The Pardoner’s Tale

Geoffrey Chaucer
➢ Age of Chaucer (1343-1400)
▪ Geoffrey Chaucer, born around 1343, is often regarded as the “Father of English
Literature” and a key figure in the Middle English period.
▪ The Age of Chaucer spans the 14th century, marked by significant historical, social,
and cultural changes.
▪ Historical Context:
▪ The 14th century witnessed the aftermath of the Black Death, causing demographic
shifts and social upheavals.
▪ Political instability, including the Hundred Years’ War between England and France,
influenced the collective psyche of the time.
▪ Chaucer’s Life:
▪ Geoffrey Chaucer’s life was embedded in the courtly and bureaucratic circles. He
served in various capacities, including a diplomat and customs official.
▪ His exposure to diverse social classes and experiences is reflected in his literary
works.
➢ Literary Contributions:
▪ Chaucer’s most famous work, “The Canterbury Tales,” is a collection of stories told by
pilgrims on a journey. It provides a vivid snapshot of medieval English society.
▪ “Troilus and Criseyde” explores themes of love and chivalry, showcasing Chaucer’s
narrative prowess and psychological insight.
▪ He also contributed to lyric poetry, creating poignant verses that expressed the
complexities of human emotions.
➢ Language and Style
▪ Chaucer played a crucial role in shaping the English language. His works contributed
significantly to the evolution of Middle English, bridging the gap between Old and
Modern English.
▪ His writing showcased linguistic versatility, incorporating elements from French,
Latin, and Italian, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of the age.
➢ Social Critique and Realism:
▪ Chaucer’s writings often presented a satirical view of societal norms and institutions.
His characters in “The Canterbury Tales” represent a cross-section of medieval
society, providing social commentary.
▪ The inclusion of flawed and realistic characters challenged idealized portrayals
common in medieval literature, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of
human nature.
➢ Religious Themes
▪ Despite the religious orthodoxy of the time, Chaucer’s works exhibited a subtle
questioning of religious practices and institutions.
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▪ “The Pardoner’s Tale” and “The Summoner’s Tale” delve into the corruption within
the Church, reflecting a critical perspective.
➢ Chaucer’s Legacy
▪ Chaucer’s influence extended beyond his lifetime. His use of the vernacular set a
precedent for future writers to explore themes in their native languages.
▪ His impact on English literature is profound, with later authors like Shakespeare
drawing inspiration from his narrative techniques and characterizations.
➢ Cultural and Artistic Developments:
▪ The Age of Chaucer saw the emergence of a vibrant literary culture, with poets and
writers exploring new themes and styles.
▪ The period laid the groundwork for the Renaissance, fostering a renewed interest in
classical literature and humanistic ideas.
➢ Conclusion
- The Age of Chaucer stands as a pivotal era in English literature, marked by the
transformative works of Geoffrey Chaucer. His exploration of diverse themes, linguistic
contributions, and social critique continue to resonate, making him an enduring figure in the
literary canon.
In summary, Chaucer’s era encapsulates a dynamic period in English literature, characterized
by linguistic evolution, social introspection, and the foundation of literary traditions that
would shape the course of literature for centuries to come.

The Cultural and Historical Context of the

Pardoner’s Tale
The Pardoner’s Tale is one of Geoffrey Chaucer’s most famous works, part of “The
Canterbury Tales,” a collection of stories written in Middle English during the 14th century.
To understand the cultural and historical context of the Pardoner’s Tale, it is essential to
consider the societal and literary influences of the time.

➢ Medieval Society and Religion

During the medieval period, England was predominantly a feudal society, with a rigid social
hierarchy. The Church held immense power and influence over all aspects of life, including
politics, education, and morality. The Pardoner, as depicted in the tale, was a representative
of the Church, specifically responsible for issuing papal indulgences and pardons for sins.
This context is crucial in understanding the character of the Pardoner and his role in the
narrative.

➢ Corruption and Hypocrisy

The Pardoner’s Tale reflects the prevalent themes of corruption and hypocrisy within the
Church during Chaucer’s time. The character of the Pardoner himself embodies these traits,
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as he is depicted as morally corrupt and manipulative. His practice of selling fake relics and
indulgences for personal gain highlights the widespread moral decay within certain
ecclesiastical figures.

➢ Literary Influences
Chaucer’s work was influenced by various literary traditions, including medieval allegory
and morality tales. The Pardoner’s Tale can be seen as a moral allegory that warns against
greed, deception, and moral depravity. These themes were common in medieval literature,
reflecting the societal concerns and moral values of the time.

