The Pardoner's Tale: Is the Gambler an Evil Character?

The Pardoner's Tale, a short story from Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, presents a complex character in the form of the Pardoner. Among the group of pilgrims, the Pardoner is depicted as a cunning and deceitful individual who preys on the weaknesses of others. One of the most intriguing figures in the tale is the Gambler, who is portrayed as a man of questionable morality. This essay aims to explore whether the Gambler in the Pardoner's Tale can be considered evil.

The Gambler's Character

The Gambler is introduced as a man who is "worse than a thief" (Chaucer, 1380). He is depicted as a greedy and dishonest individual who is willing to sacrifice his own morals for the sake of wealth. The Pardoner describes the Gambler's actions as follows:

"He is a man that loveth money, and for money's sake, he will do any thing" (Chaucer, 1380).

This quote highlights the Gambler's greed and his willingness to engage in unethical behavior to obtain wealth. The Pardoner further criticizes the Gambler's character by stating that he is "a man that is full of vice and sin" (Chaucer, 1380). This implies that the Gambler's actions are not only motivated by greed but also by a lack of moral values.

The Pardoner's Perspective

The Pardoner's portrayal of the Gambler is one of disdain and criticism. The Pardoner uses the character of the Gambler to illustrate the dangers of greed and the consequences of engaging in unethical behavior. The Pardoner's perspective is that the Gambler is an evil character because he is willing to sacrifice his own soul for the sake of wealth.

"The Pardoner saith, that this man is an evil man, and that he is not worthy to live" (Chaucer, 1380).

This quote demonstrates the Pardoner's belief that the Gambler is beyond redemption and that his actions are evil.

The Gambler's Actions

The Gambler's actions in the Pardoner's Tale are indeed questionable. He is depicted as a man who is willing to cheat and deceive others for the sake of money. The Pardoner describes the Gambler's actions as follows:

"He is a man that will not leave any money in his pocket, but will take it all" (Chaucer, 1380).

This quote highlights the Gambler's greed and his willingness to take advantage of others. The Pardoner further criticizes the Gambler's actions by stating that he is "a man that is full of vice and sin" (Chaucer, 1380). This implies that the Gambler's actions are not only motivated by greed but also by a lack of moral values.

The Moral Dilemma

The question of whether the Gambler is evil is a moral dilemma. On one hand, the Gambler's actions are clearly unethical and harmful to others. On the other hand, the Gambler's character is complex, and it is possible that he is simply a victim of his own circumstances. The Pardoner's portrayal of the Gambler as an evil character may be biased, as he is motivated by his own greed and desire for power.

In conclusion, the Gambler in the Pardoner's Tale can be considered evil due to his greed and willingness to engage in unethical behavior. However, the moral dilemma surrounding the character raises questions about the nature of evil and the complexities of human behavior.

Questions and Answers

1. What is the Pardoner's main criticism of the Gambler?

Answer: The Pardoner criticizes the Gambler for his greed, dishonesty, and willingness to sacrifice his own soul for the sake of wealth.

2. How does the Pardoner describe the Gambler's actions?

Answer: The Pardoner describes the Gambler's actions as unethical and harmful, stating that he is willing to do anything for money.

3. Why does the Pardoner consider the Gambler an evil character?

Answer: The Pardoner considers the Gambler evil because he is motivated by greed and a lack of moral values, which leads him to engage in unethical behavior.

4. Can the Gambler be seen as a victim of his own circumstances?

Answer: While it is possible to view the Gambler as a victim of his own circumstances, the Pardoner's portrayal of him as an evil character is based on his actions and character traits.

5. How does the Pardoner's perspective on the Gambler contribute to the moral dilemma in the story?

Answer: The Pardoner's perspective on the Gambler adds to the moral dilemma by presenting a biased view of the character, which raises questions about the nature of evil and the complexities of human behavior.