The Pardoner's Tale
What is the theme of his of his tale?
"Greed is the root to all evil"
What did the three rioters see as they were drinking in the tavern?
Funeral procession
Why does the old man want to die?
He cant find anyone to exchange their youth for his old age so its time to die
What does the Pardoner tell us in his prologue that is unexpected?
He tells us the theme before he even begins the story
Why does the devil have influence over the young man?
He's drunk and he has already stole
Who is being buried?
One of their old friends
The bargain is their plan to kill Death together, in line 119.
Reading Strategy. What lines explain the "bargain" the rioters are said to have made in line 122?
Why does the Pardoner remind the pilgrims that they may die at any time?
So that they would give them money for pardon and indulgences
What is the old man's complaint about their treatment of him?
Supposed to treat elders with respect and one day they'll be old and want to be treated with respect unlike they are to him
Who wins the draw?
Youngest
The rioters are drinking. A coffin passing by captures their attention.
a) Recall: When the story opens, what are the rioters doing, and what captures their attention?
The rioter lies about why he needs the poison; in a sense, he does use the poison to kill "rats".
b) Interpret: In what sense is he lying? In what sense is he telling the truth? (about death being under the tree)
The gold under the tree will lead to the deaths of thee three rioters, so in a sense, death is under the tree.
b) Interpret: The old man has said that death is under the tree. In what sense is his statement accurate?
A Pardoner is an official of the —
church
what is the significance of arthurs dream at the begining of le morte d'arthur
he has two they are warnings
what is sir lucans advice to king arthur during his battles with mordred
not to attach mordred because of his dream warning
how many books does le morte d'arthor encompass?
8 books
What do the rioters find underneath the tree?
8 bushel baskets full of coins
There will always be some people who learn from such lessons and some who ignore them.
b) Apply: Can stories such as the pardoner's tale encourage people to behave well even in times of crisis? Explain.
The rioters find gold florins under the tree.
a) Recall: What do the rioters find under the tree?
what plan does the oldest rioter devise once they reach their destination
that they wait for nightfall to move the treasure
why did arthur leave his nephew mordred in charge of england
he went to fight barbarians
what is the old man reffering to when he talkes about his mothers gate
hes talking about heaven
The Pardoner's pious story reveals his —
immorality
In "The Pardoner's Tale" the three rioters are sure that they can destroy Death, and yet they fail to see that they are falling into his trap. This is an example of _____.
irony
what is so special about arthurs round table
it symbolizes patience humility and weakness
The rioters go looking for Death because they —
plan to avenge the deaths of their friends
It is not considered ______ to go out looking for Death.
prudent
Point of the story is true, even though the Pardoner uses it for the wrong reasons. Or that it is dulled by hypocrisy.
Draw Conclusions: The Pardoner is quite open about the manipulative use to which he puts the tale. Do the Pardoner's reasons for telling the story detract from its moral truth? Explain.
The desire for gain purely for the love of gain is destructive. The desire for gain at the expense of others or through questionable actions is destructive. The desire for legitimate and reasonable gain, through diligent work, is not.
Make a Judgment: Do you think the desire for gain is ultimately destructive, as the Pardoner's tale suggests, or can it lead to positive consequences? Explain.
What does the young man do with the poison?
Puts it in 2 of the 3 bottles of wine
The moral of "The Pardoner's Tale" is
Greed is the source of evil.
What is ironic about the attitude that the old man has toward Death?
Most people seek to avoid death, but the old man looks for it
How do the two friends plan to kill the third?
One will play wrestle while the other pull the dagger and stabs him and they will both stab him so they cant be blamed because they are equally guilty
What did the boy's mother warn his about?
Plague has taken many lives and he should be ready to face death at any time
What does the young man ask the druggist to give him and what reason does he give for needing it?
Poison to kill rats and a polecat
What becomes clearer when rereading the following passage from "The Pardoner's Tale"? ...if it be your design / To find out Death, turn up this crooked way / Towards that grove. I left him there today / Under a tree, and there you'll find him waiting.
The man is directing the three rioters toward their own deaths.
What is the most valid moral that you find in "The Pardoner's Tale"—in other words, what message or idea in it still applies best to life today? Discuss how this message is delivered in the tale. Analyze any way in which the message is ironic, such as a discrepancy between the tale and the teller; between what is expected and what happens; or between what is said and what is meant.
