Satire in The Pardoner's Tale
Which statements are examples of characterization? Check all that apply.
- "I don't think your joke is funny," she huffed, glowering at her friend. - The tardy bell rang, but he sauntered to class unconcerned. - She waited patiently as she carefully adjusted the telescope.
Which statements accurately describe medieval pardoners? Check all that apply.
- They distributed indulgences - They were authorized to preach. - They accepted donations for the church.
Read the excerpt from The Canterbury Tales. Thus I know how to preach against the vice Which masters me—and that is avarice. Though I myself am guilty of the sin, I know how to make other people turn From avarice, and bitterly repent. Which word best characterizes the Pardoner in this passage?
hypocritical
Read the excerpt from The Canterbury Tales. "Gentlemen" said he, "I take pains to preach In churches with a lofty, resonant voice, Regular as a bell I ring it out, For everything I say I have by heart: My text's the same one as it always was . . ." Which statement best describes how the Pardoner is characterized in this passage?
He is a confident, suave performer.
In the Middle Ages, an indulgence was
a document that offered forgiveness for sin.
Read the excerpt from The Canterbury Tales. "Think what a safeguard it must be for you That I, who can absolve both high and low When soul from body is about to go, Should chance to fall in with your company! Let me suggest that our host here begin, Since he's the one who's most wrapped up in sin. Step forward, Mister Host—your offering first, And you can kiss the relics, every one! All for a penny! Out now with your purse!" Which statement best describes the satire in the excerpt?
Chaucer criticizes the idea that forgiveness is available for purchase.
Consider Chaucer's use of satire in The Canterbury Tales. What purpose does this satire serve? Write three to four sentences connecting details from the story to what you know about medieval England.
Chaucer uses satire in his characterization of the Pardoner to criticize the Church. The Pardoner's sermon against greed humorously contrasts with his exaggerated greediness. Chaucer creates such an excessively greedy character to draw attention to real corruption in the Church and to bring about change.
Read the excerpt from The Pardoner's Tale in The Canterbury Tales. And it fell to the youngest of them all, And he set off at once towards the town. And thereupon, so soon as he was gone, One of the two who stayed said to the other: "You know, of course, that you are my sworn brother. I'll tell you something that you won't lose by. As you can see, our friend has gone away, And here is gold, and that in greatest plenty, All waiting to be split between us three. How would it be, if I can work it so That it is only shared between us two, Wouldn't I be doing you a friendly turn?" How does Chaucer characterize the young man speaking in this passage?
as deceitful
Read the excerpt from The Canterbury Tales. I only preach of avarice and the like, And in this way induce them to be free In giving cash—especially to me. Because my only interest is in gain; I've none whatever in rebuking sin. How does the excerpt satirize the Church?
by exaggerating the greedy nature of the clergy
Read the excerpt from The Canterbury Tales. I preach just as you've heard me say; and tell A hundred taradiddles more as well. And then I do my best to stretch my neck And bob my head in every direction Over the folk, now this way, and now that, Just like a pigeon sitting on a barn. Both hands and tongue are busy, and so quick That it's a joy to watch me at my work. How does the excerpt satirize pardoners?
by suggesting that their sermons are scripted performances
In the Middle Ages, Christians were expected to visit a priest yearly to offer
confessions
