Table of Contents

Summary The Plot Characters Key Themes Genres Language used Literary devices Summing up

The Plot

The narrative unfolds amidst the backdrop of medieval England marked by social and moral decay.

The story begins as the Pardoner, a dubious clergyman, commences his tale, aiming to emphasize the consequences of indulging in sins, particularly the deadly sin of greed.

He introduces three drunken revelers who, upon hearing of the demise of a friend due to the elusive “Death,” vow to find and kill Death.

Their journey leads them to a surprising discovery under an oak tree—an abundance of gold coins.

Greed soon overtakes them, and they conspire to keep the treasure for themselves. One of the men is dispatched to fetch supplies, but his companions plot to murder him upon his return.

However, their sinister intentions take a twist when they all fall victim to their own greed and perish tragically, finding “Death” in the form of poisoned wine instead.

Through this darkly ironic tale, Chaucer exposes the destructive nature of avarice and the inescapable consequences of one’s vices, echoing the age-old adage that “radix malorum est cupiditas” – the root of all evil is greed.

Characters

The characters in “Pardoner’s Tale” are emblematic of human vices and moral ambiguities.

The Pardoner, a cunning clergyman, embodies hypocrisy and manipulative intentions, selling fake relics to exploit the gullible.

Three revelers epitomize youthful recklessness, consumed by their desires and greed. An old man symbolizes wisdom amidst their folly, as he directs them toward their ultimate fate.

These characters serve as allegorical figures, representing broader facets of human nature, morality, and the consequences of their actions, offering readers profound insights into the timeless struggle between virtue and vice.

The Pardoner

A charismatic but morally corrupt clergyman, the Pardoner begins the tale with evil intentions. He is a master at selling fake relics and openly boasts about his duplicitous practices, making him a complex and morally ambiguous figure in the story.

Three Revelers

These three drunken and impulsive young men serve as the central characters in the narrative. Motivated by their desire to find and defeat Death, they are ultimately consumed by their own greed and avarice, leading to their tragic downfall.

The Old Man

An enigmatic figure encountered by the revelers under the oak tree, the old man symbolizes wisdom and serves as a cryptic guide. He directs the revelers toward their ultimate fate, emphasizing the futility of their quest and highlighting the theme of mortality and the inevitability of death in the story.

Key Themes

The themes explored in “Pardoner’s Tale” resonate with readers across centuries due to their enduring relevance and profound impact.

Greed and avarice, as depicted in the story, serve as cautionary reminders of the destructive power of materialism and the moral decay it can instigate.

The overarching theme of mortality and death underscores the universal truth of human finitude, prompting contemplation of the transient nature of life.

Hypocrisy and deceit, embodied by the Pardoner, shed light on the moral ambiguities of the era, sparking discussions on ethics and duplicity.

These themes collectively contribute to the enduring significance of Chaucer’s work, offering valuable insights into the human condition.

Greed and Avarice

The tale prominently explores the theme of greed, as the three revelers’ insatiable desire for wealth ultimately leads to their tragic demise.

The pursuit of gold coins becomes a symbol of the destructive power of avarice.

Mortality and Death

Death, both as a literal and symbolic entity, plays a central role in the narrative. The characters’ quest to “kill Death” underscores the inevitability of mortality, and the story serves as a stark reminder of the transient nature of human existence.

Hypocrisy and Deceit

The character of the Pardoner highlights the theme of hypocrisy as he openly admits to selling fake relics and exploiting the fears and weaknesses of others.

His deceptive practices underscore the moral decay prevalent in the society of the time.

Moral Consequences

“Pardoner’s Tale” delves into the concept of moral retribution, as the characters’ immoral actions lead to their own downfall.

This theme underscores the idea that one’s vices and sins can ultimately have dire consequences, serving as a cautionary tale about the moral choices individuals make.

