Satire in The Pardoner's Tale
Relic
A holy object related to a saint
How is the Pardoner characterized in this passage? "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;"
He is greedy and self-centered.
Which word best characterizes the Pardoner in this passage? "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."
Hypocritical
What is satirical about this passage from the end of The Pardoner's Tale? "If any here should wish, out of devotion, To make an offering, and have absolution, Let them come forward now, and kneeling down Humbly receive my blessing and pardon."
The Pardoner is so greedy that he tries to extract money even from people who know his tricks.
In what way does the passage accurately represent real medieval pardoners? "To start with, I declare where I've come from, And then produce my certificates, one by one; My licence with the seal of our lord bishop"
The passage shows that pardoners were officially authorized by the Church.
Satire
The use of humor, irony or exaggeration to expose or criticize a human folly or vice; can be used to address social issues. Critiques society in order to encourage social change.
Characterization
The way an author presents and develops a character
How does Chaucer shed light on social problems?
Chaucer uses satire in his characterization of the fictional Pardoner to draw attention to real corruption among medieval church officials
In the Middle Ages, Christians were expected to visit a priest yearly to offer
Confessions
Indulgences
Documents that absolved people from sin; originally granted in exchange for services or donations to the church
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 of these are examples of satire? Check all that apply.
- A magazine article exaggerating the public's extreme reaction to a celebrity - A funny political cartoon exposing the flaws in a new government policy - An ironic short story that draws attention to how unmotivated people can be
Which statements accurately describe medieval pardoners? Check all that apply.
- They translated the Bible into English - They distributed indulgences - They were authorized to preach. - They accepted donations for the church.
Satire in The Pardoner's Tale
1. The Pardoner delivers a Sermon 2. The Pardoner describes his corrupt work to the other pilgrims 3. He admits that he sells indulgences and displays false relics and explains how he tricks people into giving him money 4. To show that greed it he root of all evil, he tells a story about three friends who betray each other for money 5. After telling the story the Pardoner then asks the other pilgrims to give him money
Pardoner
A church official who could preach and distribute indulgences
In the Middle Ages, an indulgence was
A document that offered forgiveness for sin.
Confession
A formal admission of one's sins to a priest
How does the passage satirize pardoners? "I'll tell you in a word what I'm about: I preach for money, and for nothing else."
By exaggerating the Pardoner's extreme greed
How does the excerpt satirize the Church? "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."
By exaggerating the greedy nature of the clergy
How does the excerpt satirize the clergy? "I can sting with my tongue; and when I preach I sting so hard, the fellow can't escape Slander and defamation, if so be He's wronged my fellow-pardoners, or me, Even if I don't give his actual name, Yet everybody knows that he's the one From hints, and other circumstantialities— That's how I deal with people who annoy us; That's how I spit out venom, under guise Of piety, and seem sincerely pious."
By revealing the clergy's vindictive abuse of power
How does the excerpt satirize pardoners? "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."
By suggesting that their sermons are scripted performances
What vice is Chaucer satirizing in this passage? "My holy pardon here can save you all, And will, so long as you make offerings Of gold and silver coin, spoons, brooches, rings—"
Greed
Which word best characterizes the young people in this passage? "In Flanders there was once a company Of youngsters wedded to such sin and folly As gaming, dicing, brothels, and taverns, Where, night and day, with harps, lutes, and citherns, They spend their time in dicing and in dancing, Eating and drinking more than they can carry; And with these abominable excesses"
Immoral
Which statement best describes the satire in the excerpt? "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!"
NOT Chaucer highlights the sinful indulgences of the church leaders.
Which statement best describes how the Pardoner is characterized in this passage? "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 . . ."
NOT He is a caring counselor who is devoted to service.
How is the Pardoner characterized in this passage? "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""...I only preach of avarice and the like, And in this way induce them to be free In giving cash—especially to me."
The Pardoner is characterized as an effective speaker and a skilled con artist.
How is the Pardoner characterized in this passage? "I'll tell you in a word what I'm about: I preach for money, and for nothing else. And so my text is what it always was: Radix malorum est cupiditas. Thus I know how to preach against the vice Which masters me—and that is avarice."
The Pardoner is dishonest and hypocritical.
Which statement best describes the satire in the excerpt? "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 . . ."
The Pardoner's disregard for the poor reveals the Church's hypocrisy.
