Read the excerpt from The Canterbury Tales. "But, sirs, it is not courteous of you To speak so roughly to an old man, who Has not offended you by word or deed. It’s there in Holy Writ for you to read: "Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head Of an old man”—and therefore do no harm, I warn you, to an old man while you’re young, Any more than you’d like to have it done To you in old age, should you live so long. Now God be with you! I go where I must go.” How is the old man characterized in this excerpt?
Answer
A
as a sage counselor reproving the youth
B
as a church leader recruiting the youth
C
as an adventurer eager to join the youth
D
as a cruel authority punishing the youth
Explanation
The old man reminds the youths that scripture calls for respect toward older people and warns them not to harm someone who has done them no wrong. His words offer moral guidance and gently criticize their behavior, so he is characterized as a sage counselor reproving the youth.
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