Fabliau: Humorous Medieval Tales - Online Learning Quizzes

Question 1

What's a key feature of a fabliau?

Accepted Answer

Stories with characters from all levels of society, often making fun of the clergy or nobility.

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Stories set in the countryside with peasant characters.

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Stories written in a serious tone to teach moral lessons.

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Stories with magic, supernatural elements, and mythical creatures.

Question 2

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of a Fabliau?

Accepted Answer

Humorous tone

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Moralizing conclusion

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Didactic purpose

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Serious subject matter

Question 3

In which way does a Fabliau typically satirize the clergy or the nobility?

Accepted Answer

By using exaggeration and caricature

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By employing historical allusions

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Through physical comedy

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Via witty dialogue

Question 4

Which of the following is a common theme explored in Fabliau?

Accepted Answer

The foolishness of the nobility

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The importance of religious devotion

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The beauty of nature

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The horrors of war

Question 5

Which of the following poets wrote influential Fabliau?

Accepted Answer

Geoffrey Chaucer

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John Milton

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Edmund Spenser

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William Shakespeare

Question 6

Which of the following is a significant social function of Fabliau?

Accepted Answer

Both entertainment and social commentary

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Purely entertainment

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Solely religious instruction

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Historical preservation

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the characteristic tone of Fabliau?

Accepted Answer

Comic and mocking

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Solemn and didactic

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Tragic and pessimistic

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Romantic and idealistic

Question 8

Who is a typical protagonist in a Fabliau?

Accepted Answer

A clever but poor peasant

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A brave and handsome knight

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A devout and pious monk

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A virtuous and beautiful princess

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a narrative device commonly found in Fabliau?

Accepted Answer

Moralizing sermon

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Sudden reversal of fortune

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Trickster figure

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Use of vulgar language

Question 10

In which period did Fabliau emerge as a popular literary genre?

Accepted Answer

12th-13th centuries

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16th-17th centuries

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18th-19th centuries

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14th-15th centuries

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of a Fabliau?

Accepted Answer

Serious and somber tone

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Satirical slant

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Earthy humor

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Middle English language

Question 12

Identify a common theme explored in Fabliaux:

Accepted Answer

Satire of the clergy

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Epic battles

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Courtly love

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Religious devotion

Question 13

Which of these is a notable example of a Fabliau?

Accepted Answer

The Miller's Tale

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Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

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Hamlet

Question 14

In what way do Fabliaux reflect the social and historical milieu of their time?

Accepted Answer

They offer insights into medieval societal values and norms.

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They have minimal historical significance.

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They primarily focus on fantasy and escapism.

Question 15

What is the typical narrative structure of a Fabliau?

Accepted Answer

A concise, episodic tale within a framing narrative

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A lengthy, complex plot with multiple subplots

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A series of interconnected poems

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A single, continuous monologue

Question 16

Which character type is frequently encountered in Fabliaux?

Accepted Answer

The cuckolded husband

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The virtuous maiden

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The wise sage

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The tragic hero

Question 17

How were Fabliaux traditionally disseminated?

Accepted Answer

Both orally and through written manuscripts

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Through modern digital platforms

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Exclusively through written manuscripts

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Solely through oral tradition

Question 18

What is the role of the frame story in Fabliaux?

Accepted Answer

It establishes context and offers commentary on the main narrative.

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It holds no particular significance or purpose.

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It simply introduces the main story.

Question 19

In what way do Fabliaux contribute to our understanding of medieval society and culture?

Accepted Answer

They provide glimpses into everyday life, social conventions, and values.

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They exclusively focus on the lives of the wealthy and powerful.

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They are unreliable sources of historical information.

Question 20

Identify the characteristic that is atypical of a fabliau?

Accepted Answer

Serious and somber tone

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Humorous and satirical content

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Short story format

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Witty and playful language

Question 21

What is the primary objective of satire in a fabliau?

Accepted Answer

To criticize and ridicule specific individuals, social groups, or institutions.

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To convey a moral lesson or religious message

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To provide comic relief and entertainment

Question 22

Which of the following themes is commonly explored in fabliaux?

Accepted Answer

The hypocrisy and folly of the upper classes

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The tragic consequences of forbidden love

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The heroic deeds of legendary figures

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The importance of religious devotion

Question 23

Explain the significance of the fabliau genre within medieval society.

Accepted Answer

It provided a channel for social commentary, entertainment, and release from the rigid social structures of the time.

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It promoted religious devotion and pious lifestyles

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It was used solely to educate the nobility about appropriate conduct

Question 24

Which of the following is an uncommon structural element typically found in a fabliau?

Accepted Answer

Complex and intricate plot with multiple subplots

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Humorous and witty dialogue

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Simple narrative centered on a single event

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Explicit and coarse language

Question 25

Describe the function of the narrator in a fabliau.

Accepted Answer

To provide commentary on the characters, events, and social issues, often with a satirical and humorous tone.

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To convey moral teachings and provide guidance

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To remain impartial and objective in narrating the story

Question 26

Provide an example of a well-known fabliau from English literature.

Accepted Answer

The Miller's Tale

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The Tempest

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The Canterbury Tales

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Beowulf

Question 27

Explain how fabliaux differ from folktales in terms of their characteristics and themes.

Accepted Answer

Fabliaux often employ satire, focus on contemporary social issues, and use explicit language, while folktales tend to be more didactic, timeless, and appropriate for a wider audience.

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Fabliaux have a complex structure with multiple characters, while folktales have a simple storyline with few characters

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Fabliaux are exclusively written in verse, while folktales are always told in prose

Question 28

Discuss the influence of the fabliau genre on the development of English literature.

