Frame Tale. A frame tale is a story that provides a vehicle for the telling of other stories. “The Prologue” introduces the story tellers and presents a reason for them to tell their stories.
Characterization. Characterization is the use of literary techniques to create a character.
Irony. Irony is a difference between appearance and reality. Types of irony include dramatic irony, in which something is known by the reader or audience but unknown to the characters; verbal irony, in which a statement is made that implies its opposite; and irony of situation, in which an event occurs that violates the expectations of the characters, the reader, or the audience. As you read, look for the irony in “The Pardoner’s Tale.”
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The Canterbury Tales is a frame tale, a story that itself provides a vehicle for the telling of other stories. The vehicle story of The Canterbury Tales is established in “The Prologue,” which introduces a diverse group of characters, including the narrator. The Canterbury Tales consists primarily of tales the characters share with each other to pass the time during their pilgrimage to Canterbury, the site of a shrine to St. Thomas à Becket. The characters, who represent various aspects of society, are introduced roughly in order of their rank in society. The descriptions of the characters are brief but vivid. The characters are further developed throughout The Canterbury Tales, by their discussions between the several tales as well as by the stories they tell. The interaction among the characters and the diversity of narrators and stories are all innovations that Chaucer made to the frame tale, which was already a popular form.
Chaucer planned for each pilgrim to tell four stories, but he never completed the project. Many stories are nonexistent, and others exist only as unfinished fragments. The order the poet intended for the tales is also unclear. Chaucer began work on The Canterbury Tales around 1386, but the stories were probably written over a long period of his life, and some may not originally have been intended to be included. “The Pardoner’s Tale” is preceded by a prologue, in which the pardoner explains how he preaches against greed. Like many of Chaucer’s stories, there were several possible sources for this story. The most likely direct source is one of the many collections of exempla, stories illustrating moral lessons, which were circulated throughout Europe and intended for use in sermons. The tale has many analogues in Latin, Italian, and German sources, but may be of non-European origin.
The Works of Our Ancient and Learned English Poet. London, 1598. Wellesley College Library,
Special Collections.
As you read “The Prologue” create a cluster chart about the characteristics of the Pardoner.
Write a description of someone you do not know well but have observed.
What is your greatest character flaw? Why is it a problem?
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