The Marxist Lens In The Canterbury Tales

The plot of an underdog overtaking the ruler is a common theme seen across every type of literature and real life. For example, david vs goliath is a culture reference almost everyone has heard of, and everyone has witnessed or heard of an underdog sports team going up against the big bad champs. This theme is further examined via the marxist lens. These plights are viewed as negative and positive in this specific lens. For the situation to be positive, the underdog has to achieve a higher rank from low class or somehow best the higher ranked opposition, and vice versa for a negative outlook. In The Canterbury Tales, the positive side of the Marxist “lens” is applied by the merchant's wife versus the merchant, the little boy versus the Jewish

murders, and Virginius versus Appius.
First, a marxist would be ecstatic towards the merchant’s wife in the Shipman’s Tale. For example, “ The merchant saw that there was no redress And to chide her was but foolishness…” ( Chaucer, 2003, Page 168). The wife cheated on her oppressive, upper class husband and got away with the deed.. Thus providing a very positive marxist lens outlook on the situation. This underdog managed to achieve her goal of getting money and a fun time, without angering her husband. In conclusion, the wife is viewed as a very positive character within the marxist lens.
Second, in the Prioress’s Tale, a little boy is slaughtered by Jewish people. But, he has an amazing comeback, “...The Provost, praising Christ our heavenly king And His dear mother, honour of mankind, Bade all the Jews be fettered and confined” ( Chaucer, 2003, Page 174). In this example, although not very clear, the slain boy is able to name his murders. He overcomes his death via the holy spirit allowing