The Pardoner Tale | Geoffrey Chaucer | Cliff Note Books

The Pardoner’s Tale, one of the stories in Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales,” is narrated by a Pardoner—an unscrupulous church official who sells indulgences and pardons for sins. The tale serves as a moral lesson against the vices of greed and avarice.

The story begins with three riotous young men engaged in revelry and debauchery. They learn of the death of a mutual friend, which prompts them to seek out Death and avenge their friend’s passing. On their journey, they come across an old man who appears to be searching for death.

The old man tells the rioters that he has been searching for death but has been unable to find it. Instead, he seems to have been cursed with eternal life. Intrigued by the possibility of gaining wealth, the young men ask the old man where they can find Death. The old man points them toward a nearby grove where they are likely to find what they seek.

When the three rioters reach the grove, they discover a pile of gold coins instead of Death. Greed takes hold of them, and they momentarily forget their original mission. One of them is sent to town to fetch food and wine for their celebration, while the remaining two plot to kill him and split the gold between them.

However, the two remaining rioters end up killing each other over their desire for the treasure. The returning third rioter, unaware of what transpired, discovers their corpses. He initially rejoices at his good fortune and plans to take the treasure for himself. However, he is suddenly overcome by guilt and fear. Realizing the deadly consequences of their actions, he drinks from the poisoned wine that the others intended for him, and he also dies.

The Pardoner concludes his tale by warning against the destructive nature of greed and avarice. He aims to convince his listeners that they too should repent and contribute to his cause by purchasing pardons and indulgences to absolve their sins.

The Pardoner’s Tale serves as a moral allegory, highlighting the corrupting influence of greed and the transitory nature of worldly possessions. It also reflects the Pardoner’s own hypocrisy, as he preaches against the vices he himself embodies. The tale emphasizes the need for moral self-reflection and reform.

QUOTES FROM THE PARDONER TALE

“Radix malorum est cupiditas” (The love of money is the root of all evil) – This Latin phrase serves as a recurring theme throughout the Pardoner’s Tale, emphasizing the destructive nature of greed.

“And thus I preach against the very vice I make my living out of—avarice” – The Pardoner himself acknowledges his hypocrisy, admitting that he profits from preaching against the vice of greed while indulging in it himself.

“But in his heart he cursed his flaxen hair / Which made him seem like a girl, he said, / And at his heart’s root was the evil dread / That he might die upon a gallows-tree.” – This quote refers to the youngest rioter’s fear of being mistaken for a woman and the underlying fear of death that drives their quest for vengeance.

“Brother, we two will be of one accord / Let each of us hold up his hand to swear / To live and die for one another there, / We brothers, though we kill him, we’re the same.” – The two remaining rioters rationalize their plan to kill the youngest rioter, highlighting their distorted sense of loyalty and twisted bond.

“This gold here, I’m afraid, will be our bane” – The youngest rioter expresses a prescient fear about the gold they find, recognizing its potential to bring harm and destruction.

GEOFFREY CHAUCER BIOGRAPHY

Geoffrey Chaucer, often referred to as the “Father of English Literature,” was born around 1343 in London, England. Not much is known about his early life, but it is believed that he came from a relatively affluent merchant family. Chaucer received a good education, studying Latin, French, and Italian, which would later influence his writings.

In his early career, Chaucer worked as a courtier, serving in various capacities within the royal household. He gained experience in diplomatic missions, traveling to France and Italy, where he encountered the works of renowned European writers and poets.

Chaucer’s literary career flourished in the late 14th century. He wrote in Middle English, the vernacular language of the time, which set him apart from many of his contemporaries who predominantly wrote in Latin or French. His works showcased his skillful use of language, keen observations of human nature, and his ability to capture a diverse range of characters.

Chaucer’s most famous work, “The Canterbury Tales,” remains his crowning achievement. It is a collection of stories framed within a pilgrimage narrative. The tales offer a glimpse into the lives of people from various social classes and professions, providing a rich panorama of medieval society.

