Contextual Explanation of the Excerpt
“Now, sire”, quod she, “When we flee fro the bemes
For Goddess love, as taak som laxative.
Up peril of my soule and o lif,
I counseille yow the beeste, I wol nat lye,”
Source of the Excerpt
This excerpt is taken from Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales”, specifically from the tale told by the Wife of Bath. This Middle English passage reflects the humorous, practical, and often candid tone that Chaucer’s Wife of Bath character adopts throughout her narrative. The lines come from a moment where she is speaking to one of her husbands, expressing her views on relationships and physical well-being with a characteristic mix of wit and realism.
Literal Meaning of the Lines
In modern English, the lines can be interpreted as follows:
- “Now, sir,” she said, “When we flee from the beams (of the sun),
- For God’s love, take some laxative.
- On peril of my soul and my life,
- I advise you for the best, I will not lie.”
She’s essentially giving practical medical advice, urging her husband to take a laxative because of the heat and possible physical discomfort. It shows her concern for health but also underlines her assertive role in the relationship, giving direct advice instead of passively following.
Characterization of the Wife of Bath
The Wife of Bath is one of the most vibrant and memorable characters in Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales. Her prologue and tale provide deep insights into her personality. She is outspoken, witty, and challenges the traditional roles assigned to women in her time. The excerpt is a good representation of her boldness and her defiance of patriarchal norms. She’s not afraid to advise her husband on his health or to assert authority in their marriage.
Thematic Relevance
This excerpt touches on several themes central to The Canterbury Tales and especially to the Wife of Bath’s tale:
- Female Authority: The Wife of Bath positions herself as an authority in both love and practical matters. She not only takes control in romantic relationships but also in matters like health and household management.
- Marriage and Power Dynamics: The excerpt hints at a marriage where the woman has considerable say. This challenges medieval norms that often portrayed women as submissive.
- Humour and Earthiness: Chaucer’s use of earthy humour and realistic, unidealized depictions of everyday life is evident. Talking about laxatives in a poetic tale highlights this aspect of his storytelling style.
Linguistic and Stylistic Features
The lines are written in Middle English, and their rhythm follows the traditional iambic pentameter typical of Chaucer’s verse. The language is vivid and direct. The Wife’s tone is assertive and practical, which contrasts with the romantic or chivalric tones in other parts of The Canterbury Tales. Her speech is filled with colloquialisms and realistic dialogue, making it accessible and relatable even today.
Feminist Reading
From a feminist perspective, this excerpt reinforces the idea of the Wife of Bath as a proto-feminist character. She is knowledgeable about both the body and the dynamics of power in marriage. Advising her husband on his health needs not only shows her concern but also asserts her dominance and independence in the relationship. Her speech acts are performative in the sense that they enact authority and control in a society where women were typically expected to be silent or submissive.
Conclusion
This brief excerpt encapsulates much of what makes the Wife of Bath a compelling character in English literature. Her confidence, practicality, and refusal to be silenced by societal expectations make her a central figure in any discussion of gender roles in medieval literature. The quote is not merely about health advice; it is a representation of a woman asserting herself in a world dominated by men. Through Chaucer’s brilliant characterization, the Wife of Bath becomes a symbol of female empowerment, humour, and realism.