Lines 6358-6799 Summary

Fals-Semblance continues to describe himself, relating his work as a rapacious false priest who likes to hear the confessions of rich people (and taking their donations) while preaching the virtues of poverty and chastity. He muses on the topic of riches, sufficience, and poverty at some length after questioning by Cupid.

Lines 6358-6799 Analysis

Fals-Semblance's description of himself as a false priest who grows rich on money imposed on people as a penance for sin is very interesting historically. The description of this type of corruption - which actually happened and was not merely fictional - reminds the reader of some of the ideas put forward by the early Protestants (such as Martin Luther, Jan Hus and John Wycliffe) who spoke out against the practice of selling indulgences. These may, however, need some explanation. Monetary penalties were often imposed as a...