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Gender Roles In Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales

1168 Words5 Pages

The Canterbury Tales, a medieval fictional anthology about society’s views written by Geoffrey Chaucer, is separated into twenty four tales. “The Knight’s Tale” and “The Wife of Bath’s Tale” portray women and men’s roles during the fourteenth century. This time period was a time of great upheaval and confusion between traditional views and modern society’s views. The chivalric code sets rules for men to treasure and follow; however, they chose their own view. These two sides allow for criticism to flow throughout the tales. The Canterbury Tales is a valid piece of Medieval literature that demonstrates men and women’s relationships as displayed in courtly love and chivalry; this piece confronts the injustice between society’s views of gender …show more content…

Courtly love during the fourteenth century focused on loyalty to one person and was unconsummated. Moreover, marriage was arranged or was won through a victory. Courtly love can be described as lust from the “love sickness” that Palamon and Arcite show for Emily (Chaucer 14). They both never met her or talked to her, yet they claim that she was the love of their life, thus displaying that they only focused on her appearance. Additionally, Allison from “The Wife of Bath’s Tale” yearns for sex and love, which falls into the category of courtly love. The fact that she only gets her happiness from attention highlights the distinction between stereotypical courtly love and true love (Chaucer 11-12). The idea of courtly love was deeply accepted during this era; however, many men “misused” the opportunity of marriage. Marriage should be based on loyalty and humility rather than outward appearance. The knight’s love for his people is a true example of how marriage should be, and the base of all love. Chivalry during the medieval century focused on praising God and keeping promises. Knights that portrayed true heroism did not let love get in the way of daily life activities. Furthermore, chivalry has shifted in the last centuries to reflect on how men should treat women. The acts of kindness shown through chivalry depicts a clear picture on how marriage and relationships are to be. However, the absence of knights in the modern society creates confusion on how men are to act and treat

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