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Humour in Geoffrey Chaucer

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Anupam Santra
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38 views2 pages

Humour in Geoffrey Chaucer

Uploaded by

Anupam Santra
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Humour in Geoffrey Chaucer's "Prologue to the Wife of Bath's Tale"

Geoffrey Chaucer's "Prologue to the Wife of Bath's Tale" is a masterclass


in humour, showcasing the wit, sarcasm, and bawdy humour for which
Chaucer is celebrated. Through the character of the Wife of Bath and the
lively exchanges among the pilgrims, Chaucer infuses the prologue with
humour that ranges from clever wordplay to biting satire. Let's delve
deeper into the humour found in this iconic literary work.

At the outset of the prologue, Chaucer introduces the Wife of Bath, a


character who immediately captivates readers with her bold and
boisterous personality. She presents herself as an expert on marriage,
proudly declaring, "Experience, though none authority / Were in this
world, is right enough for me." Her confidence in her own opinions sets
the stage for the spirited and often humorous debates that ensue
throughout the prologue.

One of the primary sources of humour in the prologue is the Wife of Bath's
unapologetic views on marriage and sexuality. She begins by asserting
her belief in female dominance within the marital relationship, claiming
that a woman should have sovereignty over her husband. This assertion
challenges traditional gender roles and societal norms, adding an element
of subversion and humour to the prologue. The Wife of Bath's boldness in
expressing her desires and her frank discussions of her physical
experiences contribute to the bawdy humour that pervades the text.

Chaucer employs sharp wit and sarcasm in the Wife of Bath's exchanges
with the other pilgrims, particularly the Pardoner and the Friar. When the
Pardoner tries to assert his authority by quoting scripture, the Wife of
Bath responds with clever wordplay, quipping, "Now sire, and eft sire, so
bifel the cas / That I moot singe, 'alas' and 'weylaway'!" Her playful
manipulation of language highlights the absurdity of the Pardoner's
pretensions and adds a comedic twist to the conversation.

The Wife of Bath's interactions with the Friar are similarly humorous, as
she challenges his claims of piety and chastity with biting sarcasm. When
the Friar attempts to assert his moral superiority, the Wife of Bath
counters with sly remarks about his less-than-holy behaviour, poking fun
at his hypocrisy and exposing the gap between his words and his actions.
These exchanges exemplify Chaucer's skill in using irony and satire to
highlight the flaws and foibles of his characters.
Another source of humour in the prologue is Chaucer's vivid descriptions
of the Wife of Bath's physical appearance and mannerisms. He portrays
her as a woman of considerable heft, with a gap-toothed smile and a bold,
assertive demeanour. These details not only add depth to the character
but also provide opportunities for visual humour, as readers imagine the
Wife of Bath's larger-than-life presence among the other pilgrims.

Chaucer's use of irony is particularly evident in the Wife of Bath's


discussion of the "wo that is in marriage." While she presents herself as a
victim of her husbands' tyranny, her own assertive and manipulative
behaviour undermines this portrayal, highlighting the complexity and
ambiguity of human relationships. Through irony, Chaucer invites readers
to question the Wife of Bath's narrative and consider the ways in which
power dynamics operate within marriage and society.

In conclusion, the "Prologue to the Wife of Bath's Tale" is a richly


humorous text that showcases Chaucer's mastery of wit, sarcasm, and
irony. Through the character of the Wife of Bath and the lively exchanges
among the pilgrims, Chaucer creates a vibrant tapestry of humour that
both entertains and offers insight into the complexities of medieval life
and relationships. As readers journey with the pilgrims to Canterbury, they
are treated to a feast of laughter and wit, courtesy of one of literature's
most enduring and beloved characters.

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