Assignment Task:
Rodney: This week we read Chaucer's "The Wife of Bath's Tale," a captivating narrative from "The Canterbury Tales" that explores themes central to medieval literature. This tale revolves around the character of the Wife of Bath, who challenges conventional gender roles and presents a complex view of femininity and power. One of the central themes in "The Wife of Bath's Tale" is the concept of sovereignty, particularly in marriage. The Wife of Bath argues for female autonomy and control within marriage, advocating for women's rights to dominance and authority over their husbands. This theme challenges traditional medieval views on marriage and gender dynamics, making it a compelling study in feminist literature of the time.
To further enhance your understanding of the themes in "The Wife of Bath's Tale," I recommend exploring the article "Gender in The Canterbury Tales" by Annette Kern-Stahler. This article provides insightful analysis into how Chaucer's portrayal of the Wife of Bath challenges and subverts societal norms of the Middle Ages, particularly regarding gender and marriage.
Kern-Stahler, Annette. "Gender in The Canterbury Tales." Encyclopedia of Themes in Literature, Facts on File, 2020. Bloom's Literature.
Reflecting on "The Wife of Bath's Tale," consider the following question: How does Chaucer use the character of the Wife of Bath to critique and redefine traditional gender roles in medieval society? Support your answer with specific examples from the tale to illustrate your understanding of Chaucer's commentary on gender dynamics.
Melaine: In this tale, I would share my adventures as a modern nomad, traveling the states and some countries in search of new experiences and connections. As a free spirit, my main character would be described as curious and bold, always seeking out the next adventure to satisfy me. From bustling cities to serene landscapes, I would recount the diverse cultures and people I have encountered on my journey.
In interacting with other travelers in Chaucer's Prologue, my character would likely connect with the Merchant, who is also well-traveled and experienced in the ways of the world. I would exchange stories and insights with the Merchant, sharing our mutual love for exploration and discovery.
My tale would be similar to Chaucer's tales in its focus on diverse characters and their unique experiences, but different in its modern lens and emphasis on personal growth through travel. While Chaucer's tales often revolve around moral lessons and social commentary, my tale would highlight the transformative power of travel and the importance of embracing new perspectives and cultures.
Kayla: Martin Luther King played a great role during the civil rights movement. I would use a phrase to explain his leadership qualities "unifying action." Dr. King used his power to unite people to protest and fight for better rights and equality for African Americans. For example, in his "I Have a Dream" speech, he gave examples of things he believed should change to bring about equality. He said, "I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood." (MARTIN LUTHER KING'S SPEECH AT THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL, WASHINGTON, DC., 1963) Stating this, Dr. King let other citizens know that he wanted blacks and whites to be able to come together as one someday.
Dr. King organized a march called the "March on Washington" where he gave his "I Have a Dream" speech. (McGuire, W., & Wheeler, L., 2024, p. 2) This was one of the nonviolent protests he led which made a big difference for African Americans because later, more rights were being given to them. Furthermore, African Americans were able to sit down with white people in the same areas and places, so he reached his goal. He acted and unified the citizens of the U.S. by bringing them all together no matter their race.
References:
MARTIN LUTHER KING'S SPEECH AT THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL, WASHINGTON, DC (1963). (2009). In B. Narins (Ed.), African American Almanac (10th ed.). Gale.
McGuire, W., & Wheeler, L. (2024). Martin Luther King Jr. American History. Retrieved July 20, 2024.
Morgan: Martin Luther King Jr. embodied much of the authentic servant leadership qualities that we study and adhere to here at Georgia Military College. King placed a major emphasis on serving and respecting others, which is our servant leadership motto we go by. His humility, ethical and critical thinking, and push towards civility towards and from African Americans during his time made him a hero figure for many. He wanted to unify all Americans around a common goal of advancing freedom in America (Perry, 2010). It is not far fetched to say that Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech charted a new course for America considering common and equal freedom for all her citizens.
In his speech, King emphasizes evaluating someone based on the "content of their character", not by the color of their skin. This is a noble servant leadership quality, empowering others to work and focus on their character and quality of conduct ("Martin Luther King's Speech at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington DC, (1963), 2009). Instead of demanding respect, one must earn it, no matter the creed or color. As seen in the letter form Birmingham Jail, freedom and equality was hard to come by for African Americans, expressing how many have stood on the side of passivity for too long in a lack of support for freedom for all ("Letter from a Birmingham Jail", 2014). Martin Luther King is a notable character in the pursuance of this freedom for all Americans.
References:
Corbett, P. S., Janssen, V., Lund, J. M., Pfannestiel, T. J., Waskiewicz, S., & Vickery, P. S. (2014). U.S. History. Houston, TX: OpenStax, Rice University.
MARTIN LUTHER KING'S SPEECH AT THE LINCOLD MEMORIAL, WASHINGTON< DC (1963). (2009). In B. Marins (Ed.), African American Almanac (10th ed.). Gale.
Perry, J. (January 18, 2010). Martin Luther King, Jr: A true servant leader.