The moral I find in "The Pardoner's Tale" that is most applicable today is that even sinners desire forgiveness and wish to lead better lives. This lesson is shown in the ironic contrast between the tale the Pardoner tells and the way he lives his life. His tale condemns greed; his life exemplifies greed. But it should not be inferred from this contradiction that the Pardoner disdains the moral lesson he is telling. He may accept it as a matter of religious doctrine and psychological truth, yet knows that he is unable to live up to it. He hides his despair behind a pose of worldly disrespect for goodness. The ultimate irony is that the Pardoner would secretly wish to be sincere—to live up to the moral of the tale that he seems to be mocking.
What idea does the devil put into the young man's mind?
To put poison in the food and keep all the money
What did the three friends decide to do?
To search for death and kill him
What plan does one of the rioters propose?
Wait to move it at night, draw lots to go get food and drink, other two will stay behind to guard money
The old man sets the action in motion.
What role does the old man perform in the story?
How might their drinking have affected their judgment?
Would have realized that death was not a real person and would have felt invincible
Death is the ___ of all living things.
adversary
It is ironic that the Pardoner tells this story because he is open about his own greed.
(a) Why is it ironic that the Pardoner tells this story?
He symbolizes death as a blessing. Few would want eternal life without eternal youth.
(b) What might the old man symbolize?
Chaucer might want to show how depraved the truly greedy are, that they can profit from pointing out other people's greed.
(b) What point might Chaucer be making about moral tales by assigning the pardoner's tale to a rogue?
What do the rioters accuse the old man of being?
A spy for death
What does the Pardoner say the young men "received their due"?
Because they all plan to kill each other and that is a sin
The exemplum of "The Pardoner's Tale" proves that greed is the root of all evil.
Explain how the allegory of "The Pardoner's Tale" proves that greed is the root of all evil.
The Pardoner sells indulgences, so the lesson about the bad effects of greed might also open pockets of those who want forgiveness for past offenses. The old man's presence shows that no one knows when death might happen. Therefore, forsaking greed and seeking pardon for sins is a wise idea.
Explain the way in which the old man's presence in the tale benefits the Pardoner and motivates his listeners toward a more wholesome existence.
The exemplum rails against homicide, gluttony, blasphemy, and pride.
Literary Analysis. In addition to avarice, or greed, against what sins does the exemplum preach in the final lines?
Greed leads to the rioters into plotting the murder of the third rioter.
Literary Analysis. Into what new sin does greed lead the rioters?
The old man is the mysterious guide who helps point the way.
Literary Analysis. What archetypal role does the old man play?
The publican's comments that Death has killed an entire family - builds the danger of the situation.
Literary Analysis. What details of the publican's comments build the danger of the situation?
The youngest rioter contemplates poisoning his two comrades.
Literary Analysis. What new sin does greed lead the youngest rioter to contemplate?
How is the old man's behavior different from the rioters?
Nice, respectable, treats them kindly whereas they are rude and disrespectable to him
Which profession found among Chaucer's pilgrims can still be found today?
Parson
The three rioters swear to kill Death.
Reading Check. What do the three rioters swear to do?
The old man says the rioters will find Death under the tree. They find a pile of gold florins.
Reading Check. What does the old man say the rioters will find under the tree? What do they find there?
The pardoner admits to avarice, the sin he preaches against.
Reading Check. What vice does the Pardoner admit to having, even though he preaches against it?
Lines 248-249 they will act as if the attack is all in fun, like a game of wrestling.
Reading Strategy. What does the first rioter mean by "as in game"? Which earlier lines explain this meaning?
Either line 95-98 both of which mention Death explain the reference to the "adversary."
Reading Strategy. What earlier line explains the reference to the "adversary" in line 102?
Characters are "rioters" and that they're drinking before nine in the morning.
Reading Strategy. Which details in the opening sentence enable the audience to form a quick opinion of the main characters?
"she" refers to the old man's mother, mentioned in lines 152-156.
Reading Strategy. Who is "she" in line 159? What earlier lines give you the answer?
The "antics" involve the Pardoner stretching his neck, craning from side to side, and pecking like a pigeon.
Reading for Clarification. Reread lines 14-15 for an example of the "antics" to which the Pardoner refers in line 17.
