Pardoner meaning

The pardoner is a character in medieval literature who sells papal indulgences and pardons.


Pardoner definitions

Word backwards renodrap
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division par-do-ner
Plural The plural of the word "pardoner" is "pardoners".
Total letters 8
Vogais (3) a,o,e
Consonants (4) p,r,d,n

Known for his deceptive and manipulative ways, the pardoner is a character in Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales" who makes a living by selling fake relics and indulgences to unsuspecting people. As a pardoner, he is a traveling preacher who claims to have the authority to forgive sins and grant salvation to those who make a donation to him.

The pardoner is portrayed as a morally corrupt individual who is more interested in making money than in saving souls. He is a master manipulator who uses his skills of persuasion to exploit the fears and desires of his audience. Despite his profession, he is greedy, selfish, and immoral, using his position of power to deceive and cheat those who trust him.

Manipulative Tactics

The pardoner employs a variety of manipulative tactics to convince people to buy his relics and indulgences. He uses fear, guilt, and flattery to play on their emotions and persuade them to part with their money. By appealing to their insecurities and vulnerabilities, he is able to exploit them for his own financial gain.

Character Analysis

While the pardoner presents himself as a holy and pious figure, his true nature is revealed through his actions and words. He is a hypocrite who preaches against greed and avarice while practicing those very vices himself. His lack of moral integrity and his willingness to deceive others for personal gain make him a despicable and contemptible character.

Impact on Society

The pardoner serves as a reminder of the dangers of religious hypocrisy and the exploitation of faith for personal gain. His character highlights the corrupting influence of greed and the moral decay that can result from a disregard for ethical values. By exposing the pardoner for what he truly is, Chaucer challenges his audience to reflect on their own beliefs and behaviors.


Pardoner Examples

  1. The pardoner in the group forgave his friend for the mistake.
  2. The king appointed a new pardoner to grant pardons to prisoners.
  3. The pardoner's convincing words persuaded the judge to reduce the sentence.
  4. As a pardoner of sins, he listened to people's confessions and offered absolution.
  5. The pardoner's attire was colorful and flamboyant, attracting attention wherever he went.
  6. She sought the guidance of the village's pardoner to seek forgiveness for her actions.
  7. The pardoner's tone was sincere as he extended his forgiveness to those who sought it.
  8. In medieval times, a pardoner was a person authorized to sell papal indulgences.
  9. The crowd cheered as the pardoner announced the amnesty granted by the king.
  10. Despite being a pardoner by profession, he held onto his own secrets and sins.


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  • Updated 02/04/2024 - 20:15:20