Genres in Pardoner's Tale

“Pardoner’s Tale” is a literary tapestry that weaves together several distinct genres, creating a rich and multifaceted narrative.

It combines elements of religious allegory, moral fable, and medieval literature to deliver a powerful and thought-provoking story.

Religious Allegory

The tale utilizes religious symbolism and imagery to convey moral and spiritual truths, employing characters and events as allegorical representations of broader human experiences and vices.

Moral Fable

It operates as a moral fable, imparting moral lessons and ethical insights through the characters’ actions and the consequences of their choices, serving as a cautionary tale about the perils of greed and hypocrisy.

Medieval Literature

As a part of Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales,” it embodies the characteristics of medieval literature, reflecting the cultural and societal norms of the time, and providing a window into the medieval mindset and worldview.

Literary devices in Pardoner's Tale

The author skillfully employs a range of literary devices to craft a compelling and morally charged narrative.

Chaucer utilizes irony to great effect, particularly in the Pardoner’s conclusion, where he exposes the Pardoner’s own hypocrisy and deceit, creating a sense of dramatic irony that underscores the moral complexities of the story.

Chaucer employs symbolism through the character of the young man, who represents youthful impulsivity and serves as a symbol of folly and recklessness, foreshadowing the tragic outcome.

Additionally, Chaucer’s use of allegory is evident in the tale’s exploration of the deadly sin of greed, offering readers a deeper, moral layer to the narrative.

Throughout the tale, Chaucer’s language and characterization serve as literary devices, allowing readers to engage with the story’s themes of morality, avarice, and human nature on multiple levels.

These literary devices work in concert to create a thought-provoking and emotionally charged narrative in “Pardoner’s Tale.”

Similes

Similes are used sparingly but effectively to enhance the reader’s understanding and engagement with the narrative.

Chaucer employs similes to draw vivid comparisons that illuminate the story’s themes and characters.

When the Pardoner concludes his narrative, he admits his own hypocrisy by likening himself to a “friar or a limiter,” emphasizing the deceptive nature of his profession through this comparison.

In the Physician’s Tale, which is known for its depressing nature, Chaucer uses a simile to describe a dead man’s face as “pale as ashes,” evoking a stark and unsettling image that accentuates the grimness of the story.

The use of similes in “Pardoner’s Tale” is sparse but impactful, allowing readers to connect more deeply with the characters and their moral dilemmas while adding vividness and emotional resonance to the narrative.

Metaphors

Metaphors play a crucial role in conveying deeper meanings and enriching the narrative. Chaucer employs metaphors to add layers of symbolism and allegory to the story.

In the Physician’s depressing tale, the metaphor of “thief called death” is employed to personify death as a malevolent figure, emphasizing its inevitability and the sense of impending doom that permeates the narrative.

The image of the “dead man” serves as a metaphor for the lifelessness and desolation that characterizes the aftermath of the revelers’ encounter with greed and deceit.

Chaucer’s description of the Pardoner as a “ful vicious man” employs metaphorical language to emphasize the Pardoner’s moral corruption and duplicity.

The entire tale, in essence, can be seen as a metaphorical moral tale, where the characters and events symbolize broader human vices and follies, offering readers a deeper reflection on the consequences of sinful behavior.

Through these metaphors, Chaucer skillfully weaves layers of meaning into “Pardoner’s Tale,” encouraging readers to contemplate the moral and allegorical aspects of the narrative while providing a rich and textured storytelling experience.

Analogies

Analogies are skillfully employed to help readers grasp complex ideas and themes. One notable analogy occurs when the Pardoner boasts about his ability to manipulate people with fake relics, comparing himself to a “fox.”

This analogy paints a vivid picture of the Pardoner’s cunning and sly nature, making it easier for readers to understand his deceitful character.

Chaucer’s Pardoner is an analogy in himself, representing the corruption within the medieval Catholic Church during his time. His character serves as a microcosm, symbolizing the moral decay and hypocrisy prevalent in the Church.

