The Canterbury Tales · Chapter
Pars Secunda explained
The marquis Walter, having decided to marry the poor but virtuous Griseldis, goes to her village and asks her father Janicola for her hand.
What happens
The marquis Walter, having decided to marry the poor but virtuous Griseldis, goes to her village and asks her father Janicola for her hand. Griseldis agrees to marry him on the condition that she will obey his every whim without complaint. She is stripped of her old clothes, dressed in new finery, and married in a grand ceremony. Griseldis proves to be a wise and capable ruler, beloved by all, and soon gives birth to a daughter.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Sovereignty
Walter's marriage to Griseldis is based on a test of her obedience, reflecting the power dynamics in marriage.
Social Class and Estate
Griseldis's rise from poverty to nobility illustrates the theme of social class and the potential for virtue to transcend birth.
Gender and Power
Griseldis's submission to Walter's will and her role as a peacemaker in the land highlight gender roles and power structures.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“But for to speak of virtuous beauty, Then was she one the fairest under sun”
In terms of virtuous beauty, she was among the fairest in the world.
Highlights Griseldis's inner virtue as her true beauty.
“I say this, be ye ready with good heart To all my lust, and that I freely may, As me best thinketh, do you laugh or smart, And never ye to grudgë, night nor day”
I ask that you be willing to accept whatever I wish, whether it brings you joy or pain, and never complain.
Walter's demand for absolute obedience from Griseldis.
“Unneth the people her knew for her fairnéss, When she transmuted was in such richéss.”
The people barely recognized her because she looked so beautiful in her new rich clothing.
Describes Griseldis's transformation through new attire.