Pardoner

Definition

A pardoner is a church official in medieval England who was authorized to grant pardons for sins, often in exchange for monetary donations. These figures were often seen as controversial due to their practice of selling indulgences and the moral implications of their actions within the broader context of the church and society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Pardoner in 'The Canterbury Tales' is depicted as greedy and morally ambiguous, highlighting the corruption within the church at the time.
2. Pardoners often traveled from town to town, selling indulgences and offering spiritual absolution, which contributed to their controversial reputation.
3. The role of a pardoner became particularly significant during the Middle Ages when the Catholic Church faced increasing criticism for its practices related to sin and forgiveness.
4. Chaucer's portrayal of the Pardoner serves as a critique of the moral failings associated with the selling of indulgences and the exploitation of believers.
5. The practice of pardoning was a key factor that contributed to the Protestant Reformation, as reformers challenged the legitimacy and ethics of selling salvation.

Review Questions

• How does Chaucer's portrayal of the Pardoner reflect the social attitudes towards church officials during medieval times?
  • Chaucer's portrayal of the Pardoner reflects a critical view of church officials during medieval times, emphasizing their greed and moral ambiguity. The Pardoner's character is depicted as exploiting people's fears about sin and salvation for financial gain, which illustrates a broader societal skepticism towards religious authorities. This representation indicates a growing discontent with corrupt practices within the church, setting the stage for future religious reform.
• In what ways did pardoners contribute to the financial structure of the medieval Church, and how did this practice lead to criticism from reformers?
  • Pardoners contributed significantly to the financial structure of the medieval Church by selling indulgences, which were seen as a means for individuals to buy forgiveness for their sins. This practice raised considerable funds for the Church but also sparked outrage among reformers who viewed it as morally corrupt and exploitative. The sale of indulgences was criticized for prioritizing profit over genuine spiritual redemption, which ultimately fueled movements advocating for reforms in church practices.
• Analyze how the figure of the Pardoner in 'The Canterbury Tales' serves as a lens through which we can understand broader themes of morality and corruption within medieval society.
  • The figure of the Pardoner in 'The Canterbury Tales' offers insight into broader themes of morality and corruption within medieval society by showcasing how religious figures can manipulate faith for personal gain. Through his character, Chaucer highlights the tension between genuine spiritual practice and commercial exploitation. The Pardoner's actions serve as a critique of societal norms that allowed such corruption to flourish, ultimately prompting audiences to reflect on the integrity of their own beliefs and the institutions that govern them.

Related terms

Indulgence: A grant by the Catholic Church that reduces the temporal punishment for sins, often sold by pardoners as a means to raise funds.

Chaucer:

Geoffrey Chaucer was an English poet who wrote 'The Canterbury Tales,' which features a character known as the Pardoner, highlighting the corruption and practices of such figures.

Reformation:

A religious movement in the 16th century that led to the questioning of church practices, including the sale of indulgences by pardoners, ultimately contributing to significant changes in Christianity.