Theme Of Gender In The Wife Of Bath

The Representation of Female Equality within “The Wife of Bath’s Prologue” and “The Wife of Bath’s Tale” by Geoffrey Chaucer The representation of gender in “The Wife of Bath’s Prologue” and “The Wife of Bath’s Tale” by Geoffrey Chaucer functions as a way to both satirize and represent female equality. In particular, The Wife of Bath challenges the stereotypes of what may appear to be “normal” treatment of women during this time period. She identifies the distinctions between “traditional” gender roles and relates them to passages from the bible, which are then taken out of context. These passages are meant to justify The Wife of Bath’s actions and show that although she is a woman, she can partake in the same activities as men. Representation of gender is also shown throughout “The Wife of Bath’s Tale.” Although the tale deals with female

Throughout “The Wife Of Bath’s Prologue” the discussion and topic of female sexuality is frequently referred to. The Wife of Bath uses her sexuality and her body as a tool to gain financial independence and control over her husband. She lures the men in, and in doing so, is taking away their power without them even knowing it. Traditionally, women were viewed to be lower class than their male counterparts. They were supposed to be subordinate and virtually helpless. Within this prologue; however, The Wife of Bath, is not seen as subordinate. The satirization of the traditional gender roles are emphasized and shown quite prominently because of this. The Wife of Bath will not fall victim to her husbands or anyone of the male gender. She will yell at her husbands while they are drunk, claiming they did things when in actuality they did not do them. The Wife of Bath manipulates their state of mind when they are disorientated and instead of a female falling victim to a man, the man falls victim to the