The analogy that “greed is the root” is a direct reference to the biblical phrase “the love of money is the root of all evil,” making it easier for readers to connect the story’s theme of avarice to broader moral concepts.

These analogies, along with others in “Pardoner’s Tale,” serve as effective tools for conveying complex ideas, allowing readers to engage with the story’s deeper themes and moral lessons while adding depth and richness to the narrative.

Imagery

Vivid imagery is expertly woven into the narrative, creating sensory experiences that immerse readers in the story’s moral complexities and character dynamics.

Chaucer’s description of the Pardoner’s physical appearance, with “eyes bulging like a hare,” conjures a vivid mental image of the character’s duplicity and avarice, emphasizing his moral corruption.

The Pardoner’s storytelling, where he tells a sad story to the revelers, utilizes imagery to elicit a sense of empathy and sorrow, drawing readers into the emotional depth of the narrative.

When the revelers draw straws to determine who will fetch supplies, the imagery of this action highlights the tension and uncertainty that pervades the scene, creating a palpable sense of anticipation.

The old man encountered by the revelers is described in a way that paints a picture of decrepitude and weariness, enhancing the atmosphere of the narrative and adding depth to his character.

Through Chaucer’s skillful use of imagery, readers are not only engaged on a sensory level but also guided through the intricacies of the story’s themes, characters, and the very vices that define them.

Symbolism

The act of swearing oaths among the revelers symbolizes their determination to find and confront death, serving as a metaphor for their futile pursuit of an elusive concept.

The reference to the “mother’s gate” can be seen as a symbol of innocence and purity, juxtaposed against the corrupt practices of the Pardoner and the revelers’ descent into moral darkness.

The Pardoner’s profession of selling pardons is a powerful symbol of the corrupt state of the medieval Catholic Church, highlighting its exploitation of people’s fears and guilt for monetary gain.

The drawing of the “short straw” becomes a symbolic turning point in the story, representing the reveler’s ultimate fate and the consequences of their choices.

The mention of “corny ale” symbolizes the revelers’ frivolity and indulgence, which contrasts sharply with the seriousness of their quest to “kill Death.”

“Left death” symbolizes the revelers’ misguided belief that they can conquer death through their actions, emphasizing the theme of mortality and human fallibility.

The “strongest poison” and “poisoned bottle” are symbolic of the treacherous nature of the revelers’ pursuit, underscoring the theme of deceit and moral decay that pervades the tale.

Ultimately, death itself serves as a powerful symbol in the story, representing the inescapable and universal aspect of human existence.

These symbols in “Pardoner’s Tale” contribute to its allegorical depth, inviting readers to contemplate the broader moral and philosophical themes at play in the narrative.

Personification

Istances of personification are skillfully employed to imbue characters and settings with added depth and meaning.

When the Pardoner admits his own hypocrisy, it’s as if he personifies his own moral shortcomings, allowing readers to perceive his character as a complex embodiment of deceit and duplicity.

As the Pardoner explains the consequences of greed and sin, his words take on a personified quality, casting these abstract concepts as tangible, malevolent forces that threaten to corrupt individuals and society.

When the Pardoner agrees with the revelers’ pursuit of death, it personifies his own moral bankruptcy, aligning him with the very vices he condemns.

Through the Pardoner’s vivid descriptions of the revelers’ actions and intentions, the characters themselves are personified, allowing readers to see their folly and recklessness as tangible qualities that shape their fate.

These instances of personification enrich the narrative of “Pardoner’s Tale” by providing a dynamic and relatable portrayal of the characters and their moral dilemmas, inviting readers to engage more deeply with the story’s themes and complexities.

Hyperbole

Once you start reading the book you will see that the deliberate exaggeration or hyperbole is used sparingly but effectively to enhance the narrative and its thematic depth.

One instance of hyperbole occurs when the Pardoner describes the gravity of the deadly sins, emphasizing their enormity and moral significance.

