Question

What can be inferred from these lines describing the pardoner in Chaucer's prologue to The Canterbury Tales?

He had a fine veronica sewed to cap.
His wallet lay before him in his lap, Stuffed full of pardons brought from Rome all hot.
He had a scholarly look.
He was an unethical man.
He was an honest person.
He pretended not to care for riches.
He cared about people's well-being.

Answer 1

From the passage given, it can be inferred that the pardoner pretended not to care for riches. This can be seen from the manner in which he carelessly exposed his purse and the money therein. His attitude showed that he didnt care much about the money.

Answer 2

Pardoner in the prologue to the Canterbury Tales is one of the famous characters. He is a person who represents Church before the people. He used to sell pardons to the people for their sins. He loved luxury and money in his life. He made money by taking advantage of the people's concern for their sins. He had the power to convince people and the crowd too. He manipulated people and earned money from them.