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The Canterbury Tales: The Pardoner's Tale Allusions & Cultural References

When authors refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.

Biblical References

  • 1 Timothy 6:10: Epigraph, and ll. 48, 140
  • Lot: l. 199
  • Herod: l. 202
  • John the Baptist: l. 205
  • Adam, Eve, and the Fall: ll. 219-225
  • Paul (and his Epistles): l. 235, 243-247
  • Sampson: l. 269
  • Samuel: l. 299
  • Lemuel: l. 298, 299
  • Gospel of Matthew: l. 348
  • Saint Jerome (and his writings): ll. 349-351
  • The Ten Commandments: ll. 353-361

Historical References

  • Attila the Hun: l. 293
  • Chilon of Sparta (referred to here as Stilboun): l. 317
  • Demetrius II, called Nicator: l. 335
  • Mithradates I, King of Parthia: l. 336
  • Avicenna and his Canons: ll. 603-604