The Pardoner’s Tale

By: Geoffrey Chaucer

1. What incident in the tale triggered the thieves' search for Death?
- Finally, after his long tirade, the Pardoner returns to the three young rioters, who are
drinking at a tavern when they hear the bell signalling the sound of a passing coffin. A
servant tells them that the dead man was a friend of the revellers who had been stabbed
in the night by a thief called Death. The revellers declare that they will seek and slay
this false traitor Death. They pledge to be true to each other as brothers in this quest.
(Skimming)
2. Who told them about the Death's whereabouts? How were they told about it?
- The revellers meet an old man in rags who says that he must wander the earth restlessly
because Death will not take his life. He makes a move to leave, but the rioters demand
that he tell them where they can find Death. The old man says that he has just left Death
a moment ago sitting under an oak tree. (Skimming)
3. How did they plan their pursuit of Death? Was the plan unanimously drawn?
- The three rioters have their own plans. The youngest draws the short straw and leaves.
While he is away, the other two rioters plot to kill the third when he returns so that the
two of them will each get a bigger share of the treasure. Meanwhile, the youngest
decides to poison the other two revellers so that he can keep all the money that they
found in an oak tree for himself. When the youngest reveller returns, the two others slay
him. Then, celebrating, they drink the poisoned wine. Thus, all three of the revellers
die. Everyone must therefore beware sins, says the Pardoner, especially greed, which is
the root of all evils. This three rioters indeed find Death. (Scanning)

Alliah Vance O. Capuz

11 ABM A- St. Sebastian