What do you think the poor old man may symbolize? (The Pardoner's Tale)
This site mentions four possible symbols the old man may represent. What do you think?
http://faculty.goucher.edu/eng330/chaucerpardoner.htm
I need help
In "The Pardoner's Tale" by Geoffrey Chaucer, the poor old man may symbolize several things depending on the interpretation of the story. To understand the potential symbolism of the character, we can analyze the story and extract relevant details.
To begin, the poor old man is encountered by the rioters in a desolate place while searching for Death. He is described as thin, feeble, and dressed in ragged clothing, giving the impression of poverty and insignificance. The old man tells the rioters that he has been condemned to wander the earth forever due to his longing for death but being unable to find it.
One interpretation of the poor old man's symbolism is that he represents a reminder of mortality and the inevitability of death. His futile search for death while being cursed to live forever highlights the inability of humans to escape their ultimate fate. This interpretation suggests that the old man serves as a moral lesson for the rioters, reminding them of the transitory nature of life and the consequences of their reckless behavior.
Another interpretation could be that the poor old man symbolizes wisdom or insight. Despite his poverty and suffering, he possesses knowledge that the rioters lack. His advice to the rioters to abandon their greedy pursuit of treasure and instead seek virtuous living can be seen as a profound lesson against materialism and avarice.
Ultimately, the interpretation of the poor old man's symbolism partly depends on the reader's perspective. To gain a deeper understanding of this character's symbolism in "The Pardoner's Tale," it is recommended to read the story critically, paying attention to the various themes and symbols, and considering different interpretations from literary scholars and critics.