Canterbury Tales
Theme/Issue: Feminism or Anti-Feminism: Images of women.Thesis: "The Wife of Bath" is a tale of feminism or Anti-feminism showcasing the images of women and ways a female character gains power within a repressive, patriarchal society.I. The main character, Alison, or the wife of Bath, is representative of most of the feminist ideals in the work.a. She is strong, independent, and to be respected as a women of great courage.b. Alison has suffered a great deal in her lifetime, indicative of life foe women at this time.II. A more careful analysis of both the "General Prologue" and "The Wife of Bath's Tale and Prologue," however, suggest that perhaps the character of Alison is not as autonomous as the reader is led to believe. a. The General Prologue gives evidence of Alison's prowess as a weaver: "of cloth-making she hadde swich an haunt/ She passed hem of Ypres and of Guant" (General Prologue 449-450).b. Despite this talent and position as a business owner, Alison still relies on her husband for wealth and status. III. Another of Alison's character as one representing feminist ideals is that she gains her power through acting out stereoty
While his quest may be interpreted as a lack of punishment, others contend that it is not meant to be a journey of punishment, but a journey of knowledge. It is presented to the modern day reader as an early tale of feminism showcasing the ways a female character gains power within a repressive, patriarchal society. She is strong, independent, and to be respected as a woman of great courage. "Marriage is the key to survival, and that is what Alisoun seeks and finds" (Carruthers 214), argues Mary Carruthers, justifying Alison's five marriages. The unnamed exploited woman disappears from the tale, showing the reader that she is not a subject worthy of study, nor does she have much to do with the overall plot. Some readers argue the tale is feminist in nature in part due to the quest of the Knight. Yet, the portrayal of the young maiden demonstrates the need in medieval times to place women into categories, thereby making it easier for them to be dominated. Some readers argue the tale is feminist in nature in part due to the quest of the Knight. Others on the voyage to Canterbury are referred to by their name and occupation, for example the Clerk and the Merchant, yet Alison is referred to as the wife of Bath. Furthermore, the court treats the rape in the same casual manner as it happens. By doing so, for the first time in his life he is seeing women as people, not as mere objects. While the overall story is one of supposed feminism shown through women's empowerment, there are many aspects of "The Wife of Bath" that are anti-feminist in nature. Hereby, women were the downfall of men.
Common topics in this essay:
Prologue Tale,
Wife Bath,
Merchant Alison,
Tale Prologue,
III Alison's,
Gaunt Prologue,
Bath's Tale,
Mary Carruthers,
Guant Prologue,
wife bath's,
Wife Bath's,
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bath's prologue,
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bath's prologue tale,
prologue tale,
character alison,
feminist ideals,
gains power,
wife bath's tale,
main character,
bath's tale,
power acting,
main character alison,
swich haunt/ passed,
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Acceptance Essays
