Chaucer's Women: Sex and the Scholarly Imagination.

Description: Argues that Chaucerian biographers and critics have both been horrified by the rape of Cecily Chaumpaigne and depicted it to reenforce Chaucer’s masculinity. Traces how these critics and authors have fashioned Chaumpaigne into a courtly lady, whose presence makes Chaucer a better man. Contends that "there is a literary touch beyond titillation, a temporal bond stronger than mere male collegiality and recognition."