The Pardoner's Tale: Exam

Who is considered the father of British Literature?

The father of British Literature is Geoffrey Chaucer, who was the greatest English poet in the Middle Age. His use of vernacular ENglish in a time when the language of educated people was either French or Latin. It showcases Chaucer’s mastery of various literary genres including romance, comedy, and tragedy.

What is the theme of “The Pardoner’s Tale?”

The theme of “The Pardoner’s Tale” is of greed is the root of all evil

How is satire used in “The Pardoner’s Tale?”

Geoffrey Chaucer creates such an excessively greedy character to draw attention to real corruption in the Church and to bring about change.

What larger work is “The Pardoner’s Tale” and “The Wife of Bathes Tale” a part of?

The larger work was written about Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales (which was written in 1387 and 1400.)

Where were the people headed to it The Canterbury Tales?

A long poem concerning a group of thirty pilgrims on their way from Southwark, in south London, to the shrine of St Thomas Becket in Canterbury

What is the pardoner’s job in “The Pardoner’s Tale?”

The pardoner’s job was to sell forgiveness absolution to anyone who would buy it. He sold fake, useless, religious artifact and potions to the laity. He used his intelligence and understanding of human psychology to trick the laity into buying his goods.

What is the purpose of The Pardoner’s Tale?

To serve as a warning to those who are not living up to God’s teaching instructions.

How does The Pardoner’s Tale end?

Speaking in florid rhetoric against the vices of gluttony, and blasphemy adding at the end that he will be more than happy to secure divine forgiveness for his listeners for a price.

How does Chaucer portray the Pardoner in The Pardoner’s Tale?

He portray it as a greedy and selfish

What is ironic about the Pardoner in The Pardoner’s Tale Prologue?

It is ironic because he should be practicing what he preaches but he does exact opposite.