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The Pardoner

The Pardoner. Social Status: A clergy which was high on the class scale due to their apparent closeness to god In the general prologue (page 51-53)

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The Pardoner

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  1. The Pardoner • Social Status: A clergy which was high on the class scale due to their apparent closeness to god • In the general prologue (page 51-53) • “The Pardoner had hair as yellow as wax, but hung as smoothly as a hank of flax… however, for sport, he wore no hood…” Showing that he enjoyed attention • “He had staring eyes just like a hare’s…” Beady, quick eyes • Womanish voice and no beard which proves he was castrated. • “And thus, with false flattery and tricks, he made monkeys of the parson and the people.” • He played on vulnerability of both wealthy and impoverished • Ecclesiastical – didn’t have an official position of the church

  2. The Pardoner • In the Prologue of the tale (page 507-515) • “… and I speak a few words in Latin, to give color and flavor to my preaching, and to stir them to devotion.” (line 15) • He would insist that his “holy” relics only cured those who have committed small sins, but didn’t have the power to give grace to those who committed horrible, unforgivable sins. Therefore people who didn’t buy from him were considered a sinner. • “But I shall explain my intention briefly: I preach for no cause but covetousness.”(line 95)

  3. The Pardoner • In the Prologue of the tale (page 507-515) • He’s a fraud, took all money for himself • Boxes of fake papers, bones and cloth which he passes of as holy relics • Blatantly honest of his sins and his intentions which is probably due to the fact that he is drunk • Aware of his own evil and doesn’t care for others’ souls and suffering • “Now that I have had a drink of strong ale… for although I am myself a very vicious man, yet I can tell you a moral tale, which I am accustomed to preach for profit.” (line 130)

  4. Sermon Before Story • Introduces young folks in Flanders, Belgium, “who devoted themselves to such follies as riotous living, gambling, brothels, and taverns… and also ate and drank more then they could handle.” • He went of to slightly go off on a rampage about (page 515-525): • Gluttony • Drunkenness • Gambling • Swearing

  5. Source • The earliest version of this tale is an old Hindu collection of tales entitled VedabbhaJataka. Between 400 and 250 B.C. • Summary: Vadabbna, a brahmin who knows how to call down wealth from heaven, sets out with his pupil Bodhisattva (the future Buddha). On the way the 500 Sending thieves capture them and threaten Bodhisattva’s life to get the brahmin to call down wealth. Buddha warns the brahmin not to but he does. Everyone kills each other (even the brahmin) until two are left. The go to the next town with the treasure, sit down to eat and poison each other.

  6. Why did he tell this story? • After the other pilgrims are aware that the pardoner is drinking and eating, they say to the host, “No, don’t let him tell us any ribaldry; tell us some moral thing, so that we can learn something worthwhile, and then we shall gladly listen.” • Morally confused man • He was drunk and had told the story in repetition, he told the story out of habit and not emotional attachment. He also enjoyed other’s attention even if it was negative. Boasting and bragging.

  7. Contradiction • “My theme is always the same, and ever was – The love of money is the root of all evil” (in his sermons).

  8. Background information • The Plague • The pardoner’s relics that he sold could cure certain medical problems which help him earn a profile during the time period of the plague in England

  9. Theme: Greed • “All my preaching is about avarice…” (line 72) • Radix malorumestCupiditas, or “greed is the root of all evil.”

  10. Literary Elements • Social Status: Trade and/or Peasant Class • Characters: • Three rioters who’s sins eventually lead to their downfall • The Old man who was covered completely except his eyes. He insist he is bound to the earth for eternity and is refuse by death to be taken. He says it because he is so old and disgusting. • Dark, enigmatic and hoping death will kill him

  11. Literary Elements • Genre: Exemplum – a sermon that illustrates a known moral lesson • Setting: Below an Oak tree and a bar • Characterization: • Direct: For the characters in the story they were initially part of the Pardoner’s rant so put in a sinful light. • Indirect: Throughout the story their personality are presented through there actions

  12. Literary Elements • Tone: didactic tone and dark, ominous tone (almost as if it slows time) • Symbolism:

  13. The Pardoner’s Tale • http://vimeo.com/13780892 (1:53) • http://laughingsquid.com/internet-story-an-intriguing-murder-mystery-told-using-the-internet/ • http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501465_162-20120453-501465.html

  14. Plot Synopsis • Three men decide to find death and kill it for revenge on its destruction on their friends and family. • Come across old man who seeks death as well, but warn

  15. Satire & Comedy • Mockery- Of the three sinners who are scorned and ridiculed by the Pardoner • Bathos – would do a whole sermon then tell a silly story, going from serious to ridiculous • Overstatement – he goes on about the sins he himself commits

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