Feudalism In Lord Acton's The Pardoner

Feudalism refers to the social structure during the Medieval time period, under which serfs were subjected to back-breaking labor and tyrannical ruling with little to no compensation. Along with the oppressive and constraining dictates of Feudalism, the common man was subjected to the whims and wishes of the Catholic Church. The papacy was, in a sense, absolute dictator during this era; wielding unrestricted power in most areas of life. The effect of this power can best be summed in a quote by Lord Acton, “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely”. The Catholic Church was rife with fraudulence and misconduct. While many were aware of these sacerdotal wrongdoings, speaking against the Catholic Church often resulted in death

When the narrator gives the rationale, “He aimed at riding in the latest mode…” (Wilhelm 110) for the Pardoner’s foregoing of a hood he characterizes the Pardoner as vain and materialistic—both traits condemned in Christianity. Because the narrator insinuates that wearing hoods while riding is commonplace and the pardoner is “aiming” or specifically trying to distinguish himself and seem exclusive, the Pardoner is painted in an un-Christian and acquisitive light. This mannerism is hypocritical on the Catholic Church’s part because they are employing someone who goes against the teachings of Jesus. The Pardoner shows even more corruption when he sold pigs’ bones disguised as relics to poor farmers for outrageous sums of money (Wilhelm 111). A true follower of Christ would not deceive the innocent for money, and they would show reverence for holy artifacts of their religion. The Pardoner displays none of these characteristics. Instead of helping the less fortunate and serving his lord through the church, he is acquiring for his own benefit. The narrator explains how this behavior “made monkeys of the priest and congregation” (Wilhelm 111). This line shows how even the image of those who worked for the church and had good intentions were sullied by the miscreants among them. Chaucer is showing how the bad actions as a few affect the institution as a whole, especially since the papacy was allowing this to