This hyperbolic language serves to underscore the overarching theme of morality in the tale, elevating the consequences of sin to the forefront of the narrative.

The old man encountered by the revelers is described in exaggerated terms, depicting him as exceedingly aged and decrepit.

This hyperbolic portrayal adds a layer of mystery to the character and underscores the theme of mortality.

The title of “Canterbury Tales: The Pardoner’s” itself carries a degree of hyperbole, signifying the centrality of the Pardoner’s character and tale within the larger collection of stories told by the pilgrims.

This highlights the Pardoner’s role as a pivotal figure in Chaucer’s exploration of human nature and morality.

Overall, while hyperbole is not prominently featured, its strategic use in “Pardoner’s Tale” serves to accentuate key themes and elements, enriching the narrative and engaging readers in a deeper exploration of the story’s moral complexities.

Irony

In “Pardoner’s Tale” by Geoffrey Chaucer, various forms of irony are strategically employed to enrich the narrative and highlight the story’s moral intricacies.

These include verbal irony, dramatic irony and situational irony.

Chaucer’s use of irony throughout “Pardoner’s Tale” adds depth to the story, engages readers in moral contemplation, and underscores the theme of human fallibility in the face of vice and folly.

Juxtaposition

Juxtaposition is a narrative device employed to create striking contrasts and provoke contemplation on the story’s moral and thematic elements.

One instance of juxtaposition occurs when the Knight intervenes in the tale by asking the Pardoner to share a moral story.

This juxtaposes the Knight’s chivalry and nobility with the Pardoner’s moral corruption, highlighting the stark contrast between virtuous and deceitful characters within the narrative.

The contrast between the allure of “all the gold” discovered by the revelers and the deadly consequences that follow serves as a powerful juxtaposition.

It underscores the theme that material wealth and greed can lead individuals down a treacherous path, often with dire outcomes.

Chaucer’s use of juxtaposition is reminiscent of William Blake’s exploration of contrasting elements in his works.

By placing characters and themes in stark opposition, Chaucer invites readers to reflect on the complexities of human nature and morality, making “Pardoner’s Tale” a thought-provoking and enduring piece of literature.

Paradox

In the novel, paradoxical statements and situations abound, adding layers of complexity and thematic depth to the narrative.

The phrase “children starve” represents a paradox within the tale. While the Pardoner is meant to be a spiritual guide, he exploits people’s fears and guilt to amass wealth. This paradox underscores the moral decay within the Church and the hypocrisy of certain clergy members.

The three rioters, initially united in their pursuit of “Death,” ultimately lead one another to their own demise through greed and violence. This paradox highlights the irony that their quest to conquer death actually hastens their own mortality.

The well-known saying “the love of money is the root of all evil” is a paradoxical statement that encapsulates a profound truth. The pursuit of wealth can lead to moral corruption, despite the original intention to alleviate poverty.

Chaucer’s use of paradox throughout “Pardoner’s Tale” serves to critique the moral contradictions and complexities of his era, emphasizing the theme of human nature’s propensity for vice and hypocrisy.

Allusion

In “Pardoner’s Tale” by Geoffrey Chaucer, there are several literary and historical allusions that add depth to the story and enrich the reader’s understanding of the narrative.

The repeated reference to “Death” as an entity to be sought and confronted is an allusion to the medieval obsession with mortality.

In this context, “Death” serves as a symbolic representation of the human condition, emphasizing the inevitability of mortality and the futility of attempting to evade it.

The Pardoner’s moralizing and preaching can be seen as an allusion to the religious practices and abuses of the medieval Catholic Church.

His manipulation of people’s fears and guilt for personal gain is reflective of the corruption within the Church during that era.

The phrase “not even death” alludes to the idea that death is an inescapable aspect of human existence. This allusion underscores the theme of mortality and the overarching concept that death is the great equalizer.

