In the vibrant tapestry of Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales," the Wife of Bath emerges as one of the most compelling and memorable characters. Her prologue is a richly layered monologue that reveals much about her personality, beliefs, and experiences. The excerpt in question provides a glimpse into her pragmatic and outspoken nature.
"Now, sire," quod she, "When we flee fro the bemes For Goddess love, as taak som laxative. Up peril of my soule and o lif, I counseille yow the beeste, I wol nat lye,"
In these lines, the Wife of Bath is addressing her current husband. She advises him to take a laxative to alleviate his discomfort. The advice is couched in humor, as the idea of recommending a laxative contrasts sharply with the more refined topics often found in literature. This earthy, practical language is characteristic of the Wife of Bath. She is not one to shy away from discussing bodily functions or other everyday matters, reflecting her down-to-earth and no-nonsense approach to life.
The humor in her advice serves to humanize her and make her relatable to the audience. Chaucer uses this humor to great effect, grounding his characters in the real world and their everyday experiences. The Wife of Bath's willingness to speak openly about such matters underscores her confidence and authority. She speaks with conviction, swearing on her soul and life that her advice is sound. This confidence is a defining trait of her character. Throughout her prologue, she challenges traditional notions of female submissiveness, asserting her own opinions and experiences with unwavering certainty.
By offering medical advice to her husband, the Wife of Bath also subverts the typical male-dominated hierarchy of her time. She positions herself as knowledgeable and capable, a woman who commands respect and attention. This dynamic is evident in her relationships, where she often takes control and asserts her authority. Her advice to take a laxative, while practical, also serves as a reminder of her influence and presence within her marriage.
Chaucer uses the Wife of Bath to explore and challenge societal norms and expectations. In a time when women were often expected to be demure and obedient, she stands out as independent, outspoken, and unapologetically herself. Her candor and pragmatism are emblematic of her broader challenge to societal conventions, making her a symbol of female empowerment and independence in medieval literature.
These lines also reflect the Wife of Bath's unique personality. She is pragmatic, humorous, and unashamedly herself. She embraces life with all its messiness and imperfections, and her advice to her husband is both practical and a testament to her strong presence and influence. Through the Wife of Bath, Chaucer offers social commentary on the roles and expectations of women. She embodies early feminist ideas, advocating for women's right to express themselves, enjoy life, and seek equality in their relationships.
In summary, this excerpt from the Wife of Bath's Prologue showcases her distinctive voice, confidence, and defiance of societal expectations. Her pragmatic advice, delivered with humor and authority, highlights her unique position in medieval literature as a symbol of female empowerment and independence. The Wife of Bath remains a timeless character, continuing to provoke thought and discussion on gender roles and societal norms.