Introduction
Geoffrey Chaucer’s *The Wife of Bath’s Prologue and Tale*, part of *The Canterbury Tales*, offers a complex exploration of gender dynamics, power, and resistance in medieval society. The Wife of Bath, Alison, emerges as a rebellious figure who challenges patriarchal norms through her assertive voice and unapologetic stance on marriage and authority. This essay examines how rebellion is presented in two key passages: lines 77-114 of the Prologue, where Alison recounts her manipulation of her husbands, and lines 455-494 of the Tale, which depict the transformation of power dynamics through the old hag’s ultimatum to the knight. By analysing these passages, this essay will demonstrate how Chaucer uses Alison’s character to subvert traditional expectations, highlighting rebellion as a tool for agency and critique of societal constraints.
Rebellion through Manipulation in Lines 77-114 of the Prologue
In lines 77-114 of *The Wife of Bath’s Prologue*, Alison reveals her rebellious nature through her strategic manipulation of her husbands to gain control within marriage. She proudly declares, “I governed hem so wel, after my lawe” (Chaucer, 1987, p. 108), showcasing her defiance of the medieval expectation that wives should be subservient. Her rebellion is not merely personal but ideological, as she rejects the Church’s teachings on marriage as a sacred, hierarchical bond. Instead, Alison uses deception and verbal sparring to assert dominance, admitting to fabricating accusations to provoke guilt in her husbands: “And yet of oure apprentice Janekyn… I made hym of the same wode a croce” (Chaucer, 1987, p. 109). This calculated behaviour undermines the patriarchal structure, positioning Alison as a figure who rewrites the rules of gender roles. Her rebellion, though self-serving, reflects a broader critique of the constraints placed on women, suggesting that survival within an oppressive system often necessitates subversive tactics. This passage, therefore, establishes Alison as a proto-feminist voice, challenging societal norms through cunning and audacity.
Rebellion as Empowerment in Lines 455-494 of the Tale
In a complementary passage from *The Wife of Bath’s Tale*, lines 455-494, rebellion is depicted through the old hag’s assertion of power over the knight, culminating in her transformative ultimatum. Having saved the knight’s life by providing the answer to the queen’s riddle, the hag demands marriage as her reward, only to confront him with a choice between her ugliness with fidelity or beauty with potential infidelity: “Chese now… whether thou wolt have me foul and old… or elles thou wolt have me yong and fair” (Chaucer, 1987, p. 122). This act of rebellion mirrors Alison’s own defiance in the Prologue, as the hag subverts the knight’s expectations of passive femininity by seizing control of the marital dynamic. Furthermore, her eventual transformation into a beautiful, faithful wife upon receiving sovereignty—“sire, I wol be swich a wyf” (Chaucer, 1987, p. 123)—reinforces the idea that true harmony arises only when patriarchal dominance is overturned. Indeed, this passage underscores rebellion as a means of empowerment, aligning with Alison’s broader narrative of resisting oppressive structures to achieve autonomy. It also critiques the superficial values of courtly society, exposing the knight’s initial entitlement as flawed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, rebellion in *The Wife of Bath’s Prologue and Tale* is presented as both a personal assertion of agency and a critique of patriarchal norms. Through Alison’s manipulative strategies in lines 77-114 of the Prologue, Chaucer illustrates how women might resist subjugation through wit and deception, while in lines 455-494 of the Tale, the old hag’s ultimatum exemplifies rebellion as a pathway to empowerment and mutual respect. Together, these passages highlight Alison’s role as a subversive figure who challenges medieval gender expectations. Arguably, Chaucer’s portrayal invites reflection on the limitations of societal structures, suggesting that rebellion, though often controversial, can be a necessary response to inequality. This analysis not only deepens our understanding of the text but also prompts broader consideration of how historical texts can resonate with contemporary discussions of power and resistance.
References
- Chaucer, G. (1987) *The Riverside Chaucer*. Ed. by Benson, L. D. Oxford University Press.
- Cooper, H. (1996) *The Structure of the Canterbury Tales*. Duckworth.
- Mann, J. (2002) *Feminizing Chaucer*. D.S. Brewer.
