The Wife of Bath was first married at the age of twelve. This is explicitly stated across multiple sources analyzing Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales. Her young age at her first marriage highlights the limited agency and control women had over their own lives during that historical period.
The Wife of Bath's Marital History
The Wife of Bath's first marriage at twelve is a key element of her character and serves as a significant point of discussion in literary analysis of Chaucer's work. This early marriage, along with her four subsequent marriages, provides the foundation for her considerable experience and expertise on marriage, which she freely shares in her prologue.
- Source Confirmation: This fact is repeatedly confirmed in various analyses of The Canterbury Tales, including scholarly articles, study guides, and online resources (see references below).
Implications of Early Marriage
The Wife of Bath's early marriage provides insightful commentary on societal norms and expectations for women during the medieval period. It underscores the patriarchal structures that often denied young women autonomy over their own lives and futures.
- Lack of Choice: Her early marriage highlights the lack of control young women had over their bodies and destinies.
- Historical Context: Understanding this fact requires considering the historical context of medieval England and the societal pressures placed upon women.
Conclusion
The Wife of Bath's first marriage at age twelve is a crucial detail in understanding her character and the social commentary within Chaucer's work.
