The Prioress in The Canterbury Tales: A Closer Examination

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In Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales" Prologue, a colorful array of characters is introduced, each playing a significant role in reflecting the complexities of Medieval society. Among these characters is the Prioress, Madame Eglantyne, who is a central figure representing the religious life. However, as we delve deeper into her character, it becomes apparent that she falls short of adhering to the strict codes and vows expected of her as a prioress. In this essay, we will explore the various aspects of the Prioress's character and behavior that highlight her departure from the religious ideal, shedding light on her secular inclinations and failures to fulfill her spiritual obligations.

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The Role of Nunneries in Medieval Society

To comprehend the significance of the Prioress's actions and deviations from her expected role, we must first understand the context of Medieval nunneries and the reasons women entered them. During this period, women entered nunneries for a multitude of reasons, and their economic backgrounds varied. While some nuns came from humble backgrounds, a significant portion hailed from wealthy families.

It's worth noting that many convents and nunneries had stringent admission criteria, often favoring candidates from affluent families ("Medieval Nuns").

Nuns from lower economic classes often faced challenges in gaining admission due to their limited access to education (Power 14). Nunneries required proficiency in Latin, as much of the correspondence from bishops and church authorities was in Latin (Power 246). Some nuns also spoke French, the language of the aristocracy (Power 246). Madame Eglantyne can be placed within this category of nuns.

While knowledge of French was not a requirement imposed by the church, nuns from well-to-do families often learned it to emulate the upper class (Power 74). The Prioress's attempt to mimic the courtly manners of the secular elite is evident when Chaucer describes how she "counterfeited a courtly kind of grace" (Chaucer line 137).

Understanding why women entered nunneries is crucial to unraveling the Prioress's character. Devotion to God was only one of many motivating factors for women during this period. In fact, familial decisions often played a more significant role in a woman's entry into a nunnery, especially in cases where families sought to rid themselves of unwanted daughters (Power 25). This led to many women remaining nuns for life, often without any hope of leaving (Power 34).

For those who entered the nunnery voluntarily, their motivations varied. Many women became nuns as a career choice due to limited alternatives (Power 29). Others saw the nunnery as a viable alternative to marriage or a place of refuge for widows (Power 25). In some cases, women entered the religious life due to their devotion to the Cult of the Virgin Mary, which held a significant influence during the Medieval period ("Medieval Nuns"). The diverse reasons for entering nunneries make it challenging to determine Madame Eglantyne's specific motivation, but historical evidence suggests that nuns like her often hailed from prosperous families.

The Duties of a Prioress

A prioress in a nunnery was expected to adhere to strict vows that guided her daily life. These vows included the Vow of Poverty, the Vow of Chastity, and the Vow of Obedience ("Medieval Nuns"). Each of these vows represented fundamental aspects of the religious life, and they mirrored the values exemplified by the life of Christ (Broadley).

Chastity, the first vow, required nuns to dedicate their love exclusively to God, while the Vow of Poverty fostered humility and simplicity. The Vow of Obedience, on the other hand, emphasized complete devotion to God (Broadley).

The Prioress in "The Canterbury Tales" appears to align with only one of these vows, and her deviation from the others serves as a telling indicator of her secular tendencies. Her ostentatious accessories, such as her golden brooch, directly contradict the Vow of Poverty (Chaucer 158). Furthermore, her brooch bears the inscription "Amor vincit omnia," which emphasizes secular love rather than spiritual devotion (Chaucer 160). This lapse in adhering to the Vow of Chastity is evident in her affection for worldly adornments.

Aside from the vows, a prioress had various duties within the nunnery, including the management of internal affairs, interaction with the outside world, discipline of fellow nuns, and organization of convent activities (Zatta). While the nunnery provided a degree of freedom, this freedom also presented opportunities for temptation (Power 59).

Luxury and independence were particularly enticing to some nuns, leading them to deviate from their vows (Power 60). Others were tempted to rule autocratically, disregarding the counsel of their fellow sisters (Power 60). Complaints occasionally arose regarding the Prioress's exclusive control of the common seal, which should have been accessible to all (Power 64). Madame Eglantyne's decision to abstain from traveling with a group of nuns, a common practice for safety reasons, raises questions about her adherence to these conventions (Zatta).

Additionally, rules prohibited favoritism, and the prioress was not supposed to invite specific nuns to dine with her (Power 60-61). However, it is evident that Madame Eglantyne did not strictly adhere to these principles.

Forbidden Luxuries and Common Living

One of the challenges faced by nuns in Medieval times was resisting the allure of luxuries. Despite their vow of poverty, many nuns, including Madame Eglantyne, succumbed to the temptation of worldly comforts ("Medieval Nuns"). A prioress was expected to wear modest clothing, avoiding gowns with extravagant details, fur trims, or lavish belts (Power 587).

Jewelry and ostentatious adornments were strictly forbidden (Power 587). The Prioress's description in "The Canterbury Tales" reveals her deviation from these guidelines, as she is adorned with a coral trinket, a set of colorful beads, and a gaudy golden brooch (Chaucer 156-158). Her choice of accessories aligns more with secular fashion than the modest attire expected of a nun.

Within the nunnery, equality was paramount, and all goods were provided to the nuns equally. Food was prepared in a common kitchen, and clothing was distributed from communal supplies (Power 315). Private property was prohibited, and nuns were expected to live a life of shared resources (Power 315).

While the vow of poverty demanded a humble existence, many nuns allowed their moral standards to slip, leading to a decline in religious observance ("Medieval Nuns").

Conclusion

In conclusion, the character of Madame Eglantyne, the Prioress in "The Canterbury Tales," provides a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of Medieval society and the challenges faced by religious figures of the time. While Madame Eglantyne may have possessed genuine faith, her actions and inclinations leaned more toward secularism than spirituality. Her focus on manners, pets, and clothing overshadowed her religious duties to the poor and to God.

Through the character of the Prioress, Chaucer underscores the notion that many religious figures during the Medieval era led lives tainted by corruption and secular influences. The departure of individuals like Madame Eglantyne from the idealized religious life served as a reflection of the multifaceted nature of human behavior in a complex historical context.