Chaucer's Wife of Bath: Medieval Feminist
Gone Medieval
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Challenging Norms: The Wife of Bath's Prologue
This chapter explores the Wife of Bath's defense of her multiple marriages against societal and church norms, using biblical references to highlight contradictions in views on marriage and virginity. It critiques the disconnect between clerical writings and the realities faced by women, emphasizing the importance of female voices in medieval literature. Additionally, the discussion brings to light the shifting dynamics of female authority and interpretation, showcasing how the Wife of Bath embodies the emerging agency of women in a changing society.
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