The problem is I don't know how to answer this question.

Question

Many writers create characters who are blissfully unaware of how they are perceived by others. One of the most complex examples of this is Chaucer's Pardoner. In one character we see a complex mix of what he is, what he is supposed to be, what he thinks he is, and how he is perceived by others. Trace the way Chaucer achieves this in the setup of the entire Canterbury Tales, and the Pardoner's Prologue and Tale.
Can you help me understand this prompt

Answer 1

You're being asked to focus on The Pardoner's Prologue and The Pardoner's Tale.

Write about how he sees himself and how other see him. They will be different. It would probably be a good idea to read about what a pardoner SHOULD have been doing, as well. Then you can write your paper contrasting what he is vs. what he is supposed to be.

Read about the Pardoner here:
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/canterbury/
and
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/canterbury/
(Fragment VI Group C)

And read several explanations of what a pardoner was and was supposed to do among these search results:
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=medieval+pardoner

Then make an outline, having a section for each of the following:
~ what was a pardoner supposed to be and do
~ how the Pardoner is portrayed by Chaucer
1. How other pilgrims saw him
2. How he saw himself

Once you read enough and get your thoughts in order, you should do well. But do not try to write this without doing enough background reading or without organizing (planning) your thoughts first.