Female Characters in Canterbury Tales
Table of Contents
Within the illustrious tapestry of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, two captivating female characters grace the pilgrimage, representing distinct realms of society: one hailing from the ecclesiastical realm and the other from the realm of common domestic life. Chaucer employs satire to scrutinize both characters, revealing their non-feminist dispositions and moral and religious shortcomings. Let us delve into the individual analysis of these remarkable women. The Nun (Prioress): A Female Character in Canterbury Tales Among the esteemed pilgrims embarking on the journey to Canterbury, the Prioress occupies a prominent place. She stands as the first female character introduced within the pilgrimage, representing the ecclesiastical order. Accompanied by a nun and two priests, the Prioress presents herself as a study in duality. Initially portrayed in the General Prologue as an aristocratic and devout nun, her subsequent tale exposes a fervent bigotry rooted in an anti-Semitic stance. As the…