How we cite our quotes: (Line number)
Quote #10
O cursed synne ful of cursednesse!
O traytours homycide, O wikkednesse!
O glotonye, luxurie, and hasardrye!
Thou blasphemour of Crist, with vileynye
And othes grete, of usage and of pride,
Allas, mankynde, how may it bitide
That to thy Creatour which that the boghte,
Thou art so fals and so unkynde, allas! (609 – 617)
The Pardoner ends his Tale with this apostrophe, or address to an abstract concept or absent person. The point he wants to make is that all sins, great and small, are a betrayal of the Creator. This conclusion turns the focus away from the specific sins and sinners addressed in the Tale to the sins of all mankind. It's the big finish designed to make everyone feel ashamed and guilty that they're being so nasty to a loving God who wants nothing more than to save them. The solution? Just give the Pardoner your money and lessen your punishment.