Essay on Women in Chaucers Canterbury Tales - 915 Words

The only two women most significant and described in great detail in The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer who provide the greatest insight into contemporary medieval society are the Wife of Bath and the Prioress. These two women appear similar in the General Prologue of the poem but, as we see through their tales, they are quite unique women and most importantly very different from one another. By examining both the Wife of Bath and the Prioresss tales, we are able to see the stark contrast between their social standards and behavior. However, in spite of the fact that these two ladies belong to two different social spheres, they surprisingly share some common characteristics. The initial similarity between these two women lies in†¦show more content†¦This means, of course, that she has been five times widowed (no divorce for women in 14th century England). This is rather surprising, but seems less so when in her prologue we learn that three of the husbands were old men. Her habit of going on pilgrimages suggests a devout woman, but her real reasons for such travel are a love of adventure, and the social opportunities these trips bring. As in the present case, most pilgrims are men and the few other women present are nuns. One of them might be the next husband for whom she is looking out. The Wife of Bath is most creatively portrayed and certainly most controversial. Alison, as she is called, is a very outspoken woman with beliefs contrary to those of her time, when a woman had little say. In her prologue, the Wife of Bath offends those who look down on her because of her beliefs, and uses various biblical and religious references to support her o pinions on chastity, sex, and marriage. The Wife of Bath, Dame Alice is quite a spiteful woman even though she desires only a few simple things in life: power and control. Through her prologue and tale, she makes mirror images of herself , which reflects the person who she really is. Chaucer describes a nun Prioress called as Madame Eglantine. She had her nose well-shaped, her eyes bright as glass, her mouth very small and soft and read, an indeed she had a fineShow MoreRelatedWomen In Geoffrey Chaucers Canterbury Tales1288 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Geoffrey Chaucer’s â€Å"The Canterbury Tales† is a collection of stories written between 1387 and 1400 about a group of thirty people who travel as pilgrims to Canterbury (England) and on their way, they tell stories to each other about their lives and experiences. The stories constitute a critique of English society at the time, and particularly of the Church, while women seem to be presented in a different way than they are in other contemporary works. The aim of this essay is to presentRead More Passive Women in Chaucers Canterbury Tales? Essay1466 Words   |  6 PagesPassive Women in Chaucers Canterbury Tales? One argument that reigns supreme when considering Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales is whether or not there is an element of anti-feminism within the text. One thread that goes along with this is whether or not the women of The Canterbury Tales are passive within the tales told. This essay will explore the idea that the women found within the tales told by the pilgrims (The Knight’s Tale, The Miller’s Tale and The Wife of Bath’s Tale to name a few)Read MoreThe Role Of Women In Geoffrey Chaucers Canterbury Tales777 Words   |  4 PagesThe â€Å"Wife of Bath’s Tale,† emphasizing her prologue and the general prologue in Geoffrey Chaucers Canterbury Tales, along with the story of Margery Kempe are examples of male authors reflecting misogynistic ideals onto unsuspecting female characters. When transitioning from Old English to Middle English culture, the role of women in literature takes a more prominent voice compared to Old English where women w ere offered little to no voice during the writings and manuscripts. Women were always portrayedRead MoreChaucers View of Women Exposed in The Canterbury Tales778 Words   |  4 Pagesuses this technique effectively, the woman often carries the story. In Geoffrey Chaucers Canterbury Tales, he portrays the Wife of Bath, Alison, as a woman who bucks the tradition of her times with her brashness and desire for control. Chaucer effectively presents a womans point of view and evokes some sympathy for her. In the authors time, much of the literature was devoted to validating the frailties of women. However, in this story, the Wife is a woman who has outlived four of five husbandsRead More Chaucers Canterbury Tales Essay - Women in The Wife of Bath1433 Words   |  6 PagesWomen in Chaucers The Wife of Bath Chaucers The Wife of Baths Prologue and Tale is a medieval legend that paints a portrait of strong women finding love and themselves in the direst of situations. It is presented to the modern day reader as an early tale of feminism showcasing the ways a female character gains power within a repressive, patriarchal society. Underneath the simplistic plot of female empowerment lies an underbelly of anti-feminism. Sometimes this is presented blatantlyRead MoreChaucers Portrayal Of Women in Canterbury Tales Essay906 Words   |  4 PagesAll through Canterbury Tales, women are dealt with as objects in everyday life. In the â€Å"Miller’s Tale,† an old man marries a younger, attractive women for her looks. In the â€Å"Wife of Bath’s Tale,† a virgin woman has her virginity and innocence taken from her by what is suppose to be a noble and honorable knight and when his punishment is later to marry an older, less attractive women, all respect for his newly w ife vanishes. A woman’s level of recognition in Canterbury Tales are through her classRead MoreGeoffrey Chaucer s Impact On Literature1231 Words   |  5 PagesGeoffrey Chaucer’s Impact on Literature: English poet Geoffrey Chaucer is acclaimed to be one of the best and most influential poets in history. Geoffrey Chaucer wrote several famous literary works in what is called middle English. Geoffrey Chaucer was born in 1340 in London, England. Over the course of Chaucer’s life, he entered and exited several different social classes. He began to write his most known pieces when he became a public servant to Countess Elizabeth of Ulster in 1357. He diedRead MoreGeoffrey Chaucers Experiences In the Canterbury Tales Essay1130 Words   |  5 PagesIn the Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer describes the journeys and life lessons of thirty fictitious pilgrims. Scholars explain that only one of the thirty pilgrims was indeed Chaucer, but other characters in the Canterbury Tales represent the struggles of Chaucer as well. Although the pilgrims’ tales were pretend, they were based on actual events that Chaucer experienced throughout his lifetime. He represents his own ins ecurities and flaws throughout the array of the characters’ tales. SituationRead MoreThe Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer1582 Words   |  7 Pages Geoffrey Chaucer wrote the Canterbury tales a collection of short tales in the 14th century. The compilation of stories are told by different characters within the narrative as part of a game proposed by the host. Each individual must tell two stories on their journey and two stories on their way back. Each story tells some aspects of English life during the time and often added satire like qualities to the English life. In particular Chaucer often tells stories with elements of the relationshipRead MoreUse Of Satire In Canterbury Tales1301 Words   |  6 PagesChaucer’s Satyric Attack (An analysis of Chaucer’s use of satire to reach his intended audience in his Canterbury Tales) Satire is defined as â€Å"the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize peoples stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues† (Oxford). Another term that people would be more familiar with to describe this would be sarcasm. Language can be utilized in a nasty way, especially when wanting to demoralize

Quotes From Great Writers About the Month of April

April is a month of transition. It arrives when winter has just ended and spring is beginning, symbolizing a period of rebirth. With this roundup of quotes about April, learn how writers from William Shakespeare to Mark Twain viewed this key month of the year. The Nature of April Many poets and writers have focused on the natural beauty present in April—birds singing, rainbows, and the first flowers of spring. A gush of bird-song, a patter of dew, A cloud, and a rainbows warning, Suddenly sunshine and perfect blue—An April day in the morning.  - Harriet Prescott Spofford, April Again the blackbirds sings; the streams / Wake, laughing, from their winter dreams, / And tremble in the April showers / The tassels of the maple flowers.  - John Greenleaf Whittier, The Singer April comes like an idiot, babbling and stewing flowers.  - Edna St. Vincent Millay Now the noisy winds are still; / Aprils coming up the hill! / All the spring is in her train, / Led by shining ranks of rain; / Pit, pat, patter, clatter, / Sudden sun and clatter patter! . . . / All things ready with a will, / Aprils coming up the hill!  - Mary Mapes Dodge, Now the Noisy Winds Are Still Sweet April showers / Do spring May flowers.  - Thomas Tusser When April winds / Grew soft, the maple burst into a flush / Of scarlet flowers. / The tulip tree, high up, / Opened, in airs of June, her multitude / Of golden chalices to humming birds / And silken-wingd insects of the sky.  - William Cullen Bryant, The Fountain A Month of Symbolism For many writers, April symbolizes youth, newness, and promise. However, for some poets (such as T.S. Eliot), April also stirs up memories and prompts reminiscences of the past. April... hath put a spirit of youth in everything.  - William Shakespeare April is the cruelest month, breeding / Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing / Memory and desire, stirring / Dull roots with spring rain.  - T.S. Eliot, The Waste Land April is a promise that May is bound to keep.  - Hal Borland April prepares her green traffic light and the world thinks Go.  - Christopher Morley, John Mistletoe April Showers as Tears   Some poets and writers have described April rains as tears, symbolizing the passing of time and the changing of the seasons. Every tear is answered by a blossom, / Every sigh with songs and laughter blent, / April-blooms upon the breezes toss them. / April knows her own, and is content.- Susan Coolidge (Sarah Chauncey Woolsey), April For April sobs while these are so glad / April weeps while these are so gay,— / Weeps like a tired child who had, / Playing with flowers, lost its way.- Helen Hunt Jackson, Verses—April Old April wanes, and her last dewy morn / Her death-bed steeps in tears; to hail the May / New blooming blossoms neath the sun are born, / And all poor Aprils charms are swept away.  - John Clare, The Last of April Sweet Aprils tears, Dead on the hem of May.  - Alexander Smith, A Life Drama A Period of Joy and Promise For many poets and writers, April symbolizes renewal and rebirth. Our spring has come at last with the soft laughter of April suns and shadow of April showers.  - Byron Caldwell Smith Sweet April-time—O cruel April-time! / Year after year returning, with a brow / Of promise, and red lips with longing paled, / And backward-hidden hands that clutch the joys / Of vanished springs, like flowers.  - Mrs. Craik (Dinah Maria Mulock), April The April winds are magical, / And thrill our tuneful frames; / The garden-walks are passional / To bachelors and dames.  - Ralph Waldo Emerson, April The children with the streamlets sing, / When April stops at last her weeping; / And every happy growing thing / Laughs like a babe just roused from sleeping.  - Lucy Larcom, The Sister Months April 1. This is the day upon which we are reminded of what we are on the other three hundred and sixty-four.The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year.  - Mark Twain The sun was warm but the wind was chill. / You know how it is with an April day. / When the sun is out and the wind is still, / Youre one month on in the middle of May. - Robert Frost, Two Tramps in Mud Time

