(Chaucer 185) In addition, upon finding gold, the characters forget about death; this act employs dramatic irony, as the reader is conscience of their plans to kill one another, however the young men are oblivious to the countering parties plots against each other. (Chaucer, 263, 264 273, 274) Thus through the inclusion of this entity, one can identify the dramatic irony evident within this example as the reader is well aware of the tale’s cautionary nature against the wickedness of greed. (Chaucer, 329)
Verbal irony involves the use of a word or phrase that obtains two levels of meaning, oftentimes literal and figurative levels that contradict one another. The pardoner’s tale exemplifies verbal irony as demonstrated in lines 216-217”
Trust me,' the other said, you needn't doubt my word. I wont betray you. I'll be true.'" (Chaucer, 216-217) The rioter is telling his companion that he would not betray him, however he plotting to kill the youngest rioter in this tale, whom he …show more content…
The pardoner’s prologue exemplifies situational irony within the inclusion of the phrase “ In church he was a noble ecclesiast’ (Chaucer 141)” The Pardoner is allegedly a holy man, however his actions contradict such nature. The Pardoner exemplifies situational irony through his dishonest character. He steals from the church constantly. ‘…with others I have power to win them from it, I can bring them to repent…’ (Chaucer 151). Essentially the Pardoner tricks his parishioners into purchasing pardons in an attempt to pocket the money such pardons acquire. In addition it is mentioned “He uses his talent of thinking on his feet and coming up with great biblical stories to earn money, ‘A yokel mind loves stories of old, being the kind it can repeat and hold…’ (Chaucer 152) Due to the inherent trust parishioner’s have within their preacher, it is ironic that he chooses to create faith based lies in order to instruct or deceive his audience. (Chaucer 152) The act creating such imaginings is largely unexpected by reader as it illustrates the corruption evident within his profession, as well as individual character. Finally, situational irony is employed within the three men's mission to kill Death and the agreements they came to prior to their journey. (Chaucer 121-124) They promise to battle and perish for each other. The ironic feature in this tale is the conclusion