power of women and poetry

Chaucer’s poetry is filled with explicit language and sex. The Miller’s Tale is by far one of his most provocative, featuring a young attractive woman, who shows her lack of morals through her life of infidelity and trickery. Alisoun's character proves the power women can hold over men. Her beauty, slender body, and youth are what make her so captivating to men. Alisoun and her husband, Nicholas, trick the other two men that are infatuated with Alisoun. Throughout The Miller’s Tale we see not only the power Alisoun holds, but also the way she enjoys holding this strong power over men. The Franklin’s Tale is less provocative, however overall portrays the same message about women. Dorigene and Arvirgus are in a loving and surprisingly, equal, marriage. However, Dorigene runs into trouble when she realized the debts she owes to Aurelius and infidelity becomes a theme yet again in this tale. Luckily, everything for Dorigene works out, Arvirgus forgives her debts and she is allowed to remain faithfully with her husband; love ultimately triumphs. The Nun’s Priest’s Tale is different from the others, mainly because it takes place in a barnyard and involves animals. This tale demonstrates deceit and persuasion. Sidney focuses on the power of poetry. Sidney suggests that poetry is written for everyone, while philosophy is written for educated peoples. However, Sidney's claim that poetry takes a different approach, it has a deeper meaning and allows individuals to connect in a more personal way. Sidney’s claim about the power of poetry, holds validity- through The Canterbury Tails, that do not rely or even discuss philosophy or history. Sidney's claims also hold validity just by looking at the impact it has had and how long poetry has been around, and the place it continues to hold in literature and the world.