On p.135, Manne defines sexual solipsism as regarding “the only human minds as male ones” (italics added). Based on what we know about Chaucer and what was said in The Clerk’s Prologue, would you say that sexual solipsism is foundational to this text?
Medieval Feminism
ENGL 361 and WGST 322 | Spring 2020 | Dr. Myra Seaman
I believe that this is arguable from both perspectives. Walter definitely is in control for most of the story. However, Griselda forfeits her agency, using her own rational thinking and mind, in order to give Walter this dominance in which he utilizes throughout the text. Though, for Griselda to accept these conditions also leaves me wondering if she could have possibly been socially pressured into agreeing to Walter’s terms. Griselda is poor; Walter is rich, and in order for the young woman to achieve social, economic, and political power, she must abide by Walter’s rules. Sexual solipsism is present in the text, but only after Griselda essentially forfeits her mind and emotions.
I think that sexual solipsism is present in the text especially because Walter sees it as so necessary to continually test his wife’s allegiance. I would argue that he sees his mind as more loyal and well-rounded and thinks his wife may be mainly concerned with disobeying him. I would also argue that his idea of disobedience is his enactment of sexual solipsism; he believes that an autonomous thought Griselda may have is wrong. Like the previous commenter, I agree that Griselda does not display her own thoughts and emotions, but I think that sexual solipsism is present not only when she gives them up but when Walter asks her to do so.
I think this solipsism is necessary to read this text without feeling an immense hurt for Griselda and sympathize with Walter. She’s tested without regard for her mind or heart. Walter is the center of his universe, not caring about Griselