The Pardoners Tale

Directions: Open your book to page 129 and complete the following notes,
definitions and questions.
Notes
The Tales Theme: Money is the root of all evil
Pilgrims (Pardoners) Theme: Appearances can be deceiving
The Pardoners job was to help people in need. However, he capitalizes
on their grief and brags to the other pilgrims about his manipulative
abilities. He has no remorse, which characterizes his pride. Furthermore,
after revealing his evil deeds he attempts to swindle the other pilgrims with
his tale.

Before or During Reading - use your texts notes to define and

comprehend the listed vocabulary
Absolution
Pallor
Sauntered
Superfluity
Carouses
Abominable
Avarice
Covetousness
Perdition
Beck
After Reading provide accurate / supported answers to the following
comprehension questions
1. The Pardoner always preaches against
________________________________________.
2. The Pardoner admits to the sin of _______________________.
3. The three rioters are looking for _____________ because
_____________________________________.
4. At the grove of trees the three men find
___________________________________________________.
5. At the end of the story the three men (explain plans and results)
________________________________
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Analyzing the text - answer the following questions concerning figurative
elements
6. What is ironic about the attitudes of the old man and the rioters
concerning death? __________________
___________________________________________________________________________
________
7. In lines 120 133, what personification of Death does the Old Man offer?
What does this image convey?
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8. In lines 248 254, what is ironic about the young rioters reason for buying
poison? _________________
___________________________________________________________________________
________
9. Review line 272 devils clay, although this is direct characterization it still
needs to be interpreted.
Explain this reference (metaphor).
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10. Identify and explain a type of dramatic irony used in the story.
_________________________________
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11. Identify and explain a type of situational irony used in the story.
________________________________
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12. What do you think Chaucer is satirizing in the Pardoners Tale? Is this a
lesson that still needs to be
learned in todays society. Explain.
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