Hood College Chaucerians

Why does the Pardoner, who deals with tricking people to make more money, tell a story that condemns such an act? This is an anti-greed tale, but the Pardoner is the greediest guy on the journey.

And with that word it happed hym, par cas, To take the botel ther the poyson was, And drank, and yaf his felawe dynke also, For which anon they storven bothe two. (885-888) (The Lion King, 1994)

"I rede that oure Hooste shal biganne, /For he is moost envoluped in sinne. /Com forth, sire Hoost, and offre first anon, /And thow shalt kisse the relikes everychon, /Ye, for a grote! Unbokele anon thy purs.'" (941-945) http://www.arielesieling.com/blog/2015/selling-stuff-by-authors

Now, goode men, God foryeve yow youre trespas, And ware yow fro the synne of avarice! Myn hooly pardoun may yow alle warice, So that ye offre nobles or sterlynges, Or elles silver broches, spoones, rynges. (904-908)

Though this is a random connection, I thought it worth mentioning... the whole traveling to Orliens thing kind of reminded me of Dr. Strange! Though Aurelius isn’t actively searching for a cure/Solution himself (such as Dr. Strange does), they both find an answer in magic!! Coincidence?? Well...probably... Anyways, I found Dorigen’s proposition to be pretty funny and kind of snarky (which I love)...I mean come on, what did Aurelius really expect to happen when he confessed his love? Overall, I can relate to Amanda’s feelings about this Tale...I like how refreshing it is not to have some huge to-the-death fight over a girl. Though I can’t see why Dorigen would be so worried about the rocks on the coast! Arveragus was able to leave without wrecking so I think he’ll be able to get back...

Before I rant about my love for this tale, let me just point out a few interesting, important, and substantial things: The use of both Greek gods and the Christian God. The Franklin’s question at the very end about “Who is more free?” Aurelius asks the sun and moon gods for a miracle, but ends up going to a magician instead for an artificial miracle. What is the Franklin’s purpose for telling this tale?  Okay, now for my rant. If I had to choose one of Chaucer’s tales as MY tale, it would definitely be this one. I literally don’t know what else to say except that I love this tale and it is now my all-time favorite! I think I am just glad to finally read some literature this semester that is actually happy and satisfying at the end. We have Arveragus and Dorigen, who are true and faithful to each other and are willing to endure great suffering and death for each other, but who are also quick to forgive and honor each other. Then there is Aurelius, who is kind of stupi...

from allmygifs.wordpress.com I have no doubt that Dorigene is being 100% sarcastic in her proposal of a deal with Aurelius. After all, the tale does emphasize how impossible his side of the deal is. It’s exactly like saying, "I'm married, so you and I will be together when pigs fly ." The modern reader is more familiar with the flying pigs translation, which allows it to look more like, "No, we will never be together." The only reason Dorigene uses sarcasm instead of outright denial is because she's obsessed with her husband's safe return. I don't think her sarcasm should have been held to the standards of a promise, but Aurelius does and becomes sick just trying to find a solution. If he knew the only reason she wants the rocks removed from the coast is so her husband can return home safely, maybe he would move onto the next, available chick; why the Hell would a woman promise to love someone if he could ensure the safe delivery o...