Geoffrey Chaucer · English Literature

What is the theme of the 'Pardoner's Tale' as stated by the Pardoner himself?

  1. Amor vincit omnia (Love conquers all things)
  2. Radix malorum est cupiditas (Greed is the root of all evil)
  3. Carpe diem (Seize the present day)
  4. Memento mori (Remember that you will die)
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Correct answer: Radix malorum est cupiditas (Greed is the root of all evil)

The Pardoner openly admits that his sermon against greed is a tool to manipulate people into buying fake relics. Paradoxically, he tells a highly effective moral tale about three rioters who kill each other over found gold.

Difficulty: Medium Question 11 of 21

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