Chaucer's Male Influence in The Wife of Bath's Prologue
Geoffrey Chaucer demonstrates his skill as a write with his "Wife ofBath's Prologue" in many ways. It is easy to lose ourselves in thecharacter of the Wife of Bath because she is colorful and by reading herprologue, we feel as though we almost know her. Her unique qualities causeher to stand out and her honesty about her personal situation is admirable,among other things. Another critical element of the "Wife of Bath'sPrologue" is the fact that a man pens it. This aspect of the tale makes itmore enjoyable because such behavior by women was not acceptable during thefifteenth century. Additionally, because a man writes her prologue, wecannot help but consider why he wrote it. This fictional characterprovides Chaucer an opportunity to address many subjects that may have beentaboo in his time. By employing irony and humor, Chaucer is able to makestatements about women and how they are treated. It should be noted the Chaucer was indeed seeking to represent a woman'svoice. In fact, by creating the Wife of Bath, we can assume he wanted tocreate a memorable character in her. Women were victims of subjugation inthe fifteenth century, and the Wife of Bath would never have been able to
She addresses what some are saying about her "persuasion" by searchingout scripture. She demands, "Show me a time or text where God disparages/Or sets aprohibition upon marriages/Expressly, let me have it! Show it to me!"Additionally, she says, "Wedding's no sin, so far as I can learn. We should alsokeep in mind that a man wrote this scene because no woman of that timecould get away with such a thing, much less make a lesson out of it. Thisreinforces what the Wife of Bath has been saying throughout her entireprologue--that women do have control. She therefore considers herself anexpert on the subject. It is interesting to note howshe spins scripture in her favor. It is obvious that Chaucer is workingagainst the stereotypes that existed about women during that time. Her first remarks set the tone for the entire prologueas well as establish her character as a strong-willed woman. Coupled with her brashness, Chaucer also provides us with a portrait ofa dangerous woman if judged by the social norms of the fifteenth century. She is bold in her assertions and very convinced of her position. She also mentions how wonderful it would be if God had allowed her evenhalf as many spouses as wise Solomon had. Additionally, she brings up that fact that Abraham and Jacob had severalbrides. (297)Clearly, Chaucer is providing us with a comical domestic squabble. What is alsoamazing about this scene is the fact that the Wife has manipulated theaudience in the same fashion that she manipulates her husbands. Chaucer may be painting the Wife of Bath as an independent,brash woman, but he is also presenting her as someone we cannot help butlike.
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Acceptance Essays