Throughout the tale, there are allusions to old age, particularly in the description of the old man encountered by the revelers.

This allusion serves to highlight the theme of mortality and the inevitable progression of time.

The presence of other pilgrims in “Pardoner’s Tale” alludes to the larger context of “The Canterbury Tales.” Each pilgrim has their own story, contributing to the diverse tapestry of narratives in Chaucer’s work.

These allusions enrich the narrative by connecting it to broader historical and literary contexts, allowing readers to engage with the story on multiple levels while deepening their understanding of the themes and characters within “Pardoner’s Tale.”

Allegory

Allegorical elements are indeed present, representing broader themes and concepts inherent to the narrative. The Pardoner’s tale itself serves as an allegory, where the characters and events symbolize broader human experiences and vices.

The three rioters, in their quest to confront and “kill Death,” symbolize the universal human fear of mortality and the desire to evade it. Their actions and fate serve as a cautionary allegory about the consequences of succumbing to vices like greed and violence.

The Pardoner’s own character can be viewed allegorically as a representation of moral corruption within the medieval Catholic Church. His fraudulent practices and manipulation of people’s fears allegorically critique the Church’s exploitation of faith for personal gain.

The references to “William Blake” and “hand wol putte” are not directly related to allegory in the text but may allude to external literary or historical contexts.

Overall, “Pardoner’s Tale” is rich in allegorical elements that invite readers to reflect on broader themes of human nature, morality, and the consequences of vice.

Puns

Puns are not a predominant feature, but there are instances where wordplay and double meanings contribute to the narrative’s depth and irony.

One example of wordplay occurs during the Pardoner’s attempt to manipulate the revelers. He employs persuasive language and subtle puns to convince them of the danger of “Death” and the need to repent and buy his pardons.

While his intentions are deceitful, the puns serve to heighten the irony of the situation, as the Pardoner exploits their fear of death for his own gain.

Another instance is the reference to the “funeral procession” when the revelers encounter the old man. While this isn’t a direct pun, it symbolizes the revelers’ ultimate fate and the consequences of their actions, adding a layer of dramatic irony to the narrative.

Chaucer’s use of wordplay and subtle puns in “Pardoner’s Tale” adds complexity to the characters and situations, emphasizing the theme of moral ambiguity and the Pardoner’s manipulative tactics.

Repetition

Repetition plays a significant role in reinforcing the central themes and emotional impact of the narrative.

The repetition of the phrase “not death” throughout the tale serves as a stark reminder of the characters’ relentless pursuit of an elusive concept.

This repetition underscores the theme of mortality and the futility of attempting to escape death, creating a sense of inevitability and dread.

The Pardoner’s repetitive moralizing and preaching, as he emphasizes the consequences of sin and the need for repentance, reinforces his character’s duplicity and the irony of his profession.

This repetition serves to highlight the theme of hypocrisy and the corrupt practices of certain members of the Church.

Overall, repetition in “Pardoner’s Tale” serves to drive home the narrative’s moral and thematic messages, adding emotional impact by emphasizing the relentless nature of human vices and the consequences of deceit and greed.

The Use of Dialogue

Dialogue in “Pardoner’s Tale” serves as a potent tool for conveying character traits, exploring themes, and building narrative tension.

The interactions between the characters, particularly the three revelers and the Pardoner, reveal their distinct personalities and motivations.

The revelers’ dialogue reflects their recklessness, greed, and naivety as they plan to “kill Death.”

In contrast, the Pardoner’s eloquent and manipulative speech exposes his cunning and moral corruption, highlighting the theme of hypocrisy within the Church.

Moreover, the dialogue effectively explores the theme of mortality as the characters discuss their quest to confront “Death.”

It underscores the pervasive fear of death in medieval society and the irony of their pursuit. The tension escalates as the revelers interact with the old man, leading to a climactic moment of decision and revelation.

