Chaucer's View On Women: The Development Of The Wife Of Bath

As women and the relationship between both sexes are Chaucer's favorite subjects, his view on women has attracted constant discussion by critics over the time. According to the literature review of this thesis, it could be concluded that some scholars think that the poet is sympathetic toward the female point of view, while others insist that the poet creates his women characters by taking a masculine standpoint. The complexity of the evaluation leads to the present study which, by integrating both stereotyped and sympathetic views, aims to examine Chaucer's evolving idea on women in a different mode:Lacanian Androgyny.This thesis adopts a combined approach in study of Chaucer's view on women in his creation of the Wife of Bath. The discussion of the relationship between Chaucer and women is based upon historical and cultural records, Chaucer's stereotypical representations is analyzed through medieval codes of conduct, the innovative portrayal of the Wife as an economically independent woman armed with intellectual abilities is examined by Feminist and New Historicist theories, and the masculine Wife in search of her missing half is interpreted through Lacanian scheme of Androgyny.Chaucer is, first of all, influenced by the literary tradition he has inherited and the patriarchal views of his day, and holds stereotypical opinions toward his female characters. He creates the Wife of Bath as a sum of misogyny who in violating hierarchical rules becomes a threat to the patriarchal society. The poet is warning his audiences against the woes of marriage, and reminding them of the importance of being an obedient Christian. Then, perceiving new features that are emerging in women in his contemporary society, Chaucer portrays the Wife as an economically independent woman armed with intellectual abilities. Concerned with women's living situations and social positions in his day, the poet holds a sympathetic view toward them and gives them a voice to speak out through his creation of the Wife of Bath. In the portrayal he expresses his desire for a utopia of both sexes. Thus the Wife is the "negotiation" between the poet and his outside world, as well as between the poet and his inner self. Last but not least, Chaucer expresses his androgynous pursuit in his creation of the Wife of Bath. Androgyny, for Chaucer, seems to be the ideal way to free one from the rigid gender codes of the patriarchal society and become a full and healthy person. The masculine Wife is traveling in search of her female qualities in order to become a complete person. She expresses her androgynous pursuit in the Tale.