Why do Homosexual relationships accomplish successful journeys in predominant heterosexual atmospheres? In Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Reeve’s Tale”, discretion in sexuality is not an issue, because women, at the time, were incapable of overthrowing advanced positions in their society. At that time, it gave men a dominant position, sufficient enough to control intimate relationships. Nevertheless, this privilege favors men, and therefore enables them to disagree with the patriarchal practices normalized in Chaucer’s era. Together, John and Aleyn, complete some homosexual agenda as two sexual minorities. They’re allowed to resist a “marginalized” identity, because of their gayness; and thus, can resist assimilation into a completely heterosexual
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With phallic symbols, both men can practice their sexuality without dimming their role as masculine men. Symbolism is what Chaucer inserts into his tale when conflicts arise. Conflicts establishes them a prominent identity, so that these two males can latch together to restore their manliness. They conquer, dominating others, despite the sexual wishes they have for each other. Symkyn confronts John and Aleyn, who are unstoppable in their quest to demolish the “camus” nose, “ape” skulled man (Chaucer, 3934-3935). Chaucer gives beastly characteristics to Symkyn, to provide him a sense of manliness, but there are some missing qualities that Symkyn lacks. As an “Ape” skulled man, his description demonstrates that Symkyn’s mentality is not up to par with the two “povre scolers” (4002). Though the text does not elaborate particularly on their relationship, there is still underlining indications for patriarchal interpretations, which embraces their relationship and the outcomes of their partnership. What is partaking in the scene between Symkyn and Aleyn’s “hors”, for example, is vengeance to restore stolen masculinity. As Chaucer satirically boasts Symkyn’s manliness previously, mentioning that Symkyn wears a “long panade” near his belt; symbolizes that he has a decent sized …show more content…
Horses in general, were not solely meant to express class distinctions, but riders could prove their skills by “demonstrating their mastery not only over people, but also over the natural world” (Frie, 26). So, Symkyn sought to prove that his abilities as a man and over people, generally surpassed both John and Aleyn as a unity. Ironically, Aleyn’s horse quickly dispatches “toward wilde mares”, showing that Chaucer purposely uses the horse to display how Symkyn mocks their homosocial bond (4065). Tracing back to horses as a symbol- connected with phallic imagery/symbolism, horses, generally were “strongly male-oriented” even in “sixth to fifteen centuries BC” (Frie, 26). Thus, horses are, nonetheless, utilized for masculinity. Still, though, Aleyn must restore power to his manhood because his manliness is absent. It’s a clash between heterosexuality and homosexuality and which will prosper. Especially when Symkyn’s takes Aleyn’s masculinity. So far, however Symkyn’s suffers too when Aleyn is armed and “on an hors” (4017). Aleyn promotes his own masculinity and dominance, and his manhood, since he has by his side a “good swerd” (4019). John is with him as they promote their proud, homosocial bond with confidence. In fact, they “hem nedede no gyde” – showing that their relationship needs no
With phallic symbols, both men can practice their sexuality without dimming their role as masculine men. Symbolism is what Chaucer inserts into his tale when conflicts arise. Conflicts establishes them a prominent identity, so that these two males can latch together to restore their manliness. They conquer, dominating others, despite the sexual wishes they have for each other. Symkyn confronts John and Aleyn, who are unstoppable in their quest to demolish the “camus” nose, “ape” skulled man (Chaucer, 3934-3935). Chaucer gives beastly characteristics to Symkyn, to provide him a sense of manliness, but there are some missing qualities that Symkyn lacks. As an “Ape” skulled man, his description demonstrates that Symkyn’s mentality is not up to par with the two “povre scolers” (4002). Though the text does not elaborate particularly on their relationship, there is still underlining indications for patriarchal interpretations, which embraces their relationship and the outcomes of their partnership. What is partaking in the scene between Symkyn and Aleyn’s “hors”, for example, is vengeance to restore stolen masculinity. As Chaucer satirically boasts Symkyn’s manliness previously, mentioning that Symkyn wears a “long panade” near his belt; symbolizes that he has a decent sized …show more content…
Horses in general, were not solely meant to express class distinctions, but riders could prove their skills by “demonstrating their mastery not only over people, but also over the natural world” (Frie, 26). So, Symkyn sought to prove that his abilities as a man and over people, generally surpassed both John and Aleyn as a unity. Ironically, Aleyn’s horse quickly dispatches “toward wilde mares”, showing that Chaucer purposely uses the horse to display how Symkyn mocks their homosocial bond (4065). Tracing back to horses as a symbol- connected with phallic imagery/symbolism, horses, generally were “strongly male-oriented” even in “sixth to fifteen centuries BC” (Frie, 26). Thus, horses are, nonetheless, utilized for masculinity. Still, though, Aleyn must restore power to his manhood because his manliness is absent. It’s a clash between heterosexuality and homosexuality and which will prosper. Especially when Symkyn’s takes Aleyn’s masculinity. So far, however Symkyn’s suffers too when Aleyn is armed and “on an hors” (4017). Aleyn promotes his own masculinity and dominance, and his manhood, since he has by his side a “good swerd” (4019). John is with him as they promote their proud, homosocial bond with confidence. In fact, they “hem nedede no gyde” – showing that their relationship needs no