Chaucer's eunuch pardoner

The Middle Ages was a time of religious upheaval. All parts of life, including sexuality, were strictly restricted by the Church. The homosexuals of the Middle Ages had to endure much and were often physically persecuted. This persecution affects one of the most debated characters from the Middle Ages---Chaucer's Pardoner. The vast majority of critics agree that the Pardoner is both a homosexual and a eunuch, but it is rarely argued which event occurred first. Many assume that the Pardoner became a homosexual due to his eunuchry, yet there are written symbols and expressions that suggest that the Pardoner becomes a eunuch due to his homosexuality. If it is assumed that his homosexuality precedes his eunuchry, the reasons behind both the actions and words of the Pardoner as well as the actions and responses of his fellow pilgrims become intelligible in a new way.