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The tavern-knave tells the rioters that Death has been killing people all day because of their actions. He conveys that Death is being insulted and disrespected by the rioters, leading to increased deaths in the community.
The three rioters believe the old man is Death because he appears to be weak and feeble. They ask him where they can find Death so they can kill him.
Based on what the tavern boy tells the three rioters in "The Pardoner's Tale" by Chaucer, one would likely predict that the rioters will encounter death or some misfortune, as the boy warns them about seeking Death at the oak tree. This foreshadows the outcome of the rioters' quest for Death, which leads to their own demise.
The rioters mockingly refer to Death, but end up encountering and giving him the old man. The old man was initially looking forward to meeting Death but ends up fearing the rioters instead. This irony highlights the unpredictability and inevitability of death, showing how attitudes towards it can change in unexpected ways.
The rioters treat the old man disrespectfully and end up killing him. Before dying, the old man tells the rioters to look for Death under a nearby oak tree.
Because they think he killed their friends
The three rioters hear news about the death of a mutual friend due to a "traitor" identified as Death. They vow to avenge their friend's death by finding and killing Death. This leads them on a journey that ultimately leads to their own demise.
The rioters are drinking in a tavern and engaging in rowdy behavior. Their attention is captured by the mention of Death, whom they vow to kill.
When the youth returned, he was stabbed to death by the other two rioters.
The three rioters were described as young, brash, and arrogant. They were looking for Death after being told he had caused so many deaths, and they vowed to avenge those who had died.
The tale of the rioters appeals to the Pardoner's audience by using themes of greed, death, and morality, which captivates their interest. By exploiting their fear of divine punishment and offering pardons and relics for sale as solutions, the Pardoner can persuade the audience to purchase these items in hopes of absolving their sins and avoiding a similar fate as the characters in the tale.
The two rioters plan to stab and kill their companion when he returns from town, as they believe he may betray their plan to find and kill Death.