Canterbury Tales

Right from the beginning of The Wife of Bath's Prologue it is apparent how women were regarded during the Middle Ages. Since the ancient world not much had changed and women were still thought to be good for sex and bearing children. The men were still thought to be wiser and more powerful. However, Chaucer does not seem to portray women in The Wife of Bath's tale in such a way. The Wife of Bath says that women and men were given different parts so that they could be used for intercourse. She mentions that because of this, "a husband shall always be my debtor and my slave". Just like the women in Lysistrata she knows that she has power over men because of their want for sex. This power she could use to make her husbands do as she wished. The Wife of Bath is not ashamed of her past and seems to boast about it. However, this would not be something to brag about during the middle ages. Although women of course were thought to be sort of accessories to men used for sex, they were not to be in control over their husbands according to the church. The church would think that the wives should be submissive. The Wife of Bath also spits out a lot of references to the Bible, although misused, does not reflect how most thought of women of that time. The men were thought to be intellectual where the women were not. It is the pardoner who hears The Wife of Bath and screams out “I was about to wed, but now, for shame, why should my body pay a price so dear?” This was definitely not a thought that crossed a mans mind in the Middle Ages for it was the man who was always in control and the wife that she be in fear.

During the middle ages the theme of courtly love constantly appeared in literature. The Canterbury Tales were no different. In The Miller's Tale Absolon is the character who shows courtly love. It is Alisoun that he longs to be with, although she is married and in love with yet another man who is not her husband. Absolon plays his guitar for her and sings "Dear lady, by your will, be kind to me". He offers to be her slave and brings her wine and cakes and money. He is willing to do anything for Alisoun even if it is only to be her servant and this type of emotion was a popular theme in the writings of that time. There are also several occasions that the religious beliefs from medieval times can be seen in The Miller's Tale. These years were named the "age of faith" and it is apparent that Chaucer incorporated at least some belief in Christ or hint of Catholicism in his work. Throughout the tale there are several saint's that are mentioned. Chaucer mentions that Nicholas sings a song titled "Angelus to the Virgin" about Gabriel telling Mary she will have a son. He writes that Alisoun, "Now in her Christian duty, one saint's day, To the parish church this good wife made her way". This parish church is typical of a episcopal church and reflects the time period. As Alison and Nicholas were together the church bells rang. Although not necessarily key elements to the story the hint of religious practices are still found and reflect the time. Ironically, another characteristic of the values of the middle ages are that of mystery and magic. The carpenter cries for help from a saint who casts out demons and also speaks of a charm to protect his house from these demons.