Blog 6 October 2013

The Pardoner, in the context of Medieval Catholicism is someone who exploits believers for their own financial gain.  Commonly the Pardoner will sell false relics, forgiveness and even salvation.  His only goal is to profit financially. 

The Pardoner’s tale is an exemplum; the purpose is to establish a moral point. It is a moral anecdote used to illustrate a point made by the author. The Pardoners Tale is an exemplum that proves that greed can be a root of evil. When the men find the treasure they do not want to share. They all plan to kill each other but end up killing each other and nobody gets the treasure. Because of the hypocritical behavior of the Pardoner, the moral anecdote is found.  The Pardoner anticipated a much different outcome than the men killing each other.  They were greedy and selfish, thus dying over the treasure instead of sharing it.  Just as the Pardoner is greedy, taking money from believers hoping for forgiveness and other religious favor.

The three men were sent on a crooked path to find “death” under an old tree.  What they found excited them; eight bushels of gold coins.  After drawing lots, the first of the three men went into town to buy bread and wine, while he was away the other two men plotted to kill him.  The first man, who traveled into town, also decided to kill his friends with “strong and violent” poisoned wine.  Just as planned, the first man was murdered as he returned to the camp.  The other two men celebrated by drinking the wine, which was poisoned, then soon died.

 For the Pardoner, I would choose a matured actor, someone believable.  A young Anthony Hopkins would suffice.  He is often seen as brilliant in his acting while his presence of mystery is always apparent.

 

 http://www.hopkinsfan.net/ah/hopkins/AE1.jpg

A picture of death:  
Have to admit, I had a hard time selecting an image.  

http://www.themodchik.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Tree-of-Life.png