In The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer, like many other medieval writers and thinkers, often portrays women as reflecting the nature of either Eve or Mary, although his characters and themes are more complex than those archetypes might imply. His sinners are more vivid and lively than his saints, allowing Chaucer’s wit and satire full rein, and they definitely seem to be having more fun, but even his saints reflect his themes. In this discussion class, we will look at the actions and adventures of the female characters in their tales and what they reveal about their world. There will be a little inevitable overlap between this class and the previous class on The Canterbury Tales, but the focus will be different and we will be reading some different tales and omitting others.
We will also include material about Margery Kempe and Julian of Norwich, women who were late fourteenth century/early fifteenth century forces in the religious world in England. As well, we will look at illuminated manuscripts portraying women and their roles.
If you choose to read the text in Middle English, the Norton Critical Anthology is a good choice. Its most recent edition includes all the tales we will be reading plus additional material. Other editions and most verse translations will do as well, though please try to choose versions that include most of the tales since we will be reading some of the less standard ones.
Instructor Ann Nesslage is a graduate of Vassar, with a M.A. in British literature from Bryn Mawr. Ann retired from Choate Rosemary Hall, where she taught different levels of literature including British Studies and world literature. She also created electives in fantasy literature, satire, Early Irish and Welsh literature, and other topics. Ann lives in Bremen, where she enjoys reading and gardening and serves on the Bremen Conservation Commission and the library board. She is also a member of the CSC Board and the Curriculum Committee.