Decoding Chaucer: The Pardoner’s Shocking Physical Traits

Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales stands as a monumental achievement in Middle English literature, offering a vibrant tapestry of medieval society through its diverse cast of pilgrims. Among these characters, the Pardoner emerges as particularly striking and unsettling figure.

His presence within the General Prologue, and indeed within the collection as a whole, is far from innocuous. He disrupts the established social order and challenges the very foundations of religious authority.

This analysis will delve into the complexities surrounding the Pardoner. Specifically, it will address how Chaucer crafts his physical description as a deliberate and multifaceted portrayal. This portrayal reveals much about Chaucer’s social commentary and the moral landscape of the time.

A Literary Cornerstone: Chaucer and The Canterbury Tales

Geoffrey Chaucer, often hailed as the father of English literature, lived during a transformative period in English history. His works provide invaluable insights into the social, political, and religious currents of 14th-century England.

The Canterbury Tales, written in Middle English, showcases Chaucer’s masterful storytelling and keen observations of human nature. The narrative frame, a pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral, allows for the gathering of diverse voices and perspectives. Each pilgrim tells their own tale, reflecting their social standing, personal beliefs, and moral values.

The Unsettling Presence of the Pardoner: A Hook

The Pardoner is, without question, one of the most controversial and unsettling figures within The Canterbury Tales. He is introduced as a seller of indulgences, or "pardons," authorized by the church, which were meant to absolve individuals of their sins.

However, Chaucer quickly reveals the Pardoner to be a charlatan. He exploits the religious faith of the common people for personal gain.

This inherent hypocrisy, coupled with his ambiguous physical description, immediately marks him as an outsider. He embodies a disturbing paradox at the heart of the medieval religious establishment.

Thesis: Physique as a Reflection of Moral Decay

The Pardoner’s physical description, as crafted by Geoffrey Chaucer, is not merely superficial. It is a deliberate and complex representation laden with layers of meaning.

It reflects contemporary beliefs in physiognomy, hints at gender ambiguity, and serves as a scathing critique of moral corruption within the church.

His distinctive appearance becomes a visual manifestation of his inner depravity, challenging the audience to question the perceived authority and righteousness of religious figures.

This analysis will unpack the various elements of the Pardoner’s description. It will explore how Chaucer uses his physicality to expose the hypocrisy and moral decay that plagued aspects of the medieval church.

The Pardoner is, without question, one of the most controversial and unsettling figures within The Canterbury Tales. He is introduced as a seller of indulgences, or "pardons," authorized by the church, which were meant to absolve individuals of their sins. To truly appreciate the nuances of Chaucer’s Pardoner, and indeed The Canterbury Tales as a whole, it’s essential to understand the world in which Chaucer lived and wrote.

Chaucer’s World: Contextualizing The Canterbury Tales

Geoffrey Chaucer’s life (c. 1343-1400) spanned a period of significant upheaval and transformation in England. The 14th century witnessed events that profoundly shaped English society, politics, and culture. These events directly influenced the themes, characters, and narratives found within The Canterbury Tales.

A Life of Service and Observation

Chaucer’s own life provided him with a unique vantage point from which to observe the various strata of English society. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Chaucer was not born into nobility, nor was he a member of the clergy.

He served in various roles within the royal court, including as a diplomat, a soldier, and a civil servant. These experiences allowed him to interact with people from all walks of life, from the highest echelons of power to the common laborers of the time.

This exposure is reflected in the diverse cast of characters that populate The Canterbury Tales. Chaucer’s roles provided him with invaluable insights into the complexities of human behavior and the intricate workings of the medieval world.

The Shadow of the Plague and Social Unrest

The 14th century was a period of immense social and political change. One of the most devastating events of the era was the Black Death, which ravaged Europe, including England, in the mid-14th century. The plague decimated the population, leading to labor shortages and significant economic disruption.

The plague also challenged the authority of the Church, as people questioned why God would allow such suffering to occur. This questioning led to social unrest and a growing sense of dissatisfaction with the established order.

The Peasants’ Revolt of 1381, a major uprising fueled by economic grievances and social inequality, further highlighted the tensions simmering beneath the surface of medieval society.

These tumultuous events shaped Chaucer’s worldview and informed his portrayal of society in The Canterbury Tales.

The Rise of Vernacular Literature

Chaucer wrote in Middle English at a time when Latin was still the dominant language of literature and scholarship. His decision to write in the vernacular was a significant one, as it helped to elevate the status of English as a literary language.