Accepted Answer

Fabliaux introduced realism, satire, and humor into literary works, paving the way for the emergence of more complex and diverse literary forms.

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Fabliaux had no significant impact on the evolution of English literature

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Fabliaux primarily influenced only religious literature

Question 29

Which of the following authors is associated with the writing of fabliaux?

Accepted Answer

Geoffrey Chaucer

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Jane Austen

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John Milton

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William Shakespeare

Question 30

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of Fabliau?

Accepted Answer

Humorous and satirical tone

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Serious and didactic tone

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Focus on courtly love

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Epic length and scale

Question 31

Fabliau often relies on which literary device to create humor?

Accepted Answer

Exaggeration and absurdity

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Complex metaphors and similes

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Philosophical and introspective tone

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Extensive use of allegory and symbolism

Question 32

Which theme is frequently explored in Fabliau?

Accepted Answer

Hypocrisy and corruption within the clergy

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Metaphysical and religious contemplation

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Unrequited love and courtly romance

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Heroic battles and quests

Question 33

Which work is widely recognized as one of the earliest and most notable Fabliau?

Accepted Answer

The Miller's Tale from The Canterbury Tales

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Beowulf

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The Divine Comedy

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The Song of Roland

Question 34

How does Fabliau differ from medieval genres like Arthurian romance?

Accepted Answer

It focuses on everyday characters and realistic situations

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It employs elevated language and courtly themes

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It is composed in verse form

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It emphasizes supernatural elements and magical quests

Question 35

What was a primary function of Fabliau in medieval society?

Accepted Answer

To provide social commentary and critique

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To promote religious values and moral lessons

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To glorify the nobility and their virtues

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To entertain the wealthy elite

Question 36

What is the significance of the use of vernacular language in Fabliau?

Accepted Answer

It made the genre accessible to a broader audience

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It elevated the status of Fabliau as a literary form

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It restricted the genre to a limited circle of educated readers

Question 37

Which of the following is a limitation of using MCQs to assess student understanding of Fabliau?

Accepted Answer

MCQs may not fully capture the complexity and nuances of the genre

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MCQs cannot provide immediate feedback

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MCQs are suitable only for formative assessments

Question 38

How can Fabliau contribute to the development of students' language and literacy skills?

Accepted Answer

It offers examples of vivid and engaging language use

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It is not an appropriate genre for classroom discussion and analysis

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It teaches students to write exclusively in a formal and academic style

Question 39

Which of the following is a hallmark characteristic of Fabliau?

Accepted Answer

Satirical humor

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Serious tone

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Tragic ending

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Extended length

Question 40

Who is a frequent target of satire in Fabliau?

Accepted Answer

The clergy

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The merchants

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The peasantry

Question 41

Which theme is commonly explored in Fabliau?

Accepted Answer

The hypocrisy of those in power

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The dangers of courtly love

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The virtues of chivalry

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The nature of true friendship

Question 42

Which structural element is typical of Fabliau?

Accepted Answer

A short, episodic plot

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A complex, multi-layered structure

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A tragic ending

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A lyrical, poetic style

Question 43

Which of the following is a renowned medieval Fabliau?

Accepted Answer

Le Roman de Renart

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Beowulf

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The Song of Roland

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The Canterbury Tales

Question 44

How does Fabliau reflect the medieval social hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

It satirizes the corruption and hypocrisy of the upper classes.

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It glorifies the heroic deeds of knights.

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It promotes the ideals of courtly love.

Question 45

Which of the following contemporary works demonstrates the influence of Fabliau's traditions?

Accepted Answer

The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio

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Hamlet by William Shakespeare

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Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

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Paradise Lost by John Milton

Question 46

Which of the following is a characteristic of Fabliau?

Accepted Answer

Humorous

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Long story

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Historical accuracy

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Serious tone

Question 47

What is the primary purpose of Satire in Fabliaux?

Accepted Answer

To criticize societal flaws and lampoon human weaknesses

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To provide moral guidance

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To promote religious values

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To glorify the nobility

Question 48

Which of the following is a common theme explored in Fabliaux?

Accepted Answer

Adultery

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Philosophical debates

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Religious struggles

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Courtly love

Question 49

What is the significance of the use of everyday language in Fabliaux?

Accepted Answer

To make the stories more relatable and accessible to a wider audience

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To elevate the genre

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To demonstrate the author's knowledge of Latin

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To imitate the language of the upper class

Question 50

How do Fabliaux reflect the social and historical context of the Middle Ages?

Accepted Answer

They provide insights into the lives, beliefs, and social issues of ordinary people

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They glorify the feudal system

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They are historically inaccurate

Question 51

Which of the following is an example of a well-known Fabliau?

Accepted Answer

The Miller's Tale

Answer

The Canterbury Tales

Answer

Hamlet

Answer

Beowulf

Question 52

What is the literary device used in Fabliaux to create humor through unexpected or incongruous situations?

Accepted Answer

Irony

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Metaphor

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Foreshadowing

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Alliteration

Question 53

How does the use of stock characters contribute to the humor in Fabliaux?

Accepted Answer

They represent familiar and stereotypical figures, allowing for easy recognition and ridicule

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They enhance the historical accuracy

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They provide depth to the characters

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They allow for a wide range of perspectives

Question 54

What is the primary reason for the popularity of Fabliaux during the Middle Ages?

Accepted Answer

They provided entertainment, social commentary, and escapism from the hardships of everyday life

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They were the only form of literature available

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They were used for religious instruction

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They were considered high art

Question 55

How do Fabliaux differ from other medieval literary genres, such as romances?

Accepted Answer

They focus on everyday life, often satirizing it, and use a humorous and often bawdy tone

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They are written in Latin

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They are longer and more complex