Greed plays a huge role in the pardoner's story in the Canterbury Tales as it does in our world today. I believe all evil stems from three things: pain, jealousy, and greed. For now, I will just extend on the point about greed. Greed is an act of selfishness, when one takes more than they need, and in most cases hurts those around. Greed can be found, mostly, where power and money is. For example, the government. I'm not saying all politicians are greedy, but isn't it amazing how many of them end up doing time in prison for trying to get money in illegal ways? Several of the people who are supposed to set examples and be leaders for citizens go to prison, where the people who disobey laws get put. Amazing how that works. These people have privileges, and in most cases don't need the money their taking or the affairs they're having, but do them anyway. That is a prime example of greed.
I'm all for looking at both sides of the story, and maybe there's something behind the greedy decisions people make. Maybe, we shouldn't put the blame all on their shoulders. Society and the media emphasize money in a way that would make it hard to deny it when put right in front of you. Of course, this is no excuse, but it is something to think about. Maybe, if there was more emphasis on morals and less on the exterior and wealth there would be less greed occurring, especially in hollywood and politics.
I like how you talk about greed and how it relates today. There are many ideas and things of relevance in this tale that relate to modern day but greed is a huge one.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your take on both sides of the concept. Today's society and media does put extreme emphasis on all of these materialistic objects, making them a bigger deal than what they really are. For example, the new iPhone, does somebody really need to have a colored phone and a finger scanner to unlock their phone? I find the entire model extremely unnecessary. But because of the way our society works, people are drawn to buy it. If only there was a way to make good morals as appealing.
ReplyDeleteI agree that greed can be found mostly where money and power is. When you're just trying to get by, you're not worried about having all the finest things. You're worried about living. I think that's where there is a divide. When you already have enough you want more.
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