Modern Approaches to the Canterbury Tales
The Prioress, along with the Prioress’s Tale, has multiple layers of complexity, be it the Anti-Semitism described in the tale, the importance of a female narrator, the importance of having a female narrator who has power in the medieval world, Chaucer’s thematic intentions, as well as his authorial intentions. Furthermore, a detailed speculation of her character in terms of her body, imagery, role as a female, and devotion to the Virgin Mary is questioned.
Contents:
The Female Body: The female as the inferior and child-like.
The Female Imagery: The female body’s use to become closer to God.
Sex Differences and Construction of Gender: Middle Ages construction of the gender and how it is ridiculous.
Lollardy: Denying female celibacy in pursuit of sexuality tendencies and desires.
Forgiveness of Sins: How can sin be forgiven through the Virgin Mary?
Creative Adaptations:
Lesson Plan 1: The Women of Canterbury Tales
Lesson Plan 2: Examining the Nuances of the Prioress as an Authority Figure
Madame Eglantine’s Personal Journal
