Submissive

Definition

Submissive refers to a willingness to yield to the authority or control of another, often embodying traits such as compliance, humility, and deference. In the context of relationships, it often describes a dynamic where one party willingly accepts a secondary role, which can evoke discussions around power, gender roles, and personal agency. This concept plays a significant role in understanding various character portrayals and societal critiques.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Wife of Bath challenges traditional notions of submissiveness through her assertive and independent character, often speaking openly about her multiple marriages and desires.
2. Despite her boldness, the Wife of Bath simultaneously reflects the societal expectations of women to be submissive, creating a complex dynamic in her character.
3. Her views on marriage suggest that mutual respect and partnership can exist alongside traditional power dynamics, offering a nuanced perspective on submissiveness.
4. The tale she tells critiques the idea that women should be submissive to men by illustrating the consequences of such attitudes in relationships.
5. The Wife of Bath’s character serves as a commentary on the struggles for female autonomy in a patriarchal society, highlighting the tension between submission and empowerment.

Review Questions

• How does the Wife of Bath's character challenge traditional views on submissiveness?
  • The Wife of Bath embodies a complex blend of submissiveness and independence. While she acknowledges societal expectations for women to be submissive, her assertive demeanor and multiple marriages illustrate her refusal to accept these limitations. By advocating for women's desires and mutual respect in relationships, she challenges the idea that women must be entirely submissive to their husbands.
• In what ways does the Wife of Bath's tale critique the notion of female submissiveness?
  • In her tale, the Wife of Bath critiques female submissiveness by showcasing the negative outcomes that arise from such dynamics. Through her narrative, she illustrates how submission can lead to discontent in marriage and advocates for women asserting their own desires and agency. The tale serves as a reflection on the importance of equality and respect within relationships, arguing against blind submission.
• Evaluate the implications of submissiveness as depicted in the Wife of Bath's narrative in relation to gender roles during Chaucer's time.
  • The implications of submissiveness in the Wife of Bath's narrative reveal deep tensions regarding gender roles in Chaucer's era. While the societal norms dictated that women should be submissive, the Wife's outspoken nature and desire for agency highlight the conflict between societal expectations and individual identity. This narrative not only challenges the status quo but also invites readers to reconsider how submissiveness affects women's experiences and autonomy within patriarchal frameworks.

Related terms

Dominance: The condition of being in control or having power over others, often contrasting with submissive behavior.

Agency: The capacity of individuals to act independently and make their own choices, often at odds with submissive behavior.

Gender Roles: Socially constructed roles that dictate how individuals are expected to behave based on their gender, which can influence perceptions of submissiveness.