Now, sire”, quod she, “When we flee fro the bemes For Goddess love, as taak som laxative. Up peril of my soule and o lif, I counseille yow the beeste, I wol nat lye,

Now, sire”, quod she, “When we flee fro the bemes For Goddess love, as taak som laxative. Up peril of my soule and o lif, I counseille yow the beeste, I wol nat lye,

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• Context: This excerpt is from Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales”, specifically “The Wife of Bath’s Tale”. In this tale, the Wife of Bath, a strong, outspoken woman who has been married multiple times, discusses her personal philosophy on love, marriage, and the power dynamics between men and women. Her prologue is one of the longest and most elaborate, where she proudly shares her experience with her husbands and comments on issues like dominance in marriage and gender roles. The language she uses is often blunt, humorous, and direct, making her one of the most memorable characters in the collection.
• Explanation: In this passage, the Wife of Bath is speaking to one of her husbands, offering him advice in her typically earthy and direct manner. She tells him to take a laxative when they “flee fro the bemes”, possibly meaning when they escape from the prying eyes of others or the troubles they face. The suggestion of a laxative here can be seen as both literal and metaphorical. Literally, she’s giving practical advice for physical discomfort, but metaphorically, it might suggest a way to let go of emotional or psychological burdens.

The phrase “Up peril of my soule and o lif” is an exaggerated way of saying she stakes her soul and life on the effectiveness of her advice. This reflects her confidence and self-assurance. The humor here comes from the fact that the Wife of Bath often brings such practical matters, even bodily functions, into her discussions about life and relationships, challenging the idea that women should always be modest or delicate. She is unafraid to confront topics that might make others uncomfortable, which aligns with her character as a woman who challenges societal norms about gender and marriage.

Overall, this passage encapsulates the Wife of Bath’s personality—bold, practical, and unafraid to speak her mind, even when it involves unflattering or uncomfortable topics. It also reflects Chaucer’s use of humor and satire to comment on the complexities of human relationships, particularly within marriage.