Question

Read the excerpt from The Canterbury Tales.

I preach just as you’ve heard me say; and tell
A hundred taradiddles more as well.
And then I do my best to stretch my neck
And bob my head in every direction
Over the folk, now this way, and now that,
Just like a pigeon sitting on a barn.
Both hands and tongue are busy, and so quick
That it’s a joy to watch me at my work.

How does the excerpt satirize pardoners?

by stating that they are lazy when they talk to parishioners
by illustrating their sinful behavior outside the pulpit
by suggesting that their sermons are scripted performances
by implying that they are unwilling to learn from their mistakes

Answer 1

by suggesting that their sermons are scripted performances

The speaker admits he preaches the same lines ("just as you’ve heard me say") and puts on an obvious, theatrical show—bobbing his head, busy hands and tongue—making the sermon a staged performance rather than sincere religious instruction.