By choosing to write in English, Chaucer made his work accessible to a wider audience, contributing to the development of a distinct English literary tradition. This choice reflected a broader trend towards the increasing use of vernacular languages in literature throughout Europe.

The Frame Narrative and the General Prologue

The Canterbury Tales employs a frame narrative. A frame narrative is a literary technique that presents a story within a story. In this case, the overarching story is the pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral.

A group of pilgrims, representing a cross-section of medieval society, gather at the Tabard Inn in Southwark, just outside of London. The Host of the Tabard Inn proposes that each pilgrim tell two tales on the way to Canterbury and two tales on the return journey.

The General Prologue introduces each of these pilgrims and provides vivid descriptions of their appearance, personality, and social standing. It is within the General Prologue that we first encounter the Pardoner, and it is here that Chaucer establishes the foundation for his complex and multifaceted characterization.

The General Prologue acts as a microcosm of medieval society. It offers a glimpse into the lives, beliefs, and values of people from all walks of life. The Pardoner’s presence in this gathering is particularly significant, as he represents one of the most controversial and morally ambiguous figures in the collection.

The Shadow of the Plague and social unrest undoubtedly left their mark on Chaucer and, subsequently, on his literary creations. But to truly dissect the character of the Pardoner, we must turn our attention to the intricate details of his physical appearance, as meticulously painted by Chaucer himself. These seemingly superficial descriptions unlock a wealth of meaning, hinting at deeper societal anxieties and moral critiques.

Anatomy of Deceit: The Pardoner’s Physical Traits Examined

Chaucer’s General Prologue serves as a vibrant tapestry, introducing a diverse cast of characters embarking on a pilgrimage to Canterbury. Among them, the Pardoner stands out not only for his profession but also for his striking and somewhat unsettling physical attributes. A close reading of these details reveals Chaucer’s masterful use of description to convey character, morality, and social commentary.

"He hadde heer as yelow as wex": The Implications of Waxy Yellow Hair

The Pardoner’s hair is immediately striking: "He hadde heer as yelow as wex." This simple description carries multiple layers of potential implications.

The color yellow itself was often associated with deceit, envy, and disease in medieval times. The comparison to wax further adds to this sense of unease. Wax is artificial, malleable, and lacks the vitality of natural substances.

This could suggest the Pardoner’s artificiality, his ability to mold and shape the truth for his own gain. Furthermore, the waxy texture could allude to a sickly pallor, perhaps hinting at a moral or spiritual corruption manifesting physically.

It’s a subtle yet potent detail that immediately establishes the Pardoner as someone outside the norm, someone whose appearance is inherently suspect.

"Glatly it heeng as dooth a strike of flex": An Unusual Hair Description

Chaucer continues his description of the Pardoner’s hair with the line: "Glatly it heeng as dooth a strike of flex."

This translates to "hung smoothly like a hank of flax." Flax, a plant used to make linen, was often associated with fine, straight hair.

However, the way Chaucer phrases it is somewhat unusual. Instead of simply stating that the Pardoner’s hair was straight and fine, he uses a simile that evokes a sense of lifelessness.

The word "heeng" suggests a limpness, a lack of volume or vitality. This adds another layer to the unsettling image, suggesting a physical weakness or a lack of masculinity.

The smoothness could also imply a deliberate attempt to groom and present himself in a particular way, perhaps to appear more refined or even effeminate.

"But hood for jolitee wered he noon": The Absent Hood

The Pardoner’s attire also provides clues to his character. "But hood for jolitee wered he noon,/For it was trussed up in his walet" – he wore no hood, for it was tucked away.

In medieval times, a hood was a common and practical item of clothing, offering protection from the elements. The Pardoner’s choice to forgo this practical garment “for jolitee” – for the sake of fashion or appearance – is significant.

It suggests a prioritization of vanity over piety or practicality. The fact that the hood is "trussed up in his walet" – his bag or wallet – further emphasizes this point.

It’s as if he’s deliberately displaying his lack of religious devotion, choosing instead to present himself in a more fashionable, perhaps even flamboyant, manner. The missing hood could symbolize a rejection of traditional religious norms and expectations.

"I trowe he were a gelding or a mare": The Controversial Line

Perhaps the most debated line in Chaucer’s description of the Pardoner is: "I trowe he were a gelding or a mare." This translates to "I think he was a gelding or a mare."

This line has sparked centuries of discussion and interpretation. A "gelding" is a castrated horse, while a "mare" is a female horse.

The implications are clear: Chaucer is questioning the Pardoner’s masculinity, suggesting that he may be either a eunuch or effeminate.

