Malo, Robyn. “The Pardoner’s Relics (And Why They Matter the Most).” The Chaucer Review, vol. 43, no. 1, The Pennsylvania State University Press, 2008, pp. 82–102, doi:10.1353/cr.0.0005.
Investigating the role of relics within the Pardoner’s Tale, Malo argues that relics are essential to understanding the complexities of the Pardoner as a character. Malo argues that “the amount of space allocated to relics clearly shows their importance to Chaucer’s conception of the Pardoner” (82). Without an understanding of the relics that the Pardoner holds, the reader cannot fully understand how the Pardoner functions within the tale. Malo notes that the importance of the relics stems beyond the possession of the items and extends to guard each relic as the custodian of each item (84). The Pardoner is able to gain respect through the use of the relics that he holds and convince others that his tale is one worth heeding. Malo concludes that the Pardoner’s complexities are significantly influenced by the manipulation of relics, and he subsequently establishes his credibility with those to whom he preaches.
-Megan Rogosheske
