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Overview

Synopsis

The Pardoner and the Friar is an allegorical exploration of religion’s politics. The Friar--a traveling churchman--is trying to convince the local townspeople to give him money. In return, he will pray for their souls; he is, after all, a holy friar and close to God. But then along comes a Pardoner, a man who wields papal permission to sell holy relics in order to save people’s souls. At the church, these two men begin a debate of religious ideology, determined to win the hearts, minds, and money of the locals. When the church’s parson tries to end their feud, he stumbles into a conflict of more gravity than he could have imagined. A lesser-known work by John Heywood, The Pardoner and the Friar reveals the uncertainties of religion and faith that permeated the early 1500s in England.

Show Information

Book
John Heywood
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
1533
Genres
Settings
Period, Simple/No Set
Time & Place
England, church, 1500s
Cast Size
small
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal For
All-Male Cast, College/University, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Religious Groups, Small Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult Characters

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Friar

Lead

Male

Pardoner

Lead

Male

Parson

Supporting

Male

Neighbor Prat

Supporting

Male

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

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Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

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Videos

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Quizzes

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Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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Guide Written By:

Cindi Calhoun

Cindi Calhoun

Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress