Judith Ferster analyzes Geoffrey Chaucer’s life as a bureaucrat and diplomat for England as well as his literary work, specifically his portrayal of women in The Canterbury Tales. Ferster discusses The Canterbury Tales as a mirror of English society in the late thirteenth century and the pioneering nature of Chaucer’s writing. She takes a closer look at the Wife of Bath character, noting that, over the years, interpretations of her have varied. Some read the Wife of Bath as an allegory for carnality; expanding on this, Ferster discusses the variety of interpretations of the Wife of Bath’s character since the tale was written, including a feminist reading.
At the time of this interview, Ferster, a Fellow at the National Humanities Center (1980-81), was professor of English at Brandeis University.
This edition of Soundings was conducted by Wayne J. Pond.
