Question

Where in the Pardoner's Tale does it mock religion?

(A) When the Pardoner sells pardons for sins that he has committed himself.
(B) When the tale itself satirizes the Catholic Church's practice of selling indulgences.
(C) When the tale ends with the three rioters killing each other, suggesting that the Pardoner's message of repentance is ultimately futile.
(D) All of the above.

Answer 1

All of the given options (A), (B), and (C) show how 'The Pardoner's Tale' mocks religion, but (D) All of the above is the correct answer as each option represents different aspects of the mockery.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Pardoner's Tale mocks religion at several points, which is reflected in the given choices. However, the most direct mockery can be found in option (B) when the tale satirizes the Catholic Church's practice of selling indulgences, which is a historical fact that was a significant point of contention during the Reformation, led by figures like Martin Luther. As for the options given, (A) exemplifies the Pardoner's hypocrisy, as he admits to committing the same sins for which he sells absolution. (C) alludes to the hypocrisy and futility of the Pardoner’s preachings, as it ends with the three rioters succumbing to greed and betrayal, murdering each other in pursuit of wealth, which underscores the moral bankruptcy of those who preach virtue but practice vice.

The correct answer reflecting the overall mockery of religion in The Pardoner's Tale is (D) All of the above, as each choice points to different aspects of the satire against religious practices and the moral contradictions of the Pardoner.