, even though he looks young and innocent.
He likes to look into girls eyes and manipulate their souls. Oh, you may
think that he is genuine and sincere, but we all know what he's really
after. Guille, on the other hand, is the voice of reason. He wants to get
to know Prudence for who she is. He doesn't care if she is rich or poor.
Even though she is beautiful, it is her personality that attracts him.
His concerns are for her, not himself.
5. I do admit, 3 years is a little long for some
people to wait. I think that if he had waited a lot longer Prudence may
have begun to think that Guille was not interested in marrying her.
6. This story has many morals. A) Just because
someone is good looking doesn't mean they are a good person. B) Don't decide
to marry someone the first day you meet them C) You should get to know
someone as a friend before anything else and D) Real life will never be
like this.