POSITIVE FEMALE IMAGE IN GEOFFREY CHAUCER`S WRITINGS

Abstract

The present article studies the writings of the XIVth century English poet Geoffrey Chaucer as correlated with such literary phenomenon as «querelle des femmes», that stated female perfection. The poet disproves all traditional accusations against women in unfaithfulness and infidelity, slander, unreason by means of using examples from legends and history and using courtly canon to make ideal the image of the beloved, capable to simultaneously function as a wise adviser, a friend and a faithful spouse. G. Chaucer tends to explore the essence of Love as Universal law that can transform both men and women into such people who are ready to sacrifice their life for their beloved. According to the poet a woman is created to balance a man in such a way as to keep him from wrath, superstitions and injustice. This idea leads to the deduction that the poet expected women`s influence spread beyond private, family sphere. G. Chaucer considered that his main task was to warn both men (especially old, silly, greedy husbands) and women (gullible women should not become victims for unfaithful, deceitful men who can betray) against negative love situations. In connection to this, he called to apply empiric approach basing on experience accumulation through reading ancient sources and their critical comprehension, the example of which he provides in his own analysis of inconsistency in the wise Solomon`s actions and statements.