Canterbury Tales -- Role of Women
Chaucer's motley crew of pilgrims offered a vast deal of insight into life during the 14th century. Many aspects of society were revealed throughout the tales of the many characters. One such aspect prevalent in many of the tales was the role that women played in society during this time. The tales give the clearest images of women are the Knight's, the Miller's. the Nun's Priest, and the Wife of Bath's Tale. In the Knight's Tale, women are portrayed through Emily. Upon first sight of Emily through his prison window, Palamon, the imprisoned knight falls madly in love with her. He exclaims: "I have been hurt this moment through the eye, Into my heart. It will be the death of me. The fairness of the lady that I see Roaming the garden yonder to and fro Is all the cause and I cried out my woe. Woman or Goddess, which? I cannot say. I guess she may be Venus - well she may!" Arcite, Palamon's cousin and best friend, also falls deeply in love with Emily as he gazes upon her: "The freshness of her beauty strikes me dead, Hers that I see, roaming in yonder place! Unless I gain the mercy of her grace, Unless I at least see her day by day,
Eventually, Palamon wins Emily's hand in marriage and was reported to have lived his life All women long - and O that it might be! - The Nun's Priest's Tale not only gave further validity to the theory that 14th century women were possessions fair to look upon, but introduced the idea that their thoughts should not be heeded.
Some common words found in the essay are:
Wife Bath, True Palamon, Emily Alison, God You've, King Theseus, Arcite Palamon's, Eventually Palamon, Knight's Tale, Bath's Tale, , wife bath, 14th century, bath's tale, women portrayed, wife bath's, wife bath's tale, nun's priest, esteem women held, life nun's, esteem women, womankind wife, emily object, lies tears spinning,
Approximate Word count = 1578
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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