Question

What message is the Pardoner trying to illustrate in this exemplum?

Answer 1

The Pardoner's exemplum emphasizes the importance of authentic acts of charity over superficial religious practices and critiques societal neglect of the needy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The message the Pardoner is trying to illustrate in his exemplum is one that critiques hypocrisy and condemns the failure to practice true charity and spiritual mindfulness.

He highlights the irony of those who preach morality but fail to act charitably themselves, emphasizing the moral superiority of genuine acts of kindness and assistance to the poor over superficial religious practices like buying indulgences.

The Pardoner points out the societal neglect of the needy and the moral obligation of the fortunate to provide help.

Answer 2

The Pardoner is trying to illustrate the message that giving to the poor and needy is a better deed than buying indulgences. This exemplum reflects the theme of generosity and the importance of helping those in need.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Pardoner in this exemplum is trying to illustrate the message that giving to the poor and needy is a better deed than buying indulgences. This exemplum reflects the theme of generosity and the importance of helping those in need.

Through the story and dialogue, the Pardoner criticizes the church for selling indulgences as a means of salvation. Instead, he emphasizes that true piety and spiritual redemption come from acts of charity towards the less fortunate.

This message aligns with the Christian belief that helping others is a way of serving God. By doing good deeds, particularly helping those who are in poverty, individuals demonstrate their faith and live out the teachings of Jesus.