Throughout the Anglo-Saxon period, women had specific roles in their society. In the Anglo-Saxon period, an important work of British Literature which refers to the wife’s role in the society of that time is derived from, The Wife’s Lament. In The Wife’s Lament, the beginning roles women received were presented. The first of these roles was that of a peace waver, which is someone who married off to make peace between warring tribes. For example in The Wife’s Lament, the narrator writes “I must suffer the feud of my much beloved” (Unknown, page number). In this quote, the wife is explaining how she was married into a warring tribe in the hopes of settling a feud. In this time, women were to be obedient to any of their society’s wishes. As it is previously mentioned, women’s role in society was up to their husband in most marriages. Anglo Saxon women were expected to be submissive to their husbands and were only able to have certain aspects of freedom in their life. The sorts of freedom they would have, were through marriage and wealth, meaning that the husband in the relationship had all the right to make any decisions in his right judgement, not including his wife’s perspective or opinion. An example of how significant it was for a woman to obey her husband is explained in The Wife’s Lament when the narrator mentions “My lord commanded me to move to my dwelling here.” (Insert citation) In this quote, we see how a woman was expected to obey the orders of her husband at all costs. Despite any troubles the wife has with her husband and their separation she must continue to do as he says. As formerly stated, in the Anglo-Saxon period, the only alternative for women who did not marry was to join the convent. Since the Anglo-Saxon society was stringent on women’s lives, the only way these women could obtain an education was if they joined the convent. The Anglo-Saxon society was composed of women who were submissive and subservient to the men around them. In British Literature, there are many time periods that lead the other periods into gaining more rights or in this case, allowing women to begin setting goals for themselves, while also allowing them to achieve those goals for themselves as well.
As mentioned above, the Medieval Times was the period in which women began realizing that a difference could be made in the way society represented them. Women in the Medieval Times had a secondary role in all aspects of their life. In these times, a woman’s life revolved around her family, marriage and religion. Women in this time were always seen as inferior compared to men. Although many women were, not all of them were confined to a life in the home obeying their husbands. In the medieval time, women were still obedient to their husbands, but were more willing to go after their aspirations in life. The principal role for women in the medieval times was to care for their children and husband and to look after their home. The role of a wife in this period of time, was crucial to the foundation of the entire family on a faily basis. For example, in Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Wife of Bath, we see how The Wife of Bath gives in to the man’s desire, as explained in the following quote. “Nevertheless, since I know your pleasure I will satisfy your physical pleasure” (INSERT PAGE) Unlike in the Anglo-Saxon period, the women in the Medieval time period had more of an out-spoken character as shown in Chaucer’s The Wife of Bath. The Wife of Bath represents the open-minded side of most women in the Middle Ages. For instance, in the following quote by the Wife of Bath, “I will not abstain/ let up on any husband I have, who shall be worth my debtor and slave.” ( last name PG# ) she is explaining her distinction from than other women. The Wife of bath explains that unlike all the other women, she plans to have control and power over herself, her husbands, and their household. By mentioning the household, The Wife of Bath is referring to the financial and monetary aspect. In the medieval times, all women desired having power over men as presented throughout British Literature. The following quote speaks about the Wife of Bath’s refusal to play a subordinate role in society, “I am your own beloved and your wife, And I am she, indeed that saved your life and certainly I never did you wrong…” (last nameINSERT PG#). This quote explains how the Wife of Bath is not afraid to ask her husband if he is treating her the way a true knight would. The Wife of Bath’s outspoken character is revealed when she asks her husband questions about his actions and by mentioning that she does not think it is going the way it should be. The events involving women, like the Wife of Bath, that occurred in the medieval time period were an important predecessor for the rest of the years and time periods to follow.
In the next time period, the Renaissance Times, women were appreciated more for being independent, ambitious and focused on making sure their goals were achieved. In the Renaissance period, the representation of women along with the attitude toward women started to improve gradually. This improvement was particularly witnessed through literature. Unlike the women in the Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Times, the women in the Renaissance began reazling the idea of becoming their own person, and working towards making sure their goals in life are achieved. In the next two works of literature, The Nymph’s Reply to the Shepherd and Macbeth, it is recognized how women’s roles have changed throughout society. In the following quote from The Nymph’s Reply to the Shepherd, we see this change of roles present “Then these delights my mind might move. To live with thee and be thy love.” This quote is representing how the Nymph is asking the Shepherd to be her lover again. This is an improvement from the Anglo-Saxon period because now, women are more likely to go after their dreams and they are not afraid to express their thoughts and feelings in today’s society. In the play Macbeth, the Renaissance’s influence is made known throughout the character Lady Macbeth. For example, we see the influence present when Lady Macbeth mentions “Glamis thou art, and cawdor; and shalt be what thou art promised.” (inseart p) In this quote, Lady Macbeth appears to be aware of her own strengths. Lady Macbeth also makes her mission, achieving women’s ambitions, known by in showing us the influence and power she has over her husband’s weak will. Another example of how women’s roles in marriage changed is in the following quote. In the play Macbeth, Lady Macbeth shows how ambitious she is in the following quote, ” Glamis thou art, and Cawdor, and shalt be/ What thou art promised. Yet do I fear thy nature; / It is too full o’ th’ milk of human kindness/ To catch the nearest way. Thou wouldst be great,/ Art not without ambition, but without /The illness should attend it. (1.5.15-20) In this quote, Lady Macbeth has just read the letter from her husband which recounted the witches’ prophesy. After reading this letter, Lady Macbeth’s thoughts immediately turned to murder and though Macbeth could not face reality, Lady Macbeth is brave enough for both of them.