Double Standards and Stereotypes in The Wife of Bath Essay

In the 14th century Geoffrey Chaucer wrote The Canterbury Tales, which included a progressive view of womens concerns in The Wife of Bath. During a time when women were still considered chattel existing almost exclusively to produce heirs, Chaucer takes a stand on issues affecting women that were not commonly given consideration. Writing in the first person, Chaucer is able to describe life from the viewpoint of a woman. Through this style, Chaucer addresses subject matter that would have been too candid for a female writer during his time period. By writing The Wife of Bath in a satirical way, Chaucer points out issues facing women regarding double standards, the validity of female desire, and the economic necessity of women to†¦show more content†¦This is a specific double standard because people tend to raise their eyebrows at a woman who does not choose to stay a widow indefinitely. This idea is relevant to the present day reader because it is a hypocrisy that still exists. When a husband loses a wife and is quick to remarry, it is often understood that men move on faster than women after losing a spouse. When a woman loses a spouse there is unstated societal norm that prevents a woman from dating too soon, let alone to think about marriage. Although Alison makes it known that she has married for economic privilege, she also acknowledges that her sexual desire is relevant to marriage. She makes an argument that there is no commandment regarding virginity and that everyone knows counseling is not commandment (185, line 67). While it pleases some to be pure, body and soul Alison doesnt have this issue. Because it is not a commandment to remain a virgin and she doesnt have the issue of guilt regarding sex, she feels that it is her right to enjoy it. Using humor, Chaucer has Alison point out that genitals were not made merely for purgation of urine either and that she will make use of the abilities that God gave her for satisfaction (187, lines 119-120). 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