a footmantle was about her ample hips,

Here Chaucer criticizes her foolish sentimentality over the sight of a dead mouse. This behavior contradicts the sophisticated and polished way the Prioress behaves when eating or drinking, which is clearly not her true nature, but is conformity to the rules of etiquette. Through this paradox Chaucer satirizes the manners of women. On the outside they appear poised and elegant in compliance with the convention of the times, but their genuine disposition is the complete opposite.

The imagery in this passage of the Wife on her horse, whip in hand and spurs on her feet, can be closely associated with that of a dominatrix. The Wife of Bath will not act subservient towards anybody, again contrasting with the meek Prioress and ideals of medieval society.

These portraits of both women tell the reader that late medieval society had standards and expectations, also limits, as to how women should act and present themselves. The Prioress abides by the societal principles and presents herself in an acceptable and extremely proper manner. She does not seem defiant in any way, yet she is abusing her position as a nun in order to gain independence, which women were not supposed to possess. The corruption of the church is emphasized by the exploitation of religious pilgrimages and the idea of the clergy not upholding their duties to humanity. The character of the Wife of Bath supports the idea of the corrupt church, but contradicts the idea of the submissive woman. Her animated and dynamic personality defies the norm, but not completely, because of her need to be married and have the attention of men. Throughout the “General Prologue” it is implied that a woman’s role in society is that of the obedient and passive wife. However, the Prioress and the Wife of Bath seem to be atypical in at least one way-the Prioress, though typical in her behavior

Some topics in this essay:
Wife Bath, Paris Chaucer’s, Middle Ages, French Prioress, Tales Chaucer, wife bath, Thomas Becket, medieval society, late medieval, 9 line, “general prologue”, Prioress Wife, late medieval society, prioress wife, religious figure, 23 line, religious pilgrimages, chaucer describes, prioress wife bath, ,