This line is not merely a casual observation. It strikes at the heart of the Pardoner’s identity and raises profound questions about his sexuality, his role in society, and his moral character. The ambiguity inherent in the phrase "gelding or a mare" adds to the unsettling nature of the Pardoner’s portrayal, leaving the reader to grapple with the implications of his ambiguous gender identity.

Anatomy of Deceit: The Pardoner’s Physical Traits Examined

Chaucer’s General Prologue serves as a vibrant tapestry, introducing a diverse cast of characters embarking on a pilgrimage to Canterbury. Among them, the Pardoner stands out not only for his profession but also for his striking and somewhat unsettling physical attributes. A close reading of these details reveals Chaucer’s masterful use of description to convey character, morality, and social commentary.

Mirrors of the Soul: Physiognomy in Medieval England

The medieval world was steeped in symbolism, where the external often served as a window into the internal. Central to this worldview was physiognomy, the ancient "science" that purported to read character from physical features. Understanding this context is crucial for deciphering Chaucer’s portrait of the Pardoner.

The Doctrine of Outward Signs

Physiognomy wasn’t merely a collection of superstitions; it was a systematized body of belief, drawing upon classical sources like Aristotle and Polemon. It held that the body, created by God (or nature), reflected the soul within. Proponents believed a person’s temperament, virtues, and vices could be discerned from their facial features, body shape, and even their gait.

A ruddy complexion might indicate a sanguine and jovial nature, while a pale face could suggest melancholy or deceit. Likewise, a strong jawline might signify determination, while shifty eyes could betray dishonesty. This belief permeated all levels of society, influencing perceptions of justice, health, and social standing.

Pardoner’s Features vs. Physiognomic Expectations

Chaucer’s description of the Pardoner becomes particularly compelling when viewed through the lens of physiognomy. Does his appearance confirm or contradict the expected outward manifestations of inner corruption? To some extent, it does both, creating a fascinating tension in the character’s portrayal.

Waxy Hair and Moral Corruption

The Pardoner’s "heer as yelow as wex" (hair as yellow as wax), for instance, already carries a negative connotation, however, medieval physiognomy often associated yellow hair with effeminacy or deceitfulness. The fact that it’s compared to wax is also notable. It implies artificiality and a lack of natural vitality, which would definitely fit the Pardoner’s role as a seller of fake relics.

The hair hangs "glatly…as dooth a strike of flex" (smoothly like a hank of flax), further enhancing the sense of unnaturalness. While flax itself isn’t inherently negative, the smooth, hanging quality contrasts with the expected vitality and abundance of healthy hair, subtly suggesting weakness or lack of virility.

The Missing Hood: A Sign of Vanity?

The fact that the Pardoner chooses not to wear his hood, instead keeping it "trussed up in his walet" (tucked away in his wallet), could also be interpreted through a physiognomic lens.

While not directly related to facial features, clothing and adornment were also considered indicators of character. The deliberate choice to forgo a hood, a symbol of humility and piety, suggests vanity and a desire to flaunt his appearance. This ostentation clashes sharply with the expected demeanor of a religious figure.

Subverting Expectations: Physical Imperfection and Deceit

It’s important to note that the Pardoner isn’t presented as overtly monstrous or physically repulsive. This is significant because, according to traditional physiognomy, extreme ugliness or deformity often signified extreme evil.

By giving the Pardoner certain unsettling features rather than outright monstrous ones, Chaucer creates a more nuanced and perhaps more realistic portrait of corruption. The Pardoner’s deceit isn’t immediately obvious; it’s subtly hinted at through carefully chosen details that resonate with contemporary physiognomic beliefs, leaving the reader to question his true nature.

Chaucer’s description of the Pardoner becomes particularly compelling when viewed through the lens of medieval physiognomy, which often linked physical deformities or irregularities with moral failings. However, the Pardoner’s true corruption extends far beyond mere physical appearance; it lies in his deliberate exploitation of religious faith for personal enrichment.

Fake Relics, Real Sins: Pardons and Moral Corruption

The Pardoner’s character embodies a profound critique of the Church’s corruption during Chaucer’s time. He is not simply a flawed individual; he is a symbol of the institutional decay that allowed individuals to profit from the vulnerabilities of the faithful.

The Business of Forgiveness: Understanding Pardons

To grasp the full scope of the Pardoner’s transgression, it is essential to understand the role and function of pardons in the medieval Church.

Pardons, or indulgences, were essentially official documents issued by the Church that offered remission from temporal punishment for sins.

