20 Facts About Prioress

Prioress: A Glimpse into Medieval Life

The Prioress, a character from Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales," offers a fascinating look into medieval society. Her story and character reveal much about the era's religious, social, and cultural norms. Here are some intriguing facts about the Prioress.

1. The Prioress's Real Name
   Her name is Madame Eglantine. Eglantine is a type of wild rose, symbolizing her delicate and refined nature.

2. Her Role in the Church
   As a prioress, she was the head of a convent. This position gave her significant authority over the nuns in her care.

3. Fluent in French
   She speaks French fluently, but with a provincial English accent. This detail highlights her education and social aspirations.

4. Her Table Manners
   Chaucer describes her as having impeccable table manners. She never lets a morsel fall from her lips and wipes her mouth so clean that no trace of grease is seen.

5. Her Compassion for Animals
   She is known for her love of animals, especially small dogs. She feeds them roasted meat, milk, and fine white bread.

The Prioress's Appearance and Attire

Chaucer's detailed description of the Prioress's appearance and clothing provides insight into her personality and status.

6. Elegant Appearance
   She is described as elegantly dressed, with a well-formed nose, gray eyes, a small mouth, and a broad forehead.

7. Wears a Wimple
   The wimple, a cloth covering the neck and chin, signifies her religious devotion and modesty.

8. Her Rosary
   She carries a rosary made of coral beads, with green beads in between. The rosary ends with a golden brooch inscribed with "Amor vincit omnia" (Love conquers all).

9. Her Brooch
   The golden brooch she wears is a significant detail. It suggests a worldly concern with appearance and status, contrasting with her religious vows.

The Prioress's Tale

The Prioress's tale in "The Canterbury Tales" reflects her religious devotion and the anti-Semitic sentiments of the time.

10. A Devout Story
    Her tale is a devout story about a young Christian boy murdered by Jews for singing a hymn to the Virgin Mary.

11. Miraculous Elements
    The tale includes miraculous elements, such as the boy continuing to sing even after his throat is slit.

12. Reflects Anti-Semitism
    The story reflects the prevalent anti-Semitic attitudes of medieval Europe, portraying Jews in a negative light.

13. Emphasis on Virgin Mary
    The tale emphasizes the Prioress's devotion to the Virgin Mary, a central figure in medieval Christianity.

The Prioress's Social Status

Her social status and behavior reveal much about the expectations and limitations placed on women in medieval society.

14. Noble Birth
    She is likely of noble birth, as suggested by her refined manners and education.

15. Social Aspirations
    Her behavior and attire indicate a desire to be seen as part of the upper class, despite her religious vocation.

16. Limited Mobility
    As a woman and a nun, her mobility and freedom are limited. Her pilgrimage to Canterbury is a rare opportunity for travel.

The Prioress's Personality

Chaucer's portrayal of the Prioress offers a nuanced view of her personality, blending piety with vanity.

17. Gentle and Dignified
    She is gentle and dignified, with a soft voice and a calm demeanor.

18. Sentimental Nature
    Her sentimental nature is evident in her weeping at the sight of a dead mouse caught in a trap.

19. Vanity
    Despite her religious vows, she exhibits vanity through her concern with appearance and social status.

20. Contradictory Character
    The Prioress is a contradictory character, blending genuine piety with worldly concerns. This complexity makes her one of Chaucer's most intriguing characters.

Final Thoughts on Prioress

Prioress, a fascinating figure from Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales," offers a unique glimpse into medieval society. Her character, a nun with aristocratic tendencies, highlights the complexities of religious life during that era. Through her, Chaucer subtly critiques the church's influence and the blending of sacred and secular worlds.

Understanding Prioress helps us appreciate Chaucer's wit and the historical context of his work. Her portrayal reminds us that even in the 14th century, people grappled with identity, duty, and societal expectations.

Next time you dive into "The Canterbury Tales," keep an eye out for Prioress. Her story, though centuries old, still resonates today. Whether you're a literature enthusiast or just curious about history, Prioress offers a rich tapestry of insights into human nature and medieval life.