Feminizing Chaucer

by Mann, Jill

• ISBN13: 9780859916134
• ISBN10: 0859916138
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-07-01
• Publisher: Ds Brewer

Summary

Women are a major subject of Chaucer's writings, and their place in his work has attracted much recent critical attention. Feminizing Chaucer investigates Chaucer's thinking about women, and re-assesses it in the light of developments in feminist criticism. It explores Chaucer's handling of gender issues, of power roles, of misogynist stereotypes and the writer's responsibility for perpetuating them, and the complex meshing of activity and passivity in human experience. Mann argues that the traditionally 'female' virtues of patience and pity are central to Chaucer's moral ethos, and that this necessitates a reformulation of ideal masculinity. First published (as Geoffrey Chaucer) in the series 'Feminist Readings', this new edition includes a new chapter, 'Wife-Swapping in Medieval Literature'. The references and bibliography have been updated, and a new preface surveys publications in the field over the last decade. JILL MANN is currently Notre Dame Professor of English, University of Notre Dame.

Author Biography

Jill Mann is currently Notre Dame Professor of English, University of Notre Dame.

Table of Contents

Preface to the 2002 Edition
Preface
Introduction	p. 1
Women and Betrayal	p. 5
Antifeminism	p. 39
The Surrender of Maistrye	p. 70
Suffering Woman, Suffering God	p. 100
The Feminized Hero	p. 129
Conclusion	p. 145
Wife-Swapping in Medieval Literature	p. 152
Bibliography	p. 174
Index	p. 189
Chaucer Studies
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