The underlying idea was that the Church, through the merits of Christ and the saints, possessed a "treasury of merit" from which it could dispense grace.

These pardons were often granted in exchange for charitable donations or acts of piety, intended to support the Church’s various projects.

However, the system became increasingly susceptible to abuse, with some pardoners, like Chaucer’s character, exploiting the system for their personal gain.

Relics of Deceit: The Pardoner’s Profitable Lies

The Pardoner’s most blatant form of corruption lies in his peddling of fake relics.

He carries with him an assortment of objects presented as holy relics, each purportedly possessing miraculous powers.

These include a pillowcase he claims is the Virgin Mary’s veil, and a collection of bones he alleges belong to saints.

He uses these "relics" to deceive and manipulate the common people, convincing them to pay for blessings and forgiveness that are utterly meaningless.

The Pardoner’s relics are not merely worthless; they represent a deliberate distortion of religious truth.

They turn sacred objects into instruments of fraud, undermining the very foundations of faith.

Exploiting Faith: Moral Bankruptcy and the Pardoner

The Pardoner’s actions are a prime example of simony, the buying or selling of spiritual things, considered a grave sin in the medieval Church.

He uses his position within the Church, coupled with his persuasive rhetoric, to extract money from vulnerable individuals.

He preaches against greed and avarice while simultaneously engaging in the very sins he condemns.

This hypocrisy is central to Chaucer’s critique.

The Pardoner’s entire enterprise is built upon deception and manipulation. He preys on the hopes and fears of the faithful, promising them salvation in exchange for monetary offerings.

His actions not only enrich himself but also damage the Church’s reputation and erode public trust in religious authority.

Physical Manifestations of Moral Decay

While physiognomy provides one lens through which to interpret the Pardoner’s appearance, it is also possible to view his physical traits as symbolic reflections of his moral corruption.

His "yellow, waxy hair" could be interpreted as a sign of artificiality, mirroring the artificiality of his relics and the false promises he makes.

The fact that he carries a collection of bones may hint at his own spiritual emptiness and lack of moral substance.

Even the line "I trowe he were a gelding or a mare" could be seen as a reflection of his spiritual sterility. His corruption renders him incapable of generating true faith or contributing positively to the spiritual health of the community.

His lack of a hood, traditionally a symbol of humility and piety, could be interpreted as an outward sign of his inner arrogance and lack of reverence.

Ultimately, the Pardoner’s physical description, combined with his corrupt practices, paints a portrait of profound moral decay. He embodies the dangers of unchecked greed, the abuse of religious authority, and the corrosive effects of hypocrisy.

A Question of Identity: Exploring Gender Ambiguity and the "Eunuch" Interpretation

Having delved into the Pardoner’s physical attributes and their connection to medieval physiognomy and moral corruption, we now turn to one of the most debated and unsettling aspects of his character: his ambiguous gender identity. Chaucer’s infamous line, "I trowe he were a gelding or a mare," has sparked centuries of scholarly discussion, probing the depths of medieval attitudes toward sexuality, identity, and social deviance. This section will unravel the complexities of this line, exploring its potential interpretations and the societal implications of questioning the Pardoner’s gender.

Unpacking "I Trowe He Were a Gelding or a Mare"

This single line, delivered with a seemingly casual tone by the narrator, is a textual bombshell. It is a statement that immediately throws the Pardoner’s identity into question. The use of "trowe" (believe or suspect) suggests uncertainty on the narrator’s part. However, this very uncertainty plants a seed of doubt in the reader’s mind.

The phrase "gelding or a mare" is particularly loaded. A gelding is a castrated male horse, typically known for its docility and lack of virility. A mare, of course, is a female horse. The juxtaposition of these two terms, one representing a neutered male and the other a female, creates a profound sense of ambiguity and Otherness.

The Literal Eunuch Interpretation

One possible interpretation is that the Pardoner is, in fact, a eunuch. Eunuchs existed in medieval society, though they were not common in England. Some served in religious roles or as attendants in noble households.

If the Pardoner were a eunuch, it could explain his lack of beard (mentioned earlier in the Prologue) and potentially his high-pitched voice. This physical difference would have set him apart. It would have marked him as an outsider, subject to suspicion and prejudice.

However, interpreting the line literally also presents challenges. Chaucer provides no explicit confirmation of this interpretation, and it is possible that the narrator is simply speculating based on the Pardoner’s overall demeanor.

