From the Middle Ages through the Renaissance — Test
Question 22 • English Language Arts 12
Read the excerpt from The Canterbury Tales. For I’ll have money, wool, and cheese, and wheat, Though given by the poorest serving-lad, Or by the poorest widow in the place, Were all her children dying of famine, No, no! I’ll drink the ichor of the vine, And have a pretty girl in every town. But hear me out now, gentlemen . . . Which statement best describes the satire in the excerpt?
Answer
A
The Pardoner’s excessive drinking underscores the need for moderation.
B
The Pardoner’s poverty suggests that the Church is too stingy.
C
The Pardoner’s disregard for people experiencing poverty reveals the Church’s hypocrisy.
D
The Pardoner’s indulgent spending draws attention to the need for restraint.