Sacrifice In The Pardoner's Tale

In Federigo's Falcon by Boccaccio the theme of sacrifice and the theme of mortality presented in The Pardoner's Tale by Chaucer both contrast and compare in different ways. Boccaccio clearly presents the hope for Federigo in the story and how much he would do for the woman he wanted, while in the Pardoner's tale the men all showed they would go above and beyond to get the treasure to themselves. Federigo shows a good side to people, a side with humility and persistence whilst the men in the Pardoner's Tale present the greedy and selfish side of people. There is a major contrast between the two themes of sacrifice and mortality as they both deal with two different extremes. Federigo clearly presents how after having nothing and being poor he will sacrifice anything for the woman he loves when “...he decided that since he had nowhere else to turn, it would make a worthy dish for a lady as this”(Boccaccio). Compared to the selfishness of the men Federigo understands that sacrifice and humility will end up getting him the woman he wants. Having had nothing but his prized falcon his devotion to this woman allowed him to overcome the pain she had caused him and a pushed him to make the decision to sacrifice his “best friend” for her.
he men on the other hand know only their own mortality which is the theme that is shown when one of the men makes bold statement towards death “The three of us together now, hold up your hands, like me,