Which of the following statements best describes the end of the tale?
The rioters meet death.
What happens to the young man when he returns to the tree?
They kill him as planned and then drink the wine and die
Where does the old man tell them they will find death?
Under an oak tree in the grove
Which of the following best describes the three rioters in "The Pardoner's Tale"?
Which of the following best describes the three rioters in "The Pardoner's Tale"?
The constant reminder of death makes people either very good, or at least careful, because they are aware of death, or very bad, as they try to forget about or think to cheat death.
a) Extend: The pardoner's tale refers to the time of the plague. What does the tale suggest about the effects of such a disaster on society? Support your answer.
The three rioters swear to kill Death.
a) Recall: What pledge do the rioters make to one another?
The young rioter says he has problems with rats and a pole cat he wants to kill.
a) Recall: What reason does the young rioter give the apothecary for needing the poison?
Who is the old man in "The Pardoner's Tale"? Is he a spy for Death? Is he an innocent bystander? Is he Death itself? Write an essay in which you assert your position. Use examples from the text to support your position.
although most will recognize him as either an ally of Death's, or Death itself. They should use examples from the text to show how the old man ultimately pointed the three rioters to their deaths. Students also may make the argument that since Death was everywhere, the rioters could not avoid it.
_____ or greed, is one of the seven deadly sins.
avarice
The rioters try to keep the pledge - they seek Death out when they encounter the old man, but they get greedy and forget their initial pledge.
b) Evaluate: Do the rioters try to keep that pledge? Explain.
They are troublemakers - they are drinking before nine in the morning, and are generally dissolute.
b) Generalize: What sort of people are the rioters? Explain how you know.
why cfan arthurs camelot be located anywhere on the globe
because it symbolizes good, whereever you find the ideas of arthur you have camelot
What does "The Pardoner's Tale" suggest about the Pardoner? Explain your answer. a. He believes that Death is the greatest enemy. b. He admires the bravery of the three rioters. c. He believes greed is worse than dying. d. He does not hold to any absolute truths.
c, Explanation: The Pardoner appears to assert that living a greedy life is worse than death itself; in fact, greed will lead to death.
In "The Pardoner's Tale," the old man tells the three rioters that they can find Death beyond the grove. What is the old man's purpose? Explain. a. He is running from Death himself and needs their protection. b. The man hopes to get the gold for himself. c. He hopes that the men will kill Death. d. He plans that the men will die.
d, Explanation: The old man knows that the gold will lead the men to their own deaths, but he pretends to be helping them by pointing them toward Death.
The stories about Death that the servant boy and the tavern-knave tell suggest that —
death from violence and plague is rampant
what is the moral of the pardoners tale
dont be greedy and plot against your companions
what kind of tale is the pardoners tale
fable
You know the Cook's dishes may not be quite as appetizing as might be hoped when Chaucer mentions that the Cook —
has a large, festering sore
what is the problem with the oldest rioter s plan for the treasure
he doesnt know that there is a plot against him
according to the legend how did arthur becom king of england
he drew the sword excalaber from the stone.
which line from the pardoners tale best describes thje difference between the old man and the rioters
line....
what event prompted arthurs return to england
merdred started a rebellion and tried to take the throne
what symbols do arthurs knights wear that show their loyalty to the king
red dragon
The narrator of "The Pardoner's Tale" says that the three rioters "... made their bargain, swore with appetite, / These three, to live and die for one another / As brother-born might swear to his born brother." Briefly describe their vow and explain what causes them to abandon their promise to one other.
the men vowed to live for one another when their only motivation was to seek out Death and kill him. When the gold is introduced into the story, they were divided by their greed and the vow was abandoned. Though all three men died, they did not die for the others but because of the others.
Dialogue can play an important part in any story. In an essay, analyze the dialogue between the young rioters and the other characters. What does the dialogue show about the rioters? The other characters?
the three men and the others characters. For example, the bragging comments of the three men show that they may be easily deceived through their pride and greed. The old man's milder words show that he may be more thoughtful and clever.
What do the rioters from the pardonersw tale vow to do during the tale
to find death and kill him
Once in a while a great writer like Chaucer can _______ even his own talent.
transcend
The Wife of Bath is a —
veteran of several pilgrimages and marriages
