Woman of Bath's Prologue

The Wife of Bath's Prologue involves the most disturbed character I have read throughout this entire semester. The wife, whose name is Alisoun, has been married 5 times since the young age of 12 years old. It appears she has a bad outlook on marriage and life, for that matter. Throughout the story you find that the wife, Alisoun, has conflicting emotions with regard to her marriages. She offers a bad spirit harbored with deceit, greed, lust and underhandedness. On one hand she admits her evil ways to the listener and apparently shows no sign of remorse. On the other hand through her nefarious doings and wickedness she expresses her love that she felt in at least one of her marriages.

The wife's first three marriages were to rich, older men and she admits to tormenting them ultimately for her benefit. She powerfully uses sex to get what she desires. Shes after their money. The last two marriages did not work but not because of her. She was mistreated by both. One husband appeared to be more of an outgoing type and had mistresses. He dies on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. The wife's last husband who she confesses she loved was physically abusive to her. Jankyn was much younger than she in age. Out of her several marriages it makes me believe she suffers from this all and this is why she is prone to lying, manipulating and deceit.

The Broom Tree

Murasaki’s The Broom Tree befuddles me because it speaks of marriage as a focal point but from a man’s point of view. I disagree with extramarital affairs that take place in the story but I understand it is tradition during those times. In the beginning of the story the emperor is head over heels for one of his several women. They eventually give birth to his son Genji just before she dies. The emperor is both tormented by the death of her but elated by the birth of his son. He is so elated that he contemplates crowning his son prince. He is counseled against doing so by a Korean soothsayer who warns of disaster within the country if this were to happen.

At the age of 12 Genji is wedded by his wife Aoi as a sign of manhood. Aoi is four years more than Genji is in age. Although he does not foster the best relationship with his arranged wife he does so with her brother To No Chujo. Their relationship is so healthy that they comfortably exchange stories of past and current sexual affairs. I was astonished how comfortable Genji was with talking to his brother-in-law of these experiences. He falls for a woman other than his wife. I observed a parallel between his marriage structure and his father’s. Events within the story slightly differ from a marriage structure of today because more than one wife in our culture is deemed illicit.

Begging for Food

In reading T’ao Ch’ien’s Begging for Food you find that there are hardships and hardship relief with the character in this poem. Apparently, he has no food for himself and is in search of finding nourishment elsewhere. This character is a wanderer, that of a nomad, who has no idea where his travels will lead him. He has not a home of his own it seems. Along his journey he encounters someone at their home and without fully conveying his thoughts they take him in. He and his new acquaintance exchange laughter and a fun-filled time which included writing poems, songs and drinking wine. They are appreciative of this time shared.

I find this poem to give a positive message in its reading. There are many hardships one will encounter along their journey in life. Do not be consumed with these hardships, they last only a short while. In turn, be very thankful for what you receive and enjoy the time spent because nothing is ever promised. Also, my interpretation of this poem is if you are in a position to help someone in need it would be kind enough to do so on your part. Lend a helping hand to those who are less privileged than you.