Once they married, Alisoun gave him all her land and property. Despite her goodwill and willingness to give him what’s hers, his behavior towards her changed. He deprived Alisoun of all her desires, became physically abusive, lectured her on the role of women and how they should act. The product of a patriarchal is reflected in Jankin’s actions. He began to exercise the superiority he believed he had as a man and attempted to make Alisoun conform to societal expectations of women. Jankin’s misogyny is made further apparent when his apology, and promise to never beat her again, consisted of the phrase, “That I have doon, it is thyself to wyte” (806). Instead of admitting fault, Jankin blames his actions on Alisoun’s behavior then continues to demand forgiveness. Neither the promise nor the apology proved to be enough for Alisoun, but the act of giving her back control did: “But ate laste, with muchel care and wo, We fille accorded by us selven two. He yaf me al the bridel in myn hond, To han the governance of house and lond, And of his tonge, and his hond also…” (811-815) …show more content…
He could not long impose his misogynistic views on her. In the end, he told her, do as she wished while protecting her own honor and his as well. Not only did Alisoun break away from the grasp of patriarchy, she had regained “maistrie” and “soveraynetee” over her husband and their lives. To put it simply, Alisoun took back the sacrifices she made for Jankin in the beginning and took control of his life in addition. Content with her newfound power, Jankin’s previous actions were forgiven, and Alisoun accounts that she treated her husband with great kindness