Introduction
Even though Geoffrey Chaucer and William Shakespeare lived in different time periods and their texts belong to different genres, The Pardoner’s Tale and the tragedy Othello share some standard features. The themes raised by each author seem universal and reflect not only their reality, but also today’s society.
By analyzing this work, the reader can think about human vices and the moral consequences of actions. Chaucer and Shakespeare emphasize the depth of human psychology and the influence of experience on individuals’ states and behavior. Therefore, this paper aims to compare The Pardoner’s Tale from The Canterbury Tales and The Tragedy of Othello the Moor of Venice.
Exploration of Human Vices
Chaucer’s Focus
One of the central themes of both texts is the revelation of the vices that are characteristic of people. The authors reveal the complexity and intricacy of human nature, using the main characters as reflections of society. Chaucer demonstrates the greed and hypocrisy of people, which can lead to dire consequences (3). The author emphasizes how these vices lead to internal destruction of the individual and force people to go against any moral principles and values.
Shakespeare’s Focus
On the other hand, Shakespeare focuses on jealousy as the main destructive factor. The play delves into the psychological complexities of jealousy, showing how it can poison relationships and lead to devastating consequences. Like Chaucer, human vices cause the character’s internal destruction and the deterioration of his relationships with others, ultimately becoming fatal (Shakespeare 263). However, unlike Chaucer, Shakespeare depicts the protagonist’s experiences as more complex and multifaceted. It makes the reader think about the nature of human relationships and the influence that the environment can have on an individual.
Chaucer’s Characters
It is essential to understand the characters’ context and how their individual characteristics shape perceptions of the topic. Pardoner is depicted as a morally bankrupt man who uses his social position for personal gain (Chaucer 1). The hypocrisy and greed inherent in him stem from his character, low morals, and lack of values beyond material ones.
Moreover, three rioters embody betrayal and violence that people can use for their own benefit (Chaucer 1). Their relationships with each other are based on personal gain, without regard to the principles of fairness or mutual respect. The author depicts the parasitic way of life of people: everything, accusers, methods to get rich, methods to overcome any qualms, endure torment, and be ready for meanness and betrayal.
Shakespeare’s Characters
At the same time, Shakespeare’s characters are more versatile and undergo a long process of development. Othello, initially distinguished by his virtue and military prowess (Shakespeare 21). His only flaw is jealousy, which his detractors use against him. Iago, who hates Othello, turns him against Desdemona and Cassio, stoking his jealousy and suspicions about their relationship (Shakespeare 115).
However, unlike Chaucer, Shakespeare provides readers with a more in-depth description of the characters’ history and the factors that might influence their behavior. The apparent antagonist that Iago appears to be at first glance has deeper reasons for his hatred of Othello, rooted in jealousy and resentment. This highlights the complexity of human nature and the destructive power individuals possess.
Moral Consequences
Chaucer’s Tale
Another important theme in both texts is the analysis of the moral consequences that shape the characters’ decisions and actions. Three rebels, driven by an insatiable thirst for wealth, betray and kill each other in pursuit of the elusive treasure (Chaucer 3). The author emphasizes the fatality of greed, defining it as one of the most destructive vices. Moreover, the curse placed on the characters emphasizes not only the potential physical consequences but also the spiritual ones. This factor has a deeper meaning, demonstrating the moral destruction that the described vices lead to.
Pardoner himself, although he does not face the obvious consequences of his hypocrisy, appears before readers as a morally corrupt person. In the prologue, he openly boasts about his deception and states that he feels no pity or regret, but only contempt for the people he deceived (Chaucer 1). However, for this character, the moral component of his actions is even more significant than for the three riots.
As a representative of the church, he must adhere to the divine commandments and have an inviolable value system. Pardoner’s manipulation of the truth for personal gain exposes the moral corruption within the church institution. Claiming that he does not tolerate human vices, he is a clear demonstration of one of them.
Shakespeare’s Play
The moral consequences in Othello stem from the choices the characters make. Othello’s moral decline is evident as he succumbs to the insidious influence of jealousy, which leads him to commit heinous acts, including the murder of his innocent wife Desdemona (Shakespeare 242). Moreover, Shakespeare portrays the influence of vices on both the individual and social levels. Othello cannot come to terms with the consequences of his action and commits suicide (Shakespeare 265). This highlights the destructive impact of atrocities on a person’s personality.
In addition, Shakespeare emphasizes how people’s vices can affect their environment. Even though Othello killed Desdemona, Lodovico finds Iago guilty of the crime (Shakespeare 259). His hatred and envy led to the destruction of moral values and to his negative influence on Othello. This demonstrates how society can have a detrimental effect on a person by influencing their behavior, amplifying negative qualities, and becoming a primary reason for abandoning personal beliefs.
Furthermore, both texts and the themes they raise can exist outside of time and context and apply to today’s society. In Chaucer’s time, the church was central to the regulation and governance of society. The vices to which its representatives are exposed reflect the injustice of the authorities, which can still happen today. Corruption and desires for self-interest make it impossible to achieve justice and equality, since each acts solely in his own interests. Moreover, Shakespeare criticizes society, focusing on its impact on individuals. Like Chaucer, he demonstrates the negative consequences of a lack of respect and understanding in interpersonal relationships.
Conclusion
Despite differences in context and events, Shakespeare and Chaucer have much in common. Both authors criticize human vices, demonstrating their destructive impact on the individual and society. Lack of values, disrespect for others, and excessive susceptibility to suggestion become the leading causes of fatal consequences. Moreover, both texts are relevant to today’s realities, in which people, pursuing personal gain and goals, can neglect and manipulate others.
Works Cited
Chaucer, Geoffrey. The Pardoner’s Tale.
Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice. Folger Shakespeare Library, 1603.