English: Satire in The Pardoner's Tale

by suggesting that their sermons are scripted performances

Read the excerpt from The Canterbury Tales. I preach just as you've heard me say; and tellA hundred taradiddles more as well.And then I do my best to stretch my neckAnd bob my head in every directionOver the folk, now this way, and now that,Just like a pigeon sitting on a barn.Both hands and tongue are busy, and so quickThat it's a joy to watch me at my work. How does the excerpt satirize pardoners?

The Pardoner's disregard for the poor reveals the Church's hypocrisy.

Read the excerpt from The Canterbury Tales. For I'll have money, wool, and cheese, and wheat,Though given by the poorest serving-lad,Or by the poorest widow in the place,Were all her children dying of famine,No, no! I'll drink the ichor of the vine,And have a pretty girl in every town.But hear me out now, gentlemen . . . Which statement best describes the satire in the excerpt?

a document that offered forgiveness for sin.

In the Middle Ages, an indulgence was

by revealing the clergy's vindictive abuse of power

Read the excerpt from The Canterbury Tales. I can sting with my tongue; and when I preachI sting so hard, the fellow can't escapeSlander and defamation, if so beHe's wronged my fellow-pardoners, or me,Even if I don't give his actual name,Yet everybody knows that he's the oneFrom hints, and other circumstantialities—That's how I deal with people who annoy us;That's how I spit out venom, under guiseOf piety, and seem sincerely pious. How does the excerpt satirize the clergy?

He is a confident, suave performer.

Read the excerpt from The Canterbury Tales. "Gentlemen" said he, "I take pains to preachIn 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 impassioned and persuasive

Read the excerpt from The Canterbury Tales. "God's arms!" exclaimed one of these debauchees,"Is the fellow then so dangerous to meet?In highways and in byways, street by street,I'll seek him out, I vow it on God's bones.Now listen, fellows: let us three be one,Each of us hold his hand up to the other,And each of us become the other's brother,And we will kill this black betrayer, Death,And kill the killer, by God's holy breath,And that before the sun goes down on us!" Which statement best describes how the speaker in the excerpt is characterized?

Chaucer criticizes the idea that forgiveness is available for purchase.

Read the excerpt from The Canterbury Tales. "Think what a safeguard it must be for youThat I, who can absolve both high and lowWhen 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?

humor to criticize human folly.

Satire is an author's use of

They were authorized to preach, They distributed indulgences, and They accepted donations for the church.

Which statements accurately describe medieval pardoners? Choose three answers.

"I don't think your joke is funny," she huffed, glowering at her friend, and The house loomed ominously on the hill; no occupants were visible.

Which statements are examples of characterization? Check all that apply.