Madame Eglantine: Unraveling The Complexities of a Pious Prioress

When it comes to the characters in Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, Madame Eglantine, the Prioress, stands out as a fascinating paradox. On the surface, she appears to be a devout and virtuous woman, dedicated to her religious duties. However, upon closer examination, her actions and behavior reveal a more complex and contradictory nature. Through an exploration of her character, we gain insight into the societal expectations and constraints faced by women in fourteenth-century England. This essay aims to delve into the complexities of Madame Eglantine, shedding light on her contradictions and offering a deeper understanding of her role in Chaucer’s masterpiece.

The Pious Facade: Madame Eglantine's Religious Devotion

Madame Eglantine’s primary role as a Prioress is to embody and uphold the ideals of religious devotion. Her external appearance reflects this dedication, as Chaucer describes her as having a "smale corall aboute hir arm" and a "grene coral, an hundred tymes." These coral accessories serve as symbols of her piety, suggesting a deep commitment to her faith. However, her true character is unveiled through her actions.

Despite her religious role, Madame Eglantine is depicted as a woman preoccupied with worldly matters. Rather than focusing solely on her spiritual duties, she indulges in vanity and displays a desire for attention and admiration. Chaucer writes, "Ful semely hir wimpel pinched was," indicating that she takes great care in her appearance, seeking to enhance her attractiveness. This behavior contradicts the expectations placed upon a woman of her position, as vanity was seen as sinful and distracting from a life of religious devotion.

Furthermore, Madame Eglantine's love for animals, particularly her pet dog, is another aspect of her character that challenges the conventional image of a pious Prioress. While her affection for animals may be seen as endearing, it is questionable whether such devotion aligns with her religious vocation. Chaucer notes that "at mete wel ytaught was she withalle," indicating that she feeds her dog from the table, treating it as a companion. This gesture suggests a sense of indulgence and a blurred line between her role as a woman of God and her personal inclinations.

Gender Expectations and Constraints: Madame Eglantine's Subtle Rebellion

Madame Eglantine's contradictions can be seen as a subtle form of rebellion against the gender expectations and constraints imposed upon women in fourteenth-century England. As a Prioress, she is expected to conform to the ideals of modesty, chastity, and selflessness. However, her actions suggest a desire for personal expression and agency.

In a society where women were expected to be submissive and obedient, Madame Eglantine's indulgence in vanity and her love for her pet dog can be seen as acts of defiance. By asserting her individuality and prioritizing her own desires, she challenges the patriarchal norms that sought to suppress women's agency. Although her rebellion may be subtle, it serves as a reminder of the complexities and contradictions faced by women during this time.

Furthermore, Madame Eglantine's inclination towards worldly matters can be interpreted as a means of escaping the limitations placed upon her. While she is expected to devote herself entirely to her religious duties, her vanity and love for animals allow her to find solace and fulfillment outside of her prescribed role. In this sense, her contradictions can be seen as a form of self-preservation and a means of reclaiming her identity within the confines of a patriarchal society.

Conclusion: A Multifaceted Character Reflecting Society's Expectations

Madame Eglantine, the Prioress, is far from a one-dimensional character. Through her contradictions and complexities, she provides a glimpse into the societal expectations and constraints faced by women in fourteenth-century England. While she outwardly presents herself as a pious and virtuous woman, her actions and behavior reveal a desire for personal expression and agency. By exploring Madame Eglantine's character, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by women during this time and the ways in which they navigated societal expectations.

As we delve into the complexities of Madame Eglantine, we are reminded of the importance of questioning conventional narratives and recognizing the multifaceted nature of individuals. Chaucer's portrayal of this character encourages us to challenge preconceived notions and embrace the contradictions that make us human. In doing so, we gain a richer understanding of both literature and society.

Bibliography

Chaucer, Geoffrey. The Canterbury Tales. Translated by Nevill Coghill, Penguin Books, 2003.