Overall, Chaucer’s use of dialogue in “Pardoner’s Tale” deepens character development, reinforces thematic elements, and intensifies the narrative’s emotional impact.

Word Play

Geoffrey Chaucer showcases various wordplay techniques, including puns and double entendre, adding layers of meaning and irony to the narrative.

One notable example is the Pardoner’s skillful manipulation of language to convince the revelers of the danger of “Death.”

He employs puns and double meanings to create a sense of urgency and fear, exploiting their vulnerabilities for personal gain.

Additionally, the phrase “not death” is repeated throughout the tale, serving as a play on words that emphasizes the characters’ misguided quest to confront an abstract concept, death itself. This repetition underscores the theme of mortality and the futility of their endeavor.

While wordplay is not as prominent as in some other literary works, Chaucer’s subtle use of puns and double entendre in “Pardoner’s Tale” contributes to the story’s complexity and serves as a vehicle for satirical critique of the characters and the moral ambiguity of the medieval Church.

Parallelism

In “Pardoner’s Tale”, parallelism is employed to enhance the structure and message of the narrative.

One notable instance of parallelism occurs when the servant tells the revelers about Death, describing it as a figure “that in this contree al the peple sleeth.”

This statement is mirrored when the Pardoner tells the revelers that they can “stynge hym with a good deep” and kill Death.

This parallelism emphasizes the centrality of the theme of death in the narrative and underscores the characters’ misguided belief that they can conquer it through violence.

Furthermore, the Pardoner’s description of “the very vice” as a common sin and the source of his own fraudulent practices is another example of parallelism. It highlights the recurring motif of vice and moral corruption, reinforcing the narrative’s moral critique and exposing the hypocrisy of the Pardoner himself.

Overall, parallelism in “Pardoner’s Tale” serves to reinforce key themes, structure the narrative, and emphasize the characters’ moral dilemmas and flawed beliefs

Rhetorical Devices

In the novel, various rhetorical devices are subtly employed to achieve persuasive effects, enhancing the narrative’s impact without overtly listing them.

These devices are woven into the fabric of the storytelling, compelling readers to engage with the moral and thematic elements of the tale.

Throughout the prologue and tale, Chaucer employs rhetorical questions to challenge the audience’s beliefs and provoke contemplation.

The Pardoner’s use of these questions underscores the narrative’s didactic nature, encouraging readers to reflect on their own actions and the consequences of vice.

Parallelism is subtly integrated into the narrative, emphasizing key points and themes. It serves to reinforce the moral lessons conveyed in the story, making them more resonant and memorable.

Overall, the strategic use of rhetorical devices in “Pardoner’s Tale” serves to persuade and engage readers in a reflection on morality, hypocrisy, and the consequences of human vice, contributing to the enduring appeal of this classic work within “The Canterbury Tales.”

Pardoner's Tale: FAQs

In this section, we address common questions about Geoffrey Chaucer’s captivating tale, providing concise and insightful answers to help you unravel the complexities of this timeless literary work.

What is the message of the Pardoner’s tale?

The message of the Pardoner’s tale is a cautionary one about the destructive nature of greed and the consequences of indulging in vices. It highlights the moral decay and hypocrisy prevalent in society.

In what way Pardoner begins his tale?

The Pardoner begins his tale by describing the moral vices he preaches against, emphasizing the corrupting influence of greed, gluttony, and other sins. He uses a dramatic and persuasive tone to capture the audience’s attention.

What is most ironic about the Pardoner’s tale?

The most ironic aspect of the Pardoner’s tale is that he condemns the very vices he practices himself. He preaches against greed and deceit while engaging in fraudulent practices, revealing his own hypocrisy.

How does the quest to “kill Death,” look like?

The quest to “kill Death” is symbolic and ironic. Three revelers set out on this quest, but they end up succumbing to their own vices, leading to their deaths. It underscores the futility of trying to escape mortality through sinful actions.

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