In Barbara W. Tuchman's "A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century," the author critiques various characters from Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales." Among them, the Pardoner stands out as the only truly despicable figure. His physical appearance is depicted with disdain, highlighting his stringy hair, and hairless skin, which evokes feelings of revulsion.

Moreover, the Pardoner’s character is defined by his brazen admission of the deceitful practices he employs in his profession, further solidifying him as the embodiment of corruption and moral decay within the pilgrim group. This portrayal not only serves to illustrate the Pardoner's flaws but also reflects broader societal issues during Chaucer's time.