Chaucer’s writings reflect the cultural, social, and political contexts of his time. His works display a blend of humor, satire, moral commentary, and a fascination with human foibles. He embraced a wide range of literary genres, including romance, fabliaux (short, humorous tales), moral allegories, and courtly love.

In addition to “The Canterbury Tales,” Chaucer wrote several other notable works, including “Troilus and Criseyde,” a tragic love story set against the backdrop of the Trojan War, and “The Book of the Duchess,” a poem lamenting the death of Blanche, the wife of John of Gaunt.

Geoffrey Chaucer’s contributions to English literature were significant and far-reaching. His writings marked a pivotal shift in the development of the English language, moving it closer to the form we recognize today. Chaucer’s ability to capture the nuances of human nature and his insightful social commentary have ensured his enduring legacy as one of the most influential writers in the English literary canon.

Chaucer passed away on October 25, 1400, and was buried in Westminster Abbey. His tombstone is inscribed with the epitaph, “GEOFFREY CHAUCER, the writer of this book, died the 25th day of October, in the year of Our Lord 1400.”

CRITICISMS OF THE PARDONER TALE

“The Pardoner’s Tale” has been subject to various criticisms and interpretations. Here are a few common criticisms:

Moral Ambiguity: Some critics argue that the tale’s moral message is muddled or contradictory. While it condemns greed and avarice, the Pardoner himself is a morally corrupt character who engages in the very sins he condemns. This ambiguity raises questions about the effectiveness and sincerity of the moral lesson being conveyed.

Lack of Sympathetic Characters: The characters in the tale, including the rioters, are often portrayed as morally bankrupt or unsympathetic. This can make it difficult for readers to emotionally connect with the narrative or to fully engage with the moral themes being presented.

Simplistic View of Sin and Redemption: Critics argue that the tale’s focus on the sin of avarice oversimplifies the complexities of human nature and the broader spectrum of sins. The tale’s heavy-handed moralizing and reliance on punishment rather than redemption can be seen as shallow or lacking in nuance.

Social Critique: Some critics argue that the tale offers a broader social critique of the church and its practices during Chaucer’s time. The Pardoner himself embodies the hypocrisy and corruption within the church, leading to interpretations that extend beyond the individual narrative to criticize institutionalized religion.

Disconnection from the Frame Narrative: The Pardoner’s Tale is sometimes seen as disconnected from the overall pilgrimage framework of “The Canterbury Tales.” Critics suggest that the tale’s focus on a single moral lesson detracts from the larger tapestry of diverse stories and perspectives represented in the collection.

It is important to note that these criticisms do not diminish the literary and historical significance of “The Pardoner’s Tale.” Instead, they offer various perspectives for analysis and discussion, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the tale and its complexities.

THEMES IN THE PARDONER TALE

“The Pardoner’s Tale” by Geoffrey Chaucer explores several prominent themes. Here are the main themes depicted in the tale:

1. Greed and Avarice: The central theme of “The Pardoner’s Tale” is the destructive nature of greed and avarice. The tale presents a vivid portrayal of the consequences that arise from an excessive desire for wealth and material possessions. The rioters’ insatiable greed drives them to commit heinous acts and ultimately leads to their own demise.
2. Hypocrisy and Corruption: The Pardoner himself embodies hypocrisy and corruption. While he preaches against the vices of greed and avarice, he is guilty of indulging in those very sins. This theme underscores the moral complexity and moral ambiguity present within the characters and society as a whole.
3. Mortality and the Transience of Life: The motif of death and the transience of life permeate the tale. The rioters initially seek vengeance against Death, personified as a character, but they discover not Death but rather a pile of gold coins. This ironic twist serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the futility of earthly possessions.
4. Betrayal and Moral Decay: The rioters’ actions reflect the theme of betrayal and moral decay. Their desire for personal gain leads them to turn against each other and engage in treacherous acts. The betrayal and moral degradation they display highlight the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of succumbing to vices.
5. Divine Retribution and Justice: The tale explores the concept of divine retribution and justice. The rioters meet their deserved fate, facing the consequences of their sinful actions. Their pursuit of wealth and their disregard for moral principles ultimately result in their own downfall.
6. Redemption and Moral Awakening: While the tale emphasizes the negative aspects of human nature, it also suggests the possibility of redemption and moral awakening. The youngest rioter briefly experiences a moment of remorse before succumbing to the same fate as his companions. This suggests the potential for change and the importance of moral introspection.

Overall, “The Pardoner’s Tale” explores themes of greed, hypocrisy, mortality, betrayal, divine justice, and the possibility of redemption. Through its engaging narrative and vivid characters, the tale offers a cautionary reflection on the vices and moral complexities of human behavior.

DISCUSSION OF THE PARDONER TALE

When studying “The Pardoner’s Tale” by Geoffrey Chaucer, there are several discussion points that can be explored. Here are some key topics for discussion:

Irony and Hypocrisy: The Pardoner himself is a deeply ironic and hypocritical character. Discuss the ways in which his actions and words contradict each other. Examine how his hypocrisy reflects broader themes or critiques in the tale.

Morality and Sin: Explore the moral lessons presented in the tale. Discuss the nature of sin and the consequences of moral transgressions as depicted in the story. Consider how the characters’ actions align with their moral values.

Greed and Avarice: Analyze the theme of greed and its destructive consequences. Discuss how greed is portrayed in the tale and examine the Pardoner’s own relationship with avarice. Consider how greed manifests in different characters and the impact it has on their lives.

Symbolism and Allegory: Investigate the use of symbolism and allegory in the tale. Discuss the symbolism of Death and the pile of gold coins. Consider how these symbols contribute to the overall message and themes of the story.

Narrative Technique: Examine Chaucer’s storytelling techniques and narrative choices in “The Pardoner’s Tale.” Discuss the use of frame narrative, irony, and dramatic irony. Consider how these techniques enhance the reader’s understanding of the characters and themes.

Social Commentary: Consider the broader social commentary embedded within the tale. Discuss how the tale reflects or critiques the societal and religious norms of Chaucer’s time. Examine the Pardoner’s role as a representative of the church and how it relates to the larger social context.

Morality Play Tradition: “The Pardoner’s Tale” draws upon the tradition of morality plays. Explore the characteristics of morality plays and how they are incorporated into Chaucer’s tale. Discuss the moral lessons conveyed and how they align with or deviate from traditional morality play conventions.

Audience Reception: Consider the intended audience of “The Pardoner’s Tale.” Discuss how the tale might have been received by Chaucer’s contemporaries and what impact it may have had on them. Explore how different audiences, both then and now, might interpret the moral message and themes of the tale.

These discussion points offer opportunities for critical analysis, interpretation, and exploration of the moral, thematic, and narrative aspects of “The Pardoner’s Tale.” They invite students to engage with the text, consider its historical and literary context, and reflect on the tale’s broader implications.

SUMMARY OF THE PARDONER TALE

“The Canterbury Tales” by Geoffrey Chaucer does not have traditional chapters. Instead, it is organized into a framework of individual stories narrated by different pilgrims who are traveling together on a pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury.

The structure of “The Canterbury Tales” is divided into two main parts: the General Prologue and the individual tales. The General Prologue serves as an introduction to the pilgrims, describing their personalities, backgrounds, and reasons for undertaking the pilgrimage. This section sets the stage for the stories that follow.

After the General Prologue, each pilgrim is supposed to tell two tales on the way to Canterbury and two on the way back, resulting in a total of 120 tales. However, Chaucer did not complete the full collection, and the work contains only 24 completed tales along with some fragments and unfinished tales.

