Paper Summary:

This comparison essay shows how the role of the woman is portrayed very differently in two stories from the same book of 14th century tales. The paper argues that within both stories the role of woman as a wife and the propagator of the human race is reinforced and presented as seemingly the sole respectable position for a woman. "The Wife of Bath" feels the position of women to be regrettable, however upon this she founds her conviction that women using men is only natural. "The Clerk" conversely argues that women above all must be loyal and also incredibly patient, but later refutes this, saying that no woman should allow herself to mistreated, and that they as well may pursue happiness.

From the Paper:

"The Wife of Bath is an interesting character in the least, and at most a plain exhibit which presents the varying roles and positions of women during the time of their particular pilgrimage. She had been married four times prior to her most recent husband, who unfortunately had since passed on, leaving her a widow despite her moniker. The content and lessons put forth by the Wife of Bath as will be exhibited are conflicting in nature and contradictory quite often. However, regardless of the Wife of Bath's particular perceptions or rather stereotypes, the information presented within both her prologue and tale provide valuable insight into the role of women during the Middle Ages.

"As in her very name, one of the roles ascribed to women by the Wife of Bath is that of spouse or bride. The role of woman as wife and mother is the primary position which women occupy within the tale of the Wife, with the balance of power contained therein being what the Wife is seemingly most interested in and thus explores, as her perception of the position itself is not something she cares for. "If there were no authority on earth; Except experience, mine, for what it's worth... That marriage is a misery and a woe; For let me say, if I may make so bold... Five husband have I had at the church door." (Chaucer 258) The power within a relationship revolves very much around the relations of the body, the act of sex and the capacity to give and take it away."

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