In Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales," the Pardoner is one of the most intriguing and complex characters. Through his physical appearance, his profession, and his actions, the Pardoner reveals much about his character and motivations.
One of the first things that stands out about the Pardoner is his physical appearance. He is described as a "gentil Pardoner of Rouncival" who is "yong and therwithal well-favored" (Chaucer, General Prologue, lines 858-859). His youth and good looks suggest that he is charming and capable of manipulating others through his appearance alone. Additionally, the Pardoner is described as having a "voice as smal as hath a goot" (Chaucer, General Prologue, line 860), which adds to his image as a deceptive and cunning individual.
The Pardoner's profession is another important aspect of his character. He is a pardoner, a person who sells indulgences, or documents that purport to reduce the punishment for sin. In the medieval Christian church, indulgences were controversial because they allowed people to pay for forgiveness rather than truly repenting for their sins. The Pardoner takes advantage of this system by selling indulgences to anyone who will pay for them, regardless of whether they are truly repentant or not. This unethical behavior shows that the Pardoner is more interested in making a profit than in helping others repent and receive forgiveness.
The Pardoner's actions further illustrate his character and motivations. In the "Canterbury Tales," the Pardoner tells a story about three drunken men who seek to kill Death. The Pardoner uses this story as an opportunity to preach about the dangers of greed and the importance of repentance. However, as he speaks, it becomes clear that he is more interested in selling indulgences than in truly helping his audience. He boasts about the power of his indulgences and tells the listeners that they can "have pardons full large/ For our estate is great" (Chaucer, The Pardoner's Tale, lines 844-845). This reveals that the Pardoner is primarily motivated by greed and a desire for personal gain.
Overall, the Pardoner is a complex character who is revealed through his physical appearance, profession, and actions. His youth and good looks suggest that he is charming and manipulative, while his profession as a pardoner shows that he is more interested in making a profit than in truly helping others. His actions further illustrate his greed and desire for personal gain, making him a character who is both intriguing and deeply flawed.
