The Pardoner’s Tale

Krisha S. Asuncion

Bsed-eng1231

Historical Background:

The Church created pardoners to gather money from sinners in return for absolution (forgiveness), which established a great and wealthy source of income for the Church, but also the corruption of the system which came with it.

This tale was written in the Medieval era—religion prevails.Religious life was relatively similar in France, Germany and Britain, since the Church's organisation throughout Europe was structured around dioceses and parishes, with bishops, priests and monks, friars and nuns, and shared doctrines.

Secular rulers exercised power over their subjects, but always (in theory at least) under the higher rule of the Church and the pope.

Setting:

Flanders, BelgiumIn a tavernUnder an Oak Tree

Characters:

The PardonerThe poor old manThe three drunk menThe tavern boyThe HostThe KnightDeath

PrologueThe pardoner told the pilgrims he was eating with that

covetousness is both the root and stuff of all he preaches. Before beginning his tale, he admits that he does not preach in vain. He gets money even from the poor. He isn’t even sorry.

He then began his tale with the sins of men: gluttony, drunkenness, gambling, using God’s name in vain( swearing), perjury. ( He mentioned several characters in the bible to prove his points)

The pardoner then, related these sins to the story of three rioteers who sought out death.

They met a poor old man they insulted and asked where Death can be found.

After the tale

Dearly beloved, God forgive your sin

And keep you from the vice of avarice!

My holy pardon frees you all of this,

Provided that you make the right approaches,

That is with sterling rings or silver brooches..

The pardoner then asked the Host, the most enveloped in all sin, to open up his purse. The Host refused and insulted (intentionally or unintentionally) the Pardoner. ( I’ll have your cullions and have them shrines for you in hog’s turd)

The Pardoner was so angry he didn’t speak, the Knight then intervened and asked the Host to kiss the Pardoner.

Themes:

Corruption/ Abuse of PowerGreedGluttonyGamblingDeathDeception