The Canterbury Tales · Chapter
De Tertia Parte Poenitentioe explained
This chapter discusses the third part of penitence, satisfaction, which consists of almsdeed and bodily pain.
What happens
This chapter discusses the third part of penitence, satisfaction, which consists of almsdeed and bodily pain. It elaborates on three types of almsdeed, the importance of prayer (especially the Pater Noster), fasting, and other forms of bodily discipline. It also addresses obstacles to penance such as dread, shame, hope, and wanhope, and concludes with the fruit of penance: the endless bliss of heaven.
Themes in this chapter
Sin and Redemption
The chapter focuses on penance as a means of redemption, emphasizing that no matter how long one has sinned, the mercy of Christ is always available.
Corruption and Hypocrisy in the Church
It warns against hypocrites who are ashamed to confess, suggesting a critique of those who appear perfect but avoid true penitence.
Key passages
“Now have I told you of very confession, that is the second part of penitence: The third part of penitence is satisfaction, and that standeth generally in almsdeed and bodily pain.”
I have now explained confession, the second part of penance; the third part is satisfaction, which consists of charitable acts and physical suffering.
This introduces the main topic of the chapter: satisfaction as the final component of penance.
“This alms shouldest thou do of thine own proper things, and hastily, and privily if thou mayest; but nevertheless, if thou mayest not do it privily, thou shalt not forbear to do alms, though men see it, so that it be not done for thank of the world, but only for thank of Jesus Christ.”
You should give alms from your own possessions, quickly and secretly if possible; but if you cannot do it secretly, do not stop giving alms even if seen, as long as it is for Christ's sake and not for worldly praise.
This emphasizes the importance of intention in charitable acts, aligning with the theme of avoiding hypocrisy.
“Against the first vice, he shall think that our life is in no sickerness, and eke that all the riches in this world be in adventure, and pass as a shadow on the wall;”
Against the vice of delaying confession, one should remember that life is uncertain and all worldly riches are fleeting, like a shadow on a wall.
This warns against procrastination in penance due to the uncertainty of life.
“Certes against that cursed wanhope should he think, that the passion of Jesus Christ is more strong for to unbind, than sin is strong for to bind.”
Against that cursed despair, one should remember that Christ's passion is more powerful to free us than sin is to bind us.
This counters the despair of being too sinful to be saved, reinforcing the theme of redemption.