The Canterbury Tales · Chapter
Pars Quarta explained
In this part, Walter continues to test his wife Griseldis's patience and loyalty.
What happens
In this part, Walter continues to test his wife Griseldis's patience and loyalty. After four years, she bears a son, but Walter, still suspicious, pretends to yield to his people's murmurs and orders the child taken away, just as he did with their daughter. Griseldis submits without complaint, declaring she has no will but his. Walter secretly sends both children to Bologna to be raised by his sister's husband, the Earl of Panico. Meanwhile, rumors spread that Walter murdered his children, causing his people to hate him. After twelve years, Walter decides to test Griseldis further by sending forged papal bulls that seem to allow him to divorce her and marry another. He orders the Earl to bring the children back, pretending the maiden is his new bride.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Sovereignty
Walter's absolute authority over Griseldis and her complete submission highlight the unequal power dynamics in marriage.
Fortune and Providence
Griseldis's patient endurance of adversity is portrayed as a test of her virtue, with fortune ultimately favoring her constancy.
Corruption and Hypocrisy in the Church
Walter's forgery of papal bulls to justify his cruel plans illustrates the manipulation of religious authority for personal gain.
Characters to notice
- Walter
Continues to test his wife Griseldis's patience, ordering their son taken away and later forging papal bulls to justify a divorce.
- Griseldis
Remains utterly patient and obedient, declaring she has no will but her husband's, even when her children are taken.
- Janicola
Mentioned as Griseldis's father; the people fear his blood will succeed Walter.
Key passages
“I have not had no part of children twain, But first sicknéss, and after woe and pain.”
I have no claim to my two children; I only experienced the sickness of childbirth and then the sorrow of losing them.
Griseldis renounces any maternal rights, emphasizing her total submission to Walter's will.
“Ye be my lord, do with your owen thing Right as you list, and ask no rede of me.”
You are my lord; do with your own property as you please, and do not seek my advice.
Griseldis views herself as Walter's possession, reinforcing the theme of marital sovereignty.
“Death may not makë no comparisoún Unto your love.”
Death cannot be compared to my love for you.
Griseldis expresses that her love for Walter surpasses even the fear of death.