➢ Satire and Critique

Chaucer was known for his satirical portrayal of characters and institutions, using humor
and irony to critique societal norms. The Pardoner’s Tale can be interpreted as a satirical
commentary on the corruption within the Church and broader society. By exposing the
moral failings of the Pardoner and his companions, Chaucer sheds light on the ethical
shortcomings prevalent in his contemporary world.

➢ Conclusion
In conclusion, the cultural and historical context of the Pardoner’s Tale is deeply rooted in
medieval society, religious influence, literary traditions, and Chaucer’s satirical critique.
Understanding these elements provides valuable insight into the themes, characters, and
underlying messages within this iconic literary work.

The Pardoner’s Tale Analysis

The Pardoner’s Tale is a narrative poem written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century as
part of his renowned work, “The Canterbury Tales.” The tale is a moral story that revolves
around the themes of greed, death, and betrayal. It is presented as a part of a frame story
where a group of pilgrims, including the Pardoner, are traveling together and decide to tell
stories to pass the time. The Pardoner’s Tale is particularly notable for its exploration of the
destructive nature of greed and the consequences it brings.
Plot Summary the Pardoner’s Tale begins with an introduction to three young men who are
engaging in sinful behaviour. They hear a funeral bell and learn that a mutual friend has
been killed by Death. Angered by this news, they set out to find and kill Death. On their
journey, they encounter an old man who tells them that they can find Death under a nearby
tree. When they reach the tree, instead of finding Death, they discover a large amount of
gold coins. The men decide to keep the treasure for themselves and plan to wait until
nightfall to move it without being seen. One of them is sent into town to fetch food and wine
but plots to poison his companions. However, the two remaining men also conspire against
him and ultimately all three end up dead due to their greed.
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➢ Themes
• Greed: The central theme of The Pardoner’s Tale is greed and its destructive
consequences. The three young men’s insatiable desire for wealth leads them to
betrayal and ultimately death.
• Death: The theme of death is also prominent in the tale. The characters’ quest to find
and defeat Death ironically leads to their own demise, highlighting the inevitability of
mortality.
• Betrayal: Betrayal is another significant theme in the story. Each of the three men
plans to deceive and harm the others for personal gain, illustrating the corrupting
influence of greed.
➢ Character Analysis
The Pardoner: is presented as a morally corrupt and hypocritical individual. He sells
indulgences and preaches against the very vices he indulges in, such as greed and avarice.
The Three Rioters: young, brash, and full of hubris. They are depicted as foolish and easily
manipulated, exemplifying traits that the Pardoner criticizes.
The Old Man: is a wise and elderly figure who appears in the story. He serves as a foil to the
rioters, embodying the inevitability of death and the folly of seeking it out.

➢ Literary Devices
Irony: used to create suspense, humour, or as the central conceit in a plot
• Verbal irony: Saying something but meaning the opposite
• Dramatic irony: Knowing more than what the character does, and you wait for
their reaction when the discover the truth
• Situational irony: The irony of something happening that is very different to
what was expected
Allegory: The Pardoner’s Tale can be interpreted as an allegory for moral lessons,
with each character representing broader human traits or flaws.
➢ What you should focus on
✓ Chaucer's Historical Context: During Chaucer's time, there was the backdrop of the
French-British war and the devastating Black Death. Chaucer lived in a period marked
by social and political upheaval, and this turmoil influenced his perspectives.
✓ Chaucer's View on Religion: Chaucer's view on religion in "The Canterbury Tales" is
often critical and satirical. He presents a diverse group of pilgrims, each with their
flaws, reflecting a nuanced commentary on the complexities of faith in a troubled
era.
✓ Relation to Formalism (Irony): Formalism, emphasizing literary form and structure, is
evident in Chaucer's use of irony. Irony, a key element in the Pardoner's Tales,
involves a stark contrast between appearance and reality. The Pardoner, a religious
figure, ironically engages in morally questionable behavior, challenging traditional
expectations.
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✓ Pardoner as a Mixture of Irony: The Pardoner is a rich blend of irony types. Dramatic
irony occurs when the audience knows more than the characters, situational irony
arises from unexpected events, and verbal irony surfaces through the Pardoner's
hypocritical preaching. This amalgamation highlights the complexity and layers of
irony within the narrative.