Geoffrey Chaucer's tender-hearted prioress, Madame Eglantyne, who was said to weep at the sight of a mouse caught in a trap, would nevertheless have had a gallows on her property, upon which, at the hands of her bailiff, she would have hanged thieves.
This quote presents a fascinating juxtaposition of compassion and severity within the character of Madame Eglantyne, the prioress from Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales. It highlights a complex moral presence: on one hand, her tender-hearted nature is evident through her emotional response to the suffering of a mouse, evoking empathy and kindness typical of compassionate individuals. On the other hand, the fact that she would have a gallows on her property and allow thieves to be hanged underscores a strict, perhaps unforgiving stance on crime and morality. Such a contrast invites reflection on the historical and societal values of the medieval period, where mercy and justice often vied for dominance, and the personal virtues of compassion could coexist with harsh justice. This duality reminds us that human morality is rarely black and white; individuals can embody seemingly contradictory traits, driven by societal expectations, personal convictions, or cultural norms. The image of a gentle woman capable of emotional sensitivity yet also endorsing brutal punishment exposes the layers of morality governed by context, tradition, and personal attitude. It challenges us to consider how empathy does not necessarily negate the need for discipline or order. This nuanced portrayal emphasizes the complexities of human nature and societal roles—highlighting that kindness and severity are not mutually exclusive but can coexist within the same individual, shaping their character and actions in ways that are both deeply human and contextually driven.
