He tries to sell relics and pardons.
It is ironic that the Tale is told by the Pardoner given the fact that the messages in which the Pardoner speaks about are apparently in total contrast to that which the Pardoner actually practices. In essence, the Pardoner does not practice what he preaches because he himself is also driven by greed.
The moral message that the Pardoner's allegory attempts to teach is that greed and avarice are destructive and lead to spiritual downfall. It warns against the dangers of pursuing material wealth at the expense of one's moral integrity and spiritual well-being. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of prioritizing worldly desires over spiritual values.
One characteristic of an allegory in The Pardoner's Tale is the use of symbolic characters, like the Pardoner himself, who represent abstract qualities or ideas. In this tale, the Pardoner symbolizes greed and hypocrisy, making him a key figure in conveying the moral message of the story.
A reader might ask, "How does the Pardoner's greed impact the moral of the story?"
nothing
Chaucer describes the Pardoner's hair as rat-tails primarily to emphasize the Pardoner's untrustworthiness and deceitful nature. The comparison to rat-tails suggests that his hair is slimy and repulsive, reflecting the Pardoner's own moral corruption and lack of integrity.
While the Pardoner may have questionable motives for telling his story, such as greed or manipulation, it doesn't necessarily detract from the moral truth of the story itself. The moral lesson can still be valid and impactful regardless of the character's intentions.
Chaucer conveys the theme of how greed and corrupt behavior can lead to destruction and downfall. The Pardoner in the tale exemplifies this through his deceitful practices and manipulation of others for personal gain, ultimately resulting in tragedy for those involved. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of corruption and the moral decay it can bring.
"Is it more moral to admit one's faults or deny them?" is a significant thematic question raised by The Pardoner's Tale.
Is it more moral to admit one's faults or deny them?
No, the fate of the rioters in "The Pardoner's Tale" is a classic example of poetic justice. Their greed and moral corruption lead to their downfall, which is a common theme in literature.
The Pardoner wants the audience to draw the moral lesson that greed is the root of all evil. He emphasizes the destructive nature of greed and warns against the consequences of indulging in this sin. The Pardoner uses his tale as a means to manipulate and control his audience by exploiting their fears about the consequences of sinful behavior.