Question

To start with, I declare where I’ve come from,

And then produce my certificates, one by one;

My licence with the seal of our lord bishop

Which I show first—that’s to protect myself

So that nobody, whether priest or cleric,

Dares interdict me from Christ’s holy work.



–The Canterbury Tales,
Geoffrey Chaucer

In what way does the passage accurately represent real medieval pardoners?

The passage shows that pardoners often sold indulgences for personal gain.
The passage shows that pardoners were not allowed to sell relics.
The passage shows that pardoners were officially authorized by the Church.
The passage shows that pardoners had close relationships with local priests.

Answer 1

Correct answer: The passage shows that pardoners were officially authorized by the Church.

Explanation: the speaker mentions producing certificates and a licence with the bishop’s seal to protect himself so no cleric can stop him — evidence of formal authorization. The other options are not what this passage emphasizes: it does not claim pardoners were barred from selling relics, nor does it directly show close ties with local priests, and although Chaucer elsewhere portrays pardoners selling indulgences for personal gain, this specific excerpt emphasizes their official authorization.