The Canterbury Tales: "The Pardoner's Tales"

Parley

A discussion or conference

At the beginning of the Pardoner's story, what terrible news do the three rioters hear at the tavern?

A man was slain by death.

Adversary

A person, group, or force that opposes or attacks; opponent; enemy; foe

What do the three rioters believe about the old man?

Death's spy

"The Pardoner's Tale" mainly warns against what obsession?

Excessive greed

What is the theme of all the Pardoner's sermons?

Greed

What does the Pardoner mean when he says, "And thus I preach against the very vice I make my living out of -- avarice."?

He means that he speak on greed and how it's bad even though him himself made his mark through greed

The Pardoner says he will tell his tale to show other pilgrims what?

His teaching style

Covetousness

Inordinately or wrongly desirous wealth or possessions; greedy

Avarice

Insatiable greed for riches; inordinate, miserly desire to gain and hoard wealth

Vermin

Noxious, objectionable, or disgusting animals collectively, especially those of small size that appear commonly and are difficult to control

What does the Pardoner admit in his prologue?

Only preaches to get money, not to correct sin

What is the intent of the Pardoner's story?

Show the greed and corruption within the church

What has the old man wandered from country to country looking for?

Someone who will exchange youth for his old age

If the Pardoner met an old woman straining under a heavy bundle, he would most likely attempt to do what?

Swindle her

What does the Pardoner attempt to do with the other pilgrims after he has told his story?

Swindle them into giving him money

After leaving the tavern, the rioters meet an "old, old fellow." What information does the old man give them, and what happens when they do as he says?

The old man tells them where death was and says they can find him under an oak tree in the grove. When they listened to the man, they found 8 baskets filled with coins.

While the youngest rioter goes back to town for food and wine, what do the other two plan? What does the youngest rioter plan?

The other two plan to fake wrestle with the youngest one and pull out a dagger and stab him. Then the other one will stab him so the other will have equal blame. The youngest rioter plans on poisoning their food.

How does Death conquer the three rioters?

Through greed and all of the rioters killing each other over the money found under the tree

Castigate

To criticize or reprimand severely

According to the Pardoner, what is the purpose of his "sermons"?

To increase his wealth

Transcend

To rise above or go beyond; overpass; exceed

Saunter

To walk with a leisurely gait; stroll

Pallor

Unusual or extreme paleness; as from fear, ill health, or death

Wary

Watchful; being on one's guard against danger

What is the old man's attitude toward death in the story?

Yearning

Do the rioters' schemes succeed? Explain.

Yes, they both ended up killing each other. First, the two rioters followed through with their plan of the fake wrestling stabbing, then when the rioters were done they drank the poisoned wine.