So, moms are evil?
How the heck does Custance get so unlucky as to have the two worst mothers-in-law in the world? I mean really, she’s so nice and great and the guys she gets married to are so loyal to her, but apparently that means nothing to Fate or Fortune or whoever.
Anyway, while I was reading, two quotes from the text stood out to me. The first is from Custance as she is about to leave for Syria:
“Wommen are born to thraldom and penance,
And to been under mannes governance.” (“The Man of Law’s Tale,” I. 286-7)
Here, Custance is speaking about how she believes women are meant to be married and submitted to their husbands, according to her Christian beliefs. However, a quote by the wicked Sultaness comes in sharp contrast to Custance’s remarks:
"What sholde us tyden of this newe lawe
But thraldom to oure bodies and penance…” (“The Man of Law’s Tale,” I. 337-8)
Here, the Sultaness is speaking about how Christianity is a religion that will only enslave and submit her and her people. But what caught my eye is how both these women use the same words, “thraldom” and “penance.” I wonder if, through these two quotes and similar wording, Chaucer is trying to draw a connection between a Christian wife’s submission and the Christian religion’s forced submission of other religions through the crusades, and even forced submission within Christianity itself with the many wars and political fights between the Catholics and Protestants in England.
Anyway, while I was reading, two quotes from the text stood out to me. The first is from Custance as she is about to leave for Syria:
“Wommen are born to thraldom and penance,
And to been under mannes governance.” (“The Man of Law’s Tale,” I. 286-7)
Here, Custance is speaking about how she believes women are meant to be married and submitted to their husbands, according to her Christian beliefs. However, a quote by the wicked Sultaness comes in sharp contrast to Custance’s remarks:
"What sholde us tyden of this newe lawe
But thraldom to oure bodies and penance…” (“The Man of Law’s Tale,” I. 337-8)
Here, the Sultaness is speaking about how Christianity is a religion that will only enslave and submit her and her people. But what caught my eye is how both these women use the same words, “thraldom” and “penance.” I wonder if, through these two quotes and similar wording, Chaucer is trying to draw a connection between a Christian wife’s submission and the Christian religion’s forced submission of other religions through the crusades, and even forced submission within Christianity itself with the many wars and political fights between the Catholics and Protestants in England.
(Image: http://villains.wikia.com/wiki/Mom-Lady)
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