Khadija Smith

Hum 201_009
Dr. Akassi
21 April, 2010
Canterbury Tales through Individualism Theoretical Lense

In The Canterbury Tales the Wife of Bath’s and the Pardoner’s lack of
conformity to 14th century society revel Chaucer’s acute sense of
individualism. The Wife of Bath is one of the unique pilgrims of The
Canterbury Tales. Chaucer purposely makes the Wife of Bath stand out more
in comparison to other pilgrims. In the general prologue, the Wife of Bath is
deliberately characterized in an explicit way to provoke a shocking response;
her extravagant apparel, physical features, and her past are intentionally
described to show that she defies the rules imposed by Christian authorities
regarding womanly behavior. She shows off her Sunday clothes with pride,
wearing rich garment of “Scarlet”, and Chaucer distinctly describes her
sensuous physical features rich as her “wide hips” and “gap tooth.” The Wife
of Bath also openly discusses marriage, virginity, and the question of
sovereignty. The Wife is a strong feminist; urging women to exert control
within a marriage. The Wife herself is a very dominant and sexually
aggressive figure, which is very atypical of her time. Chaucer’s view on
feminism is perhaps not that relevant; he is simply portraying a unique and
interesting individual.
The Pardoner is another unforgettable character on the pilgrimage
to Canterbury. The Pardoner presents himself as someone of ambiguous
gender and sexual orientation, further challenging social norms. Chaucer
describes the Pardoner as having “waxy yellow hair”, a beardless face, and
the voice of a goat. Infact, Chaucer concludes that he is either a “gelding or
a mare” suggesting that he is either a eunuch or a homosexual. To add to his
unique chacter, the Pardoner is a witty swindler. Though the Pardoner
preaches against greed; he uses his position as an agent for the Church to
extort the poor and gullible; tricking guilty sinners into buying his false relics.
The Pardoner also openly admits his trickery, declaring that regardless of
sinning, he will not forsake “fine cheeses” and other material luxuries that
come from the money he swindles. Chaucer once again displays fascination
towards unique individuals as well as his love for individualism.
Although ideals of spiritual community, social groups and national
interests were given more importance than individualism in Medieval Europe,
Chaucer openly praised individual merit. Chaucer displays his individualistic
views through characterization of Wife of Bath and the Pardoner, two
pilgrims whose lack of conformity boldly challenges the rigid society in which
they lived.
In The Canterbury Tales the Wife of Bath’s and the Pardoner’s lack of

conformity to 14th century society revel Chaucer’s acute sense of

individualism. The Wife of Bath is one of the unique pilgrims of The

Canterbury Tales. Chaucer purposely makes the Wife of Bath stand out more

in comparison to other pilgrims. In the general prologue, the Wife of Bath is

deliberately characterized in an explicit way to provoke a shocking response;

her extravagant apparel, physical features, and her past are intentionally

described to show that she defies the rules imposed by Christian authorities

regarding womanly behavior. She shows off her Sunday clothes with pride,

wearing rich garment of “Scarlet”, and Chaucer distinctly describes her

sensuous physical features rich as her “wide hips” and “gap tooth.” The Wife

of Bath also openly discusses marriage, virginity, and the question of

sovereignty. The Wife is a strong feminist; urging women to exert control

within a marriage. The Wife herself is a very dominant and sexually

aggressive figure, which is very atypical of her time. Chaucer’s view on

feminism is perhaps not that relevant; he is simply portraying a unique and

interesting individual.
 The Pardoner is another unforgettable character on the pilgrimage

to Canterbury. The Pardoner presents himself as someone of ambiguous

gender and sexual orientation, further challenging social norms. Chaucer

describes the Pardoner as having “waxy yellow hair”, a beardless face, and

the voice of a goat. Infact, Chaucer concludes that he is either a “gelding or

a mare” suggesting that he is either a eunuch or a homosexual. To add to his

unique chacter, the Pardoner is a witty swindler. Though the Pardoner

preaches against greed; he uses his position as an agent for the Church to

extort the poor and gullible; tricking guilty sinners into buying his false relics.

The Pardoner also openly admits his trickery, declaring that regardless of

sinning, he will not forsake “fine cheeses” and other material luxuries that

come from the money he swindles. Chaucer once again displays fascination

towards unique individuals as well as his love for individualism.

Although ideals of spiritual community, social groups and national

interests were given more importance than individualism in Medieval Europe,

Chaucer openly praised individual merit. Chaucer displays his individualistic

views through characterization of Wife of Bath and the Pardoner, two

pilgrims whose lack of conformity boldly challenges the rigid society in which

they lived.