Neofem: New Approach?

Recently, I found some social media commentary on a popular feminist trend called, Neofeminism.  I came across this term while scrolling through my Moment’s timeline on Twitter (via Amber Rose Twitter). I am still learning about what this effort entails, but I found it relatively applicable to the Wife of Bath's Prologue. There isn’t as much literature on Neofeminism as I hoped for, but I managed to find a broad definition of it: Neofeminism describes an emerging view of women as becoming empowered through the celebration of attributes perceived to be conventionally feminine…a female assumes or believes that females should lead and be more dominant in work, life, etc. than men…It glorifies a womanly essence over claims to equality with men (wiki, quora). A Neofeminist approach to the Wife of Bath's Prologue would support the representation of the Wife of Bath, Alys, as an empowering figure because her character asserts dominance over men.

            As we discussed in class the prologue reveals a female character that can be analyzed in different ways. The Wife of Bath is a complex portrayal of a medieval woman. One that is explicitly shameless about the way she uses sexual power to get what she wants. So, by portraying her in this way, Neofeminist would deny Chaucer is using the character to confirm negative stereotypes about women (manipulative and deceitful), but that she is a woman rightfully exuding her power in a male-dominated society.

            Through a Neofeminism lens, the prologue would be read as an encouraging piece for women.  The Wife of Bath would be deemed powerful because she is not only showing that she has control over one man but several.

 

The approach would highlight the fact that the Wife of Bath uses her sexual attributes for personal gain instead of focusing on proving her equal status with men. Her demeanor is one that emanates an authoritative attitude and reiterates the Neofeminist idea that women are more superior:

                 “At the end I had the better in every way,

       By trickery, or force, or by some such thing”  (408).

 

So, was Chaucer saying women are better than men? Mm.*shrugs*.