The Pardoner

​Geoffrey Chaucer's

The Pardoner's Tale

INTRODUCTORY PRESENTATION

Open Ended

How do you feel when you hear about characters driven by greed and dishonesty in a story?

Open Ended

Consequences

Can you recall a tale where the consequences of immoral actions played a significant role?

Open Ended

Exploiting Vulnerabilities

What thoughts come to mind when you think about individuals who exploit the vulnerabilities of others for personal gain?

About the Author

​The Pardoner's Tale is one of Geoffrey Chaucer's masterpieces.

While we try and get to know him, make sure you pay attention, as you may be asked to recall this information.

Geoffrey Chaucer

​The Pardoner's Tale is one of Geoffrey Chaucer's most famous works, written in the late 14th century.

Chaucer, known as the "Father of English Literature," was an influential poet, philosopher, and bureaucrat.

Chaucer's Themes

Through his writing, Chaucer provides a vivid portrayal of medieval English society, satirizing its various aspects.

Some of the prominent themes include the corruption of the church, social class dynamics, love and courtship.

Chaucer' Literary Style

​Geoffrey Chaucer is renowned for his innovative and influential literary style, particularly his use of Middle English.

He employed a diverse range of narrative techniques and poetic forms, showcasing a mastery of language.

Inspiration behind The Pardoner's Tale

The Pardoner's Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer is part of The Canterbury Tales and is a moral fable.

The inspiration behind the tale lies in the medieval tradition of moralizing stories that serve as cautionary tales.

Multiple Choice

Who wrote The Pardoner's Tale?

• Colin Wright

• Geoffrey Chaucer

• Jeffrey May

Multiple Choice

What kind of a story is The Pardoner's Tale?

• Comedy

• Moral Fable

• Thriller

About the Plot

The Pardoner's Tale narrates the story of three young men who set out to find and kill Death. Along the way, they encounter an old man who informs them of Death's location.

However, when they reach the specified place, they discover not Death but a pile of gold coins. The tale takes a dark turn as the characters succumb to their own moral weaknesses, leading to a tragic and ironic conclusion.

Themes

The Pardoner's Tale explores greed, deception, and the consequences of moral corruption. The narrative delves into the destructive nature of avarice and the moral decay that accompanies it.

Open Ended

If you had the power to expose someone's hidden flaws or wrongdoings, would you use it to bring about justice, or do you believe it would lead to unintended consequences?

Share your thoughts.

Key Characters

The Pardoner: A cunning and manipulative figure who uses his skills to exploit people's guilt.

The Rioters: Three young men driven by greed, seeking Death but finding treachery.

The Old Man: A mysterious figure encountered by the rioters, symbolizing mortality.

Open Ended

Think and Respond

In The Pardoner's Tale, Death is personified as a character. How does this personification contribute to the overall theme or message of the story?

Chaucer's Satire

Satire in the story is a literary device used by Chaucer to criticize and mock the corrupt practices of the Church and individuals.

The Pardoner himself becomes a satirical figure, revealing the hypocrisy and greed prevalent in the religious institutions of his time.

Example of Satire

The Pardoner's shameless manipulation of religious beliefs and practices, particularly his selling of fake relics to gullible people, serves as a satirical commentary on the corruption within the medieval Church.

The Pardoner's hypocrisy and greed highlight the moral decay of certain clergy members during that time.

Open Ended

Think and Respond

What are some modern examples of satire you've come across in movies, TV shows, or literature?

How do these examples use humor and irony to criticize or mock societal issues?

Historical Context

The Pardoner's Tale is set against the backdrop of the medieval period, during a time when the influence of the Catholic Church was pervasive in Europe.

This historical context is crucial as it informs the narrative's exploration of religious corruption, hypocrisy, and the social dynamics prevalent in the medieval society of Geoffrey Chaucer's time.

Language

Geoffrey Chaucer's The Pardoner's Tale is written in Middle English, showcasing the linguistic style of the late 14th century.

The language is characterized by its archaic vocabulary, distinct grammar, and poetic elements, providing readers with a glimpse into the linguistic norms of Chaucer's time.

Example of Middle English

"Let God see that I had such a man,

I would have brought him to the great plain."

The speaker is saying that if they had such a person (presumably someone with certain qualities or abilities), they would have brought them to a significant or important place, symbolized by the "great plain."

​"Radix malorum est Cupiditas."

- Greed is the root of evil.