The tales themselves vary in genre, tone, and subject matter. They cover a wide range of themes, including love, morality, religion, social commentary, and human nature. Some tales are comedic, while others are moralistic or tragic.

While the tales are narrated by the pilgrims, they are interconnected through the frame narrative of the pilgrimage. The tales often comment on or respond to the previous stories, allowing for a sense of dialogue and interaction among the characters.

The lack of a consistent chapter or section structure in “The Canterbury Tales” contributes to its dynamic and episodic nature. The work is an amalgamation of various narratives, voices, and perspectives, offering a multi-layered depiction of medieval society and exploring the complexities of human behavior.

It is worth noting that Chaucer intended to create a more unified structure for “The Canterbury Tales” by providing a frame narrative that would connect all the tales together. However, he was unable to complete this framing device, and the work remains incomplete as a result.

Overall, the structure of “The Canterbury Tales” revolves around the concept of a storytelling competition within the frame of a pilgrimage, showcasing the diversity of storytelling styles and themes as presented by the various pilgrims.

Part One of “The Canterbury Tales” is the General Prologue, which serves as an introduction to the characters and sets the stage for the pilgrimage to Canterbury. The Prologue begins with the narrator, who is also a character in the story, describing the arrival of spring and how people are inspired to go on pilgrimages during this time.

The narrator finds himself in the Tabard Inn in Southwark, London, where a group of 29 pilgrims has gathered, including the narrator himself. These pilgrims come from various social classes and professions, representing a wide range of medieval society.

The narrator gives detailed descriptions of each pilgrim, offering insights into their appearances, personalities, and backgrounds. The pilgrims include the Knight, a noble warrior; the Wife of Bath, a wealthy and experienced woman; the Miller, a brawny and boisterous man; the Prioress, a refined and religious woman; and the Merchant, a shrewd businessman, among others.

As the pilgrims prepare to embark on their journey, the host of the Tabard Inn suggests a storytelling competition to pass the time. Each pilgrim is to tell two tales on the way to Canterbury and two more on the way back. The host will judge the tales, and the winner will receive a free meal upon their return.

The pilgrims eagerly agree to the competition, and they draw lots to determine the order in which they will tell their tales. The Knight draws the first lot and is given the honor of telling the first tale. The group sets out early the next morning, riding towards Canterbury with high spirits and anticipation.

This concludes Part One of “The Canterbury Tales.” The General Prologue provides readers with a vivid and diverse cast of characters, offering a panoramic view of medieval society. It sets the stage for the storytelling competition that will unfold in the subsequent parts, as each pilgrim takes their turn to entertain and enlighten their fellow travelers with their tales.

THE THREE RIOTERS IN THE PARDONER TALE

The First Rioter: The first rioter is the oldest and most experienced of the three. He is described as being crafty and manipulative, using his wit to take advantage of his companions. He suggests that they search for Death in order to avenge the death of their mutual friend. The first rioter is portrayed as a cunning and opportunistic character who later plots to kill the other two to claim the treasure for himself.

The Second Rioter: The second rioter is described as a young and impulsive individual. He is easily influenced by the first rioter’s words and enthusiastically joins the quest to find Death. The second rioter is hot-headed and driven by his desires. He readily agrees to help murder the third rioter to secure the treasure. He represents youthful recklessness and a lack of self-control.

The Third Rioter: The youngest of the three rioters, the third rioter is initially depicted as more cautious and skeptical. He questions the motives behind their quest and demonstrates a momentary display of wisdom. However, he eventually succumbs to his companions’ influence and agrees to their plan. The third rioter symbolizes the vulnerability and susceptibility of youth to negative influences.

Collectively, the three rioters represent the vices and flaws of human nature. Their actions and decisions reflect the themes of greed, betrayal, and moral decay explored in the tale. Their quest for wealth and their willingness to harm one another highlight the destructive consequences of unchecked desires. Each rioter embodies different aspects of human behavior and contributes to the overall moral message of the story.