Rewriting the Marital Contract: Adultery in the 'Canterbury Tales'

Author / Editor
Jacobs, Kathryn.

Title
Rewriting the Marital Contract: Adultery in the 'Canterbury Tales'

Published
Chaucer Review 29 (1995): 337-47.

Description
Analyzes MerT, MilT, ShT, and FranT in light of the two-fold nature of the English medieval marriage contract: personal duties and business responsibilities.
In those marriages concerned with property alone, adultery exposes the lack of reciprocity. In those concerned with spousal interactions, adultery may restore the intent of the marriage bonds.

Chaucer Subjects
Canterbury Tales--General.
Merchant and His Tale.
Miller and His Tale.
Shipman and His Tale.
Franklin and His Tale.