The Pardoner’s Prologue and Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer can be seen as an outstanding example of a jape. The shrewd Pardoner thinks he is able to play a game of confidence with the other pilgrims. According to the Middle English Dictionary, the noun “japerie” can also contain the meaning of irony, which is also true for the Prologue and the Tale. At the heart of the definition of irony lies incongruity or contradiction. The Oxford English Dictionary defines irony as:
firstly, “[a] figure of speech in which the intended meaning is the opposite of that expressed by the words used; …. [secondly a] condition of affairs or events of a character opposite to what was, or might naturally be, expected; a contradictory outcome of events as if in mockery of the promise and fitness of things (87).
The Pardoner’s Prologue and the Pardoner’s Tale provide many facets illustrating ironic contradiction. Particularly interesting is to analyze the Pardoner himself, as he is definitely contradictory in his behaviour as well as in his statements. An analysis of the Pardoner’s presentation in his Prologue reveals the contradictions and the irony in the exemplum he chooses for his tale. The exemplum’s characters and actions not only mirror the ambiguous and complex character of the Pardoner, but also contain several instances of irony. Based on that, one can see how the Pardoner’s leitmotif, “Radix malorum est Cupiditas” (l. 334) unifies the ironic contradictions of the Prologue and of the Tale.
Table of Contents
1. Ironic Contradictions in the Pardoner’s Prologue and the Pardoner’s Tale
Objectives and Research Focus
This paper examines the multifaceted use of irony and contradictory characterization in Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Pardoner's Prologue and Tale," focusing on how the narrator's own moral corruption conflicts with his sermonizing on avarice. By analyzing the structural function of the leitmotif "Radix malorum est Cupiditas," the research explores how the Pardoner’s hypocritical behavior and the violent narrative of the three rioters reinforce the work's thematic depth and ironic outcome.
- The Pardoner’s hypocritical persona and his misuse of ecclesiastical office.
- The structural and thematic importance of the leitmotif "Radix malorum est Cupiditas."
- The interplay between the narrator's immorality and the moral lessons of the exemplum.
- The ironic role of the three rioters as embodiments of the sins they seek to punish.
- The dramatic irony resulting from the Pardoner's interaction with the Host.
Excerpt from the Book
Ironic Contradictions in the Pardoner’s Prologue and the Pardoner’s Tale
The Pardoner’s Prologue and Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer can be seen as an outstanding example of a jape. The shrewd Pardoner thinks he is able to play a game of confidence with the other pilgrims. According to the Middle English Dictionary, the noun “japerie” can also contain the meaning of irony, which is also true for the Prologue and the Tale. At the heart of the definition of irony lies incongruity or contradiction.
The Pardoner’s Prologue and the Pardoner’s Tale provide many facets illustrating ironic contradiction. Particularly interesting is to analyze the Pardoner himself, as he is definitely contradictory in his behaviour as well as in his statements. An analysis of the Pardoner’s presentation in his Prologue reveals the contradictions and the irony in the exemplum he chooses for his tale. The exemplum’s characters and actions not only mirror the ambiguous and complex character of the Pardoner, but also contain several instances of irony. Based on that, one can see how the Pardoner’s leitmotif, “Radix malorum est Cupiditas” (l. 334) unifies the ironic contradictions of the Prologue and of the Tale.
Summary of Chapters
1. Ironic Contradictions in the Pardoner’s Prologue and the Pardoner’s Tale: This chapter introduces the core concept of irony within the text, examining how the Pardoner’s hypocrisy and his leitmotif "Radix malorum est Cupiditas" create a framework of contradiction between his moral sermon and his actual behavior.
Keywords
Geoffrey Chaucer, The Pardoner’s Prologue, The Pardoner’s Tale, irony, contradiction, Radix malorum est Cupiditas, hypocrisy, avarice, greed, exemplum, morality, jape, ecclesiastical corruption, narrative, medieval literature
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this academic paper?
The paper focuses on identifying and analyzing the various layers of irony and contradiction present in Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Pardoner's Prologue and Tale," specifically regarding the Pardoner's character and his sermon theme.
What are the central thematic fields explored?
The primary themes include the nature of hypocrisy, the conflict between moral rhetoric and personal immorality, the destructive power of greed (avarice), and the use of exemplum as a narrative device.
What is the primary objective or research question?
The goal is to demonstrate how the Pardoner's leitmotif unifies the narrative's ironic elements and to explore how the character's internal contradictions mirror the behavior of the figures within his own tale.
Which scientific method is employed in this study?
The study utilizes a literary analysis method, interpreting the primary text alongside historical definitions and scholarly criticism to uncover the structural and thematic nuances of Chaucer's work.
What is addressed in the main body of the text?
The main body examines the Pardoner's deceptive preaching methods, the ironic contrast between his character and the Host, and the symbolic function of the rioters in his exemplum.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include irony, contradiction, hypocrisy, avarice, Radix malorum est Cupiditas, and exemplum.
How does the Pardoner's choice of the Host as a victim backfire?
The Pardoner attempts to sell relics to the Host, but the Host responds with such offensive questioning of the Pardoner’s manhood that the Pardoner is silenced, turning the intended "jape" back onto himself.
What role does the "old man" play in the Pardoner's Tale?
The old man acts as a mysterious, catalyst figure who guides the rioters toward the treasure, mirroring the Pardoner’s own hypocritical nature by leading others toward their inevitable destruction.
- Quote paper
- Julia Geigenberger (Author), 2007, Ironic Contradictions in the 'Pardoner’s Prologue' and the 'Pardoner’s Tale', Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/87772
