The primary purpose of the passage is to A. explain how fourteenth-century astronomers used complicated astronomical calculations to predict unusually high tides B. show how medieval and modern methods predict similar effects of astronomical configurations on tides C. argue that modern literary scholars should take Chaucer's scientific references throughout The Canterbury Tales more seriously D. describe Chaucer's fascination with astronomy in general and with horoscopes in particular E. present an explanation that supports the scientific veracity of a particular passage in The Canterbury Tales