crossref-it.info - AS/A2 English Literature Study Guides - texts in context.The Pardoner's Prologue and Tale
First things first
Studying English Literature is different from other subjects. It’s a performance art in some ways. Critical reading, thinking and writing need to be active, not passive. To do them well, it’s no use just knowing about the text; you need to work out your own readings and analysis of it. You won’t develop your reading skills just from seeing what others have said (from books, lessons or websites) any more than you can be a better gymnast from watching other people perform. And reading, when it’s a brilliant text like this, is enormously enjoyable.
That’s where a good guide comes in. There are notes here to:
- Help bring out the multiple meanings and nuances of lines and passages
- Provide some background information
- Provide some perspectives on the kind of text this is and questions have been included that should help to trigger your own interpretations.
Help with a humorous (yet deeply serious) religious text
It is difficult for modern readers to grasp the religious and cultural backgrounds to Chaucer’s poem. It was created in an intensely religious era and plunges straight into contemporary religious life and conflicts. At the same time, it raises questions about perennial human concerns: morality, body and soul, death and money.
Yet The Pardoner’s Prologue and Tale is also a brilliantly funny and clever poem. It uses satire, mockery, exaggeration and witty wording to raise questions in readers’ minds about the evils created by materialism.
What this study guide covers
- A brief outline of Chaucer’s life
- Background information about the social, historical, religious and literary context
- Explanations of the structure of the texts and detailed commentary on them
- Approaches to reading Chaucer’s The Pardoner’s Tale at AS and A level.
Throughout the guide, there are handy pop-ups to explain difficult words, links to access further information and sections to help you discuss and question the text so that you can arrive at your own interpretation.
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