rhetorical analysis essay.

Geoffrey Chaucer was a medieval author who wrote in a range of poetic varieties and genres, often exploring topics such as science and philosophy. In his collection of stories titled The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer uses one of his characters, the Pardoner, to express the adage, "Radix malorum est cupiditas,” or "Greed is the root of all evil.”

Write an essay that argues your position on the Pardoner’s claim that all evil begins with or stems from greed. Use appropriate and specific real-world evidence to develop and defend your stance.

Your response should:

form a defensible thesis in response to the prompt.
develop a line of reasoning with relevant evidence.
include commentary to explain evidence.
use correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Introduction:
Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories that offers a glimpse into medieval society. In the collection, one of the characters, the Pardoner, states that “Greed is the root of all evil.” This claim suggests that all evil actions and outcomes stem from greed. While some may argue that there are other factors that lead to evil, such as mental illness or societal influence, the Pardoner’s assertion holds true when considering the evidence from real-world examples.

Thesis:
This essay argues that the Pardoner’s claim that all evil begins with or stems from greed is accurate, as evidenced by the examples of corporate greed, political corruption, and personal greed.

Body Paragraph 1:
Corporate greed is a prime example of how greed leads to evil actions and outcomes. One only needs to look at the numerous corporate scandals that have occurred over the years, such as Enron or the 2008 financial crisis, to see the devastating effects of greed. In both cases, corporate leaders were motivated by the desire for wealth and power, leading to unethical and illegal actions that harmed countless people.

Body Paragraph 2:
Political corruption is another example of how greed leads to evil actions and outcomes. Politicians who are motivated by greed often engage in corrupt practices, such as accepting bribes or engaging in cronyism. This can lead to a breakdown in trust between the government and the people, and can ultimately harm the democratic process.

Body Paragraph 3:
Personal greed is a final example of how greed leads to evil actions and outcomes. Individuals who are motivated by greed may engage in a range of unethical or illegal actions, such as theft or fraud, in order to achieve their desires. This can harm both the individual and those around them, leading to a breakdown in relationships and trust.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Pardoner’s claim that all evil begins with or stems from greed is accurate when considering the evidence from real-world examples. Corporate greed, political corruption, and personal greed are just a few examples of how greed can lead to unethical and illegal actions that harm others. While there may be other factors that contribute to evil actions and outcomes, greed remains a significant and powerful motivator for such behavior.