A discussion of the medieval Christian cult of relics and the way in this cult was satirized in Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Pardoner's Tale."
Written in 2009; 3,184 words; 11 sources; MLA; $ 92.95
Paper Summary:
This paper discusses the medieval Christian cult of relics which grew out of the importance of Christian martyrs and the physical objects associated with them in the eyes of the faithful. The writer describes some of the martyrs who inspired pilgrimages and generated astonishing numbers of relics and provides the background for Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales," wherein Chaucer directs considerable criticism at the religious abuses of his day. An analysis of "The Pardoner's Tale" follows, showing the ways in which Chaucer satirizes and questions the cult of relics.
From the Paper:
"Indeed, by the time of Chaucer's writing in the 14th century, the enormous business of relics, of pilgrimages, and sales for pardons had a long established tradition, and was responsible for generating enormous sums of wealth. The reader first meets Chaucer's richly described Pardoner in the General Prologue at line 669. The Pardoner has just returned from the court of Rome (line 671) with his wallet brimful of pardons (lines 686-687). He is linked with the Summoner, arguably a most disagreeable character, and this sheds some light on the Pardoner's own disposition; he sings love duets with the Summoner - a possibly homosexual vein (line 672)."
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