Mankind has nearly always succumbed to the unethical influences of greed. The Pardoner states this idea when he says “Love of money is the root of all evil.” The irony in the story is derived from the fact the Pardoner does not follow his own teachings, because he sells indulgences and fake relics to increase his personal wealth. One element of the Pardoner, which fuels the irony of his tale, is the attitude he has for his living. He recognizes his own hypocrisy when he states “I preach against the very vice I make my living out of – avarice” (line 23-25). After saying this, the Pardoner even goes on to say he would take money from “the poorest lad”. These lines reveal the Pardoner’s true intention for telling his tale about avarice-to scam