The Metaphorical Interpretation: Effeminacy and Moral Weakness

Perhaps the more compelling interpretation is a metaphorical one. The line may be suggesting effeminacy, moral weakness, or even spiritual sterility. In medieval society, masculinity was often equated with strength, virtue, and piety. Conversely, effeminacy was associated with weakness, vice, and a lack of spiritual fortitude.

By suggesting that the Pardoner is akin to a "gelding or a mare," Chaucer could be implying that he lacks the traditional masculine qualities necessary for a religious figure. He is presented as someone who is unable or unwilling to fulfill his spiritual duties with integrity.

Furthermore, the comparison to a "mare" introduces the element of female sexuality. While not inherently negative, the association could be used to further undermine the Pardoner’s authority. It implies that he is ruled by his desires rather than by reason or faith.

Societal Implications: Questioning Gender and Authority

Regardless of whether the line is interpreted literally or metaphorically, its implications for the Pardoner’s social standing are significant. By questioning his gender identity, Chaucer challenges the very foundations of his authority.

In a rigidly hierarchical society, where gender roles were clearly defined, any deviation from the norm was met with suspicion and often outright hostility. The Pardoner, as a representative of the Church, was expected to embody virtue and piety. By casting doubt on his masculinity, Chaucer undermines his credibility and exposes the hypocrisy at the heart of his character.

Moreover, the line forces the reader to confront their own preconceived notions about gender and identity. It asks us to consider what it means to be male or female, and how these categories are used to define and control individuals.

The Enduring Ambiguity of the Pardoner

Ultimately, the ambiguity surrounding the Pardoner’s gender identity remains unresolved. Chaucer leaves it to the reader to decide whether he is a literal eunuch, a metaphorical representation of effeminacy, or something else entirely.

This very ambiguity is central to the Pardoner’s character. It underscores his Otherness. It highlights the ways in which he defies easy categorization. It ultimately contributes to his unsettling and unforgettable presence in The Canterbury Tales.

A Question of Identity: Exploring Gender Ambiguity and the "Eunuch" Interpretation
Having delved into the Pardoner’s physical attributes and their connection to medieval physiognomy and moral corruption, we now turn to one of the most debated and unsettling aspects of his character: his ambiguous gender identity. Chaucer’s infamous line, "I trowe he were a gelding or a mare," has sparked centuries of scholarly discussion, probing the depths of medieval attitudes toward sexuality, identity, and social deviance. This section will unravel the complexities of this line, exploring its potential interpretations and the societal implications of questioning the Pardoner’s gender.

The Hypocrite’s Tale: Irony in the Pardoner’s Character

The Pardoner, beyond his questionable relics and ambiguous identity, embodies a profound and unsettling irony. This irony stems from the stark contrast between his fervent, albeit manipulative, preaching against avarice and his own deeply avaricious nature. He expertly condemns the very sins he so flagrantly commits, making him a figure of both fascination and moral outrage.

Preaching Against Greed, Practicing Deceit

The Pardoner’s sermons are theatrical performances, skillfully designed to extract penance money from his audience. He eloquently denounces greed, gluttony, and other vices, using vivid language and compelling stories to instill fear and guilt in the hearts of his listeners.

Yet, the Pardoner’s own life is a testament to the very sins he preaches against. He openly admits that his primary motivation is personal gain, confessing that he cares little for the spiritual well-being of those he manipulates.

This blatant hypocrisy is not merely a character flaw; it is a central element of Chaucer’s critique of the Church and its representatives.

The Pardoner’s Tale: A Case Study in Ironic Morality

The Pardoner’s own tale, a cautionary narrative about the dangers of greed, further underscores this irony. The tale tells of three rioters who seek to find and kill Death, only to be consumed by their own avarice and betray each other in a desperate attempt to claim all the treasure they discover.

The story serves as a powerful illustration of the destructive nature of greed, yet the Pardoner himself seems oblivious to its relevance to his own life.

He uses the tale to frighten his audience into buying his pardons, perpetuating the cycle of sin and exploitation that he so vividly describes in his narrative.

A Mirror to Society’s Flaws

The irony inherent in the Pardoner’s character serves as a mirror reflecting the moral hypocrisy prevalent in medieval society. Chaucer uses the Pardoner to expose the corruption within the Church, where spiritual authority was often used as a means of personal enrichment.

The Pardoner’s ability to manipulate and deceive his audience highlights the vulnerability of the faithful to those who exploit their beliefs.

By presenting such a flawed and contradictory figure, Chaucer challenges his readers to question the true meaning of faith and the integrity of those who claim to represent it. The Pardoner, in his hypocrisy, becomes a symbol of the wider societal ills that Chaucer sought to critique.

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