Marriage

Definition

Marriage is a legally or culturally recognized union between individuals that establishes rights and obligations between them. This institution serves various functions, including the regulation of sexual relations, the legitimization of offspring, and the formation of familial and social alliances. In literature, particularly in works like 'The Canterbury Tales,' marriage often reflects societal norms, individual desires, and moral dilemmas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'The Canterbury Tales,' marriage is portrayed in various ways, from the idealization of romantic unions to the critique of marital relationships.
2. The Wife of Bath's tale challenges traditional views on marriage by advocating for female autonomy and challenging male dominance within the institution.
3. Marriage in medieval literature often serves as a means for social mobility or financial gain, as seen in characters who marry for wealth or status.
4. Chaucer presents different perspectives on marriage through various narrators in 'The Canterbury Tales,' illustrating its complexities and contradictions.
5. The theme of fidelity and infidelity is prominent in many tales, questioning the sanctity of marriage and exploring the tensions between desire and obligation.

Review Questions

• How does the Wife of Bath's perspective on marriage differ from traditional views presented in 'The Canterbury Tales'?
  • The Wife of Bath presents a progressive view on marriage that contrasts with traditional notions of female submissiveness. She emphasizes women's desires and the importance of mutual respect in relationships. Through her experiences, she argues for female agency within marriage, highlighting that women should have authority and autonomy, which challenges the patriarchal values prevalent in her society.
• Discuss the role of marriage as a social institution in 'The Canterbury Tales' and its impact on character motivations.
  • Marriage serves as a critical social institution in 'The Canterbury Tales,' influencing characters' motivations and actions. Many characters seek marriage for social advancement, financial security, or emotional fulfillment. The tales reveal how individuals navigate societal expectations regarding marriage while pursuing personal desires, leading to conflicts that drive the narratives forward. This interplay underscores the complexity of relationships in medieval society.
• Evaluate how Chaucer uses humor and satire to critique societal norms surrounding marriage in 'The Canterbury Tales.'
  • Chaucer employs humor and satire to reveal the absurdities and contradictions within societal norms about marriage. By showcasing diverse perspectives on love, fidelity, and gender roles through characters like the Wife of Bath or the Pardoner, he highlights the discrepancies between idealized notions of marriage and the reality faced by individuals. This critique encourages readers to question traditional values associated with marriage while offering an insightful commentary on human relationships.

Related terms

Courtly Love: A medieval European literary conception of love emphasizing nobility and chivalry, often contrasting with the institution of marriage.

Chivalry:

A code of conduct associated with the medieval institution of knighthood that emphasized bravery, honor, and respect for women, impacting marital relationships.

Dowry: A transfer of parental property or wealth to a groom as part of a marriage arrangement, often reflecting social status and economic considerations.