Analysis of The Wife of Bath from The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer

Introduction

In the fourteenth century England, the month of "Abril" marked a significant religious event where individuals across various social strata, excluding royalty and serfs, were obliged by the Church to undertake a pilgrimage to a sacred site. Geoffrey Chaucer's magnum opus, The Canterbury Tales, presents a satirical panorama of this tradition as thirty pilgrims embark on a journey to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury, England. Their odyssey commences in Southwark, just outside London, where they gather under the guidance of Harry Bailly, the Host. Seeking to alleviate the tedium of the journey, Bailly proposes a storytelling contest wherein each pilgrim is tasked to craft four tales – two on the way to the shrine and two on the return journey, totaling 120 tales. The pilgrim judged to have narrated the most captivating and morally instructive story would be treated to a feast by the other twenty-nine participants upon their return to the Tabard Inn. Although Chaucer envisioned a grand collection of 120 tales, only twenty-two tales were completed, alongside two fragments. This integration of tales within the overarching narrative establishes The Canterbury Tales as a literary frame, with Chaucer the Pilgrim serving as the narrator who recounts the tales of his fellow travelers. Among these pilgrims, the Wife of Bath emerges as one of the most illustrious figures, her character vividly portrayed through Chaucer's adept use of satire. By matching tales to their tellers, Chaucer crafts a rich tapestry of medieval society, wherein the Wife of Bath's opulent lifestyle and independent spirit are accentuated through satirical embellishments. Therefore The Wife of Bath is chosen as a subject for this character analysis essay.

The Wife of Bath Character Analysis

The Wife of Bath epitomizes the medieval standards of beauty with her distinctive physical features – "gap teeth, set widely," and ample hips, complemented by a "bold" countenance tinged with a "red hue." Chaucer aptly portrays her as a sociable and affable individual, suggesting her "good-natured gregariousness." Having been wedded five times, she demonstrates a keen understanding of how to exert influence over men to gratify her desires.

As a widow and a member of the burgeoning middle class, the Wife of Bath has amassed considerable wealth through her five marriages and a thriving cloth-making enterprise. Her adeptness in crafting "kerchiefs ... of finely woven ground" underscores her entrepreneurial spirit and financial independence. In juxtaposition to the prevailing notion of women's dependency in medieval society, the Wife of Bath challenges societal norms by asserting her economic autonomy. Moreover, Chaucer hints at her tasteful attire in the General Prologue, describing her "hose of the finest scarlet red" and well-maintained appearance, which befit her assertive character. Her comfortable demeanor astride an ambling horse further signifies her prosperity. However, beneath this veneer of affluence lies a subtle satire, as Chaucer alludes to her pride, wrath, envy, and lust, exemplified by her five marriages and dalliances in her youth. Through both her Prologue detailing her marital exploits and her subsequent Tale revolving around a knight's quest for love, Chaucer unveils pivotal aspects of the Wife of Bath's life while infusing satirical elements to enrich her characterization.

The Wife of Bath's Prologue

Chaucer initiates the development of the Wife of Bath's persona through her Prologue, wherein she launches into a spirited defense of her lifestyle, particularly her views on marriage and sexuality. Despite her history of multiple marriages, she adamantly justifies her actions, contending that each union was sanctioned by the Church. Nevertheless, the notion of genuine and faithful love across five marriages raises skepticism, especially as she entertains the prospect of a sixth union following the demise of her fifth spouse. Amidst the pilgrims' discourse on virginity and matrimony, the Wife of Bath vehemently rebuts criticisms of polygamy, asserting that God's plan need not adhere to a singular interpretation of marital fidelity, remarking that she "never heard a definition of those numbers." Moreover, she endorses Saint Paul's doctrine of mutual obligation within marriage, affirming that both partners are entitled to fulfill the "marriage debt," i.e., sexual pleasure. Towards the conclusion of her Prologue, she reflects on her marital experiences, delineating three husbands whom she deems "good" for treating her as an equal and two deemed "bad" for asserting dominance. She articulates her preference for a marriage where she wields control, symbolized by her desire for a husband who will be both "my debtor and my slave."

