In "The Pardoner's Tale," earlier sections emphasize the pitfalls of unchecked greed and avarice, portraying how these vices lead to moral downfall and calamitous outcomes.
How to explain
The Pardoner's reference to "blackguardly excess" and homicide in line 319 reflects the narrative's central theme of condemning unbridled desires. It underscores the consequences of unrestrained greed, illustrating how excessive desires drive individuals toward immoral actions and violent outcomes, leading to the ultimate sin of homicide.
This reference serves as a continuation of the tale's exploration of the devastating repercussions of avarice, reinforcing the narrative's warning about the perils of uncontrolled desires and their catastrophic impact on individuals and society.
Complete Question:
In Chaucer's "The Pardoner's Tale," how does the earlier content contribute to the Pardoner's reference to "blackguardly excess" and homicide in line 319?
Text:
In the earlier sections of "The Pardoner's Tale," the Pardoner preaches about the vices of greed, avarice, and the corrupting nature of money. He narrates a tale where three rioters fall victim to their greed, leading to their deaths. The Pardoner condemns the destructive consequences of avarice, highlighting how it leads to immoral actions and moral decay. When referring to "blackguardly excess" and homicide in line 319, he's likely alluding to the devastating outcomes resulting from unrestrained greed and the violent consequences of excessive desires, as evidenced in the earlier narrative.