Technical Features

Abstract

Chaucer’s characterisation of Alison of Bath far outstrips any sources or stereotyped figures, and she is developed far beyond medieval literary conventions. The use of a distinctive ‘voice’ and colloquial language to create her unique personality, and the complexity of her character as digressions and inconsistencies reveal an inner self, all show that Chaucer was breaking new literary ground with his creation. This discussion looks at the interweaving of medieval and modern forms of understanding through the figure of Alison, by which means Chaucer uses her character to depict the full complexity of his times. We can distinguish two sides to the Wife’s character.