The Wife of Bath's Prologue serves as a testament to her evolving character, shaped by the vicissitudes of her matrimonial experiences. Across her marriages, she discerns her desire for power and autonomy, evidenced by her insistence on gaining control over her husbands' property before consummation. Notably, she revels in her ability to torment her fourth husband, who maintained a mistress, positioning herself as his "Purgatory on Earth." Through this retrospective exploration of her past, readers glean insights into the profound impact of her marital history on her persona.

Furthermore, the thematic alignment of the Prologue with the Wife of Bath's lifestyle underscores its relevance to her narrative. Despite the Prologue's ostensibly religious discourse surrounding the sanctity of marriage, the Wife of Bath interprets it through a lens of personal justification, highlighting the ironic disjunction between her actions and conventional Christian ideals. While she asserts the Church's sanction of her unions "at the church door," her interpretation of religious marriage diverges markedly from the conventional understanding, emphasizing her adeptness at navigating societal norms to suit her own ends.

The reactions of fellow pilgrims to the Wife of Bath's Prologue provide further insight into her character. The Pardoner's aversion to marriage, articulated through his interruption of her narrative, reflects his apprehension towards relinquishing power in a marital union. Conversely, the Summoner and the Friar find amusement in her audacious disclosures and protracted storytelling, albeit with a hint of sarcasm and impatience. Their reactions serve to contextualize the Wife of Bath's place within the pilgrim cohort, foreshadowing the reception of her subsequent tale—a Breton lai—while underscoring the diverse perspectives and dynamics among the pilgrims.

Themes in the Wife of Bath's Tale

The Wife of Bath's Tale encapsulates the notion that a fulfilling marriage hinges on mutual love, respect, and kindness, challenging conventional social norms wherein power dynamics often dictate relationships. Her happiness, she contends, lies in a partnership where both spouses share authority—a departure from prevailing expectations. Throughout her discourse with fellow pilgrims, she elucidates how her ideal of marital success is attainable within the constraints of medieval society. Notably, the tale underscores the importance of voluntary relinquishment of dominance, a departure from the coercive tactics employed by the Wife of Bath in her own marital ventures. Implicit in the narrative is the Wife of Bath's desire for a symbolic acknowledgment of submission from her partners—a desire thus far unfulfilled.

The thematic resonance between the Wife of Bath's Tale and her personal ethos is palpable. The tale's depiction of a harmonious marital bond founded on shared power mirrors her own aspirations, manifesting in her relentless pursuit of independence within marriage. The protagonist's emancipation from her husband echoes the Wife of Bath's yearning for autonomy within her own relationships, rendering the tale a poignant reflection of her desires and aspirations.

The tale elicits spirited debate among the pilgrims, igniting a "marriage debate" among the Merchant, Clerk, and Franklin. While opinions vary, there is consensus that the Wife of Bath's Tale aligns with her convictions and values, reflecting her unique perspective on life and relationships. Through her narrative, the Wife of Bath exemplifies the possibility of carving out a fulfilling existence within a patriarchal society, challenging entrenched gender norms and advocating for women's agency.

Conclusion

In The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer masterfully intertwines tales with their tellers, crafting a rich tapestry of narratives that resonate with the personalities and experiences of the pilgrims. Among these, the Wife of Bath stands out as a compelling embodiment of defiance and autonomy, her tale serving as a testament to her unwavering convictions. As the pilgrims traverse towards Saint Thomas Becket's shrine, her narrative weaves together her tumultuous past with profound lessons on equality and mutual respect in relationships. Ultimately, the Wife of Bath's Tale stands as a testament to Chaucer's skill in rendering complex characters and themes, offering readers a glimpse into the intricacies of medieval society and human nature.