Beginning of Essay
“The root of all evil is money.” Because this phrase has been repeated so many times throughout history, one can fail to realize the truth in this timeless statement. Whether applied to the corrupt clergy of Geoffrey Chaucer's time, selling indulgences, or ....

Middle of Essay
.... delivers a sort of disclaimer, informing the pilgrims of his practices within the church. The Pardoner was an expert at exploiting parishioners' guilt for his financial gain. He sold them various “relics” that supposedly cured ailments ranging from sick cattle to jealousy. And if the relics didn't seem to work, it was obviously because of the sinful man or woman who purchased them, and no fault of the Pardoner. He had a few lines he would routinely say to his potential customers; “Good men and women, here's a word of of warning: If there is anyone in the church this morning Guilty of s ....