The Pardoner's Tale Satire Essay

For many years, satire – “a technique employed by writers to expose and criticize foolishness and corruption of an individual or a society by using humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule” – has been a tool used by authors to bring attention to a specific topic. One of the most famous satires is Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales. Within these tales is the “Pardoner’s Tale,” which is a satirical and allegorical poem mocking the corruption of the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church controlled most, if not all, of Europe including England and Ireland. The Church had become outstandingly wealthy by the end of the fourteenth century. The Roman Catholic Church not only presided over religion, but also “philosophy, morals, politics, art, and education. “This was the dark ages for the true Christianity,” says Arnold. He continues to say, “The [fundamental tenets of Biblical Christianity had practically vanished. Along with this disregard of] true doctrine [came the end of life and light that] constitutes the worship of the One True God as declared by Christ.” The Roman Catholic Church was religiously wiped out and its philosophy prompted to frightful defilements. It was profoundly depleted, enfeebled and practically inert. Rome had truly left from the educating of the book of scriptures and was fascinated in genuine sin. This
period is a “[dark spot]” to all who “name the name of Christ.” In any case, it is Christian history (Arnold).” Although the first instance is not in the fourteenth century, infallibility of the pope played a large role in the corruption of the church.
“Boniface VII, said, ‘we declare, state define and pronounce that for every human creature to be subject to the roman pope is altogether necessary for salvation.’” This decree also implied that salvation was only possible in the Roman Church. Anyone that did not accept the pope as “[God’s earthly representative]” would be damned. Those who did not were possibly charged for heresy. Some were even excommunicated, meaning they were not only cut off from the church, but also from
God. Another idea that developed by the fourteenth century was “[salvation through works.]” “[Salvation was not brought about by God through an otherworldly new birth, yet by consent to Roman Catholic authoritative opinion and practice.]” Faith was not considered “[trusting in Christ,]” but conceding to the church (Arnold). The combination of believing in Christ, submitting to the church, and doing what the church considered to be “good works” was the only thing that could lead a person to heaven. “Man actually gained heaven by his works,” says Arnold.