50 Shades- Feminist Theory Free Essays

Erica Freedman 1-24-2013 Feminist Theories in Intercultural Perspective- Hoffman The explosively popular 50 Shades of Grey series depicts Ana Steele, an aspiring young writer who quickly falls into the clutches of an extremely seductive and successful Christian Grey in a dominant/ submissive love story. Easily sweeping the young and restless girl off her feet, Grey’s confident and demanding presence starkly contrasts Ana’s who is known to self deprecate and hide behind plain clothing or a pile of books. From the onset it is clear that stereotyping Ana as frail and naive are what allow Christian to appear as the ultimate prince charming. We will write a custom essay sample on 50 Shades- Feminist Theory or any similar topic only for you Order Now Ana is initially depicted as independent: hyper-focused on a successful career in the literary world, the perfect daughter and the perfect student who has never had time for a boyfriend. Her best friend and roommate Kate is even more self-sufficient as the requisite foil with the outspoken personality and journalistic go-getter attitude. When Kate and Ana lose site of their goals due to the handsome pair of successful brothers, two gender aspects are highlighted. Kate’s strength is suddenly depicted as a mask that was disguising her truly feminine and love seeking qualities. Her priorities become completely disheveled and all she begins to desire is spending more time with her new infatuation. Ana grapples with a watered down battle of morality where she claims to feel immense discomfort in having an overpowering lover who can get her to do anything he wants, while still wanting to make her own way. This idea is consistently undermined by her actions throughout the story. For instance, after saving herself for the perfect person for twenty-two years, Ana is convinced to giver herself away in a one-night stand with Grey. Immediately past this point, Christian places Ana in a highly-controlled, powerless relationship where he stalks her, takes all of her time and insists on buying her things she supposedly does not desire–including a new wardrobe and a higher position in a publishing company that he decides to acquire a few weeks after she begins interning there. Anastasia is suddenly incapable of talking to one of her closest friends, Jose, because of Christian’s overwhelming jealousy. Ultimately, Anastasia caves to his wishes on that front as well. As sexually liberated and filled with love as Christian makes Ana feel, he also easily and quickly strips her of as much of her independence as he can. It is these traits that make the existence of their relationship possible. Without Ana’s willingness to adhere to Christian’s expectations and demands, she cannot have him, and so she does what is expected of her instead. How to cite 50 Shades- Feminist Theory, Essay examples

Creator Frankenstein Essay Example For Students

Creator Frankenstein Essay The creature becomes corrupted after various bad experiences such as the treatment from the peasants, Frankenstein, the DeLacey family and the father of the drowning girl he saves. His change in character is shown when he says For the first time, feelings of revenge and hatred filled my bosom. He is angry because his creator Frankenstein, who has supposed to be like a father, left him stranded. The DeLacey family, who he helped so much, were so ungrateful and aggressive towards him. Then the icing on the cake, the man who shot him in the leg when he saved his daughter from drowning in the river! What a way of thanking some one? All these situations make us pity the good-hearted creature that hadnt done any harm to receive such repayment. The creature has no other option but to treat people how they treated him, because thats all he knows, thats all he has learnt since he arrived on this planet. The creature commits terrible atrocities such as the murder of Victors younger brother William, then framing the innocent Justine, which concluded in her death. And, later the attacks on Clerval and Elizabeth. Shelley gives the impression that the creature is commiting these crimes in revenge and through helplessness. It makes us think that the only way the creature will get justice is if Frankenstein suffers for what he has done. At this part of the story we begin to ask ourselves if what the creature is doing is right or wrong? The creature perceives himself to be stronger and have more power, this is shown when he says Remember I have power, you are my creator but I am your master. OK. He now seems much more threatening and evil. My final impression of the creature is rather ambivalent. Shelley portrays him as both a villain and a victim at different times in the story. However, The creature is a victim who has been pressured by society and discriminated against, therefore forcing him to commit the horrible atrocities. The creature becomes corrupted after various bad experiences such as the treatment from the peasants, Frankenstein, the DeLacey family and the father of the drowning girl he saves. His change in character is shown when he says For the first time, feelings of revenge and hatred filled my bosom. He is angry because his creator Frankenstein, who has supposed to be like a father, left him stranded. The DeLacey family, who he helped so much, were so ungrateful and aggressive towards him. Then the icing on the cake, the man who shot him in the leg when he saved his daughter from drowning in the river! What a way of thanking some one? All these situations make us pity the good-hearted creature that hadnt done any harm to receive such repayment. The creature has no other option but to treat people how they treated him, because thats all he knows, thats all he has learnt since he arrived on this planet. The creature commits terrible atrocities such as the murder of Victors younger brother William, then framing the innocent Justine, which concluded in her death. And, later the attacks on Clerval and Elizabeth. Shelley gives the impression that the creature is commiting these crimes in revenge and through helplessness. It makes us think that the only way the creature will get justice is if Frankenstein suffers for what he has done. At this part of the story we begin to ask ourselves if what the creature is doing is right or wrong? The creature perceives himself to be stronger and have more power, this is shown when he says Remember I have power, you are my creator but I am your master. OK. He now seems much more threatening and evil. .uaec663f7636210fb01bfc4898be4bfab , .uaec663f7636210fb01bfc4898be4bfab .postImageUrl , .uaec663f7636210fb01bfc4898be4bfab .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uaec663f7636210fb01bfc4898be4bfab , .uaec663f7636210fb01bfc4898be4bfab:hover , .uaec663f7636210fb01bfc4898be4bfab:visited , .uaec663f7636210fb01bfc4898be4bfab:active { border:0!important; } .uaec663f7636210fb01bfc4898be4bfab .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uaec663f7636210fb01bfc4898be4bfab { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uaec663f7636210fb01bfc4898be4bfab:active , .uaec663f7636210fb01bfc4898be4bfab:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uaec663f7636210fb01bfc4898be4bfab .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uaec663f7636210fb01bfc4898be4bfab .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uaec663f7636210fb01bfc4898be4bfab .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uaec663f7636210fb01bfc4898be4bfab .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uaec663f7636210fb01bfc4898be4bfab:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uaec663f7636210fb01bfc4898be4bfab .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uaec663f7636210fb01bfc4898be4bfab .uaec663f7636210fb01bfc4898be4bfab-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uaec663f7636210fb01bfc4898be4bfab:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Compare the presentation of your chosen character in the play with the presentation of the same character in an adaptation of the play EssayMy final impression of the creature is rather ambivalent. Shelley portrays him as both a villain and a victim at different times in the story. However, The creature is a victim who has been pressured by society and discriminated against, therefore forcing him to commit the horrible atrocities. Frankenstein and Walton both learnt that confidence and ambition are good to a certain extent, its healthy until it leads onto obsession. You should also think before you do something as actions lead to consequences. Frankenstein may have been written to make us think about issues such as the French Revolution, the gift of knowledge, science and human nature. Shelley was only nineteen years old when she wrote Frankenstein, some people say she was inspired by a baby that died. Around the time she was writing the book science was poorly understood and a new subject all together, scientists were trying to use electricity for reanimation. The French Revolution was considered to be a reign of terror and consequently named a god less monster. This is mirrored by the creation of the creature and his outrageous monstrosities. The French revolution was out of control just like the creature in the story. Burke describes it as a species of political monster, which has always ended by devouring those who have produced it. Shelley might want us to see how Frankenstein abused God and so does science. The story makes us wonder if knowledge is bad? Knowledge provides us with good inventions but can also lead to bad consequences if misused.both learnt that confidence and ambition are good to a certain extent, its healthy until it leads onto obsession. You should also think before you do something as actions lead to consequences. Frankenstein may have been written to make us think about issues such as the French Revolution, the gift of knowledge, science and human nature. Shelley was only nineteen years old when she wrote Frankenstein, some people say she was inspired by a baby that died. Around the time she was writing the book science was poorly understood and a new subject all together, scientists were trying to use electricity for reanimation. The French Revolution was considered to be a reign of terror and consequently named a god less monster. This is mirrored by the creation of the creature and his outrageous monstrosities. The French revolution was out of control just like the creature in the story. Burke describes it as a species of political monster, which has always ended by devouring those who have produced it. Shelley might want us to see how Frankenstein abused God and so does science. The story makes us wonder if knowledge is bad? Knowledge provides us with good inventions but can also lead to bad consequences if misused.