The Notorious Wife of Bath

The Notorious Wife of Bath Upon a first reading of the Wife of Bath’s Prologue, it’s hard not to feel the need to pat her on the shoulder and say “Go-girl!” There’s no denying the impact that Feminism has had on our Millennium-revved society, and the Wife of Bath’s character would certainly have contradicted the oppressive customs of Chaucer’s time. But on closer inspection, it would seem that the Prologue …

…constant supply of young virile husbands and that marriage can be happy if a husband first resigns authority to his wife (cf. her ending the Prologue with the kindness she showed to Jankin and their ostensible happiness). To conclude, the Wife of Bath is indeed portrayed to be a dynamic woman, who through her interesting conversation paints a picture of a strong-willed female who recognises her faults, but nevertheless is certain of what she desires.