Chaucer’s Two Standing View Points
The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer is hugely known for the many interesting tales from the pilgrims; however, it’s created using Chaucer’s point of view and through his words. One question that has sparked great discussion for the readers is if Chaucer is a feminist or not; many argue that Chaucer is a feminist, while others disagree. I also believe that with the definition of feminism that has been established in recent years, Chaucer is not a feminist.
Chaucer is likely to portray the idea of a feminist in the medieval period, but because the idea/community for feminism isn’t yet established- it leaves gaps open as to what feminism is during this time. Chaucer encourages women to speak out and not let themselves be ruled over by a man. ¨Oh noble wives, full of high wisdom, let no humility nail down your tongue, and let no cleric have clause or reason to write so marvelous a story about you as the tale of patient and kind Griselda,¨ (242). He states women should be able to speak out and say what they please without having to be looked down upon for it. He writes about Griselda; known for being patient and kind, she is a figure of how a woman should act. Chaucer then says to not let a cleric write about them as Griselda. He implies and encourages women to not follow the stereotype that has been placed upon them.
The basics of feminism in today’s society are as IWDA (International Women's Development Agency) states on their website. “Quite simply, feminism is about all genders having equal rights and opportunities.” Chaucer never strived for creating equality between man and other people; instead, his words seem to mock women. Chaucer, knowing that if a woman disobeys her husband, will face negative consequences, writes: ¨I advice you. Don't fear men or pay them respect,¨ (Chaucer 242-3). This line seems mocking because it is logical to fear something that is harmful to you. Along with that, it also encourages women to see men as less than them due to the idea that women shouldn’t respect men. This is not the idea of feminism nor what it wants to achieve.
The idea of Chaucer being a feminist is great and maybe in the medieval period he was one, but with the progress that has been made in the feminist community he is not one -- his words mock what women have to go through in the medieval times: the pain their husbands force onto them. His writings don't follow the ideals of our present definition of feminism; therefore, in today’s time he is not a feminist.