Although the real feminist movement did not begin until the late 19th century, many earlier

authors incorporated feminist ideas into their literature. One of those authors is 14th century writer Geoffrey Chaucer, who many claim was himself a feminist who touted the injustice to women of his time period and asked readers to consider the lack of opportunities for women. While critics like Harold Bloom might claim that the Wife of Bath in The Canterbury Tales is another example of a lecherous, lying, manipulative woman, it, instead, appears that Chaucer has her speak for all women about the ironic situation of women in a misogynist society. For example, the Wife of Baths story begins with the rape of a woman and then the ironic rescue of the offender by another woman, Arthurs Queen Guinevere. While one might expect the women of King Arthurs court to be offended by the knights horrible act, the women instead [pray] that the king might grant him grace after the Knight is sentenced to death (Chaucer). This act seems to suggest both that women are more sensible and merciful than the men and that they are quite powerful in decisions of the court. Ironically though, the reader knows that women of 14th century England had few opportunities and that society was almost completely male-dominated. This fact is best displayed in the Wifes profession of wife; she has been married five times and seems to only tell stories of remedies of love (Chaucer). Moreover, while the tale suggests that women hold much wisdom and power, it also ironically disappoints in the end when the Old Wife chooses to be both good and fair [and] good and true / As any wife since this old world was new (Chaucer). Chaucer seems to suggest here either that when given the choice about how to live their own lives women truly want to please men or that society has created a situation where that is really their only option. Interestingly enough the Old Wife seems to be content and does make this choice of her own accord. Although it is now 200 years after the beginning of the feminist movement, this tale asks readers to think about whether we still live in a misogynistic world and about the relationship between men and women; he might even suggest that one way to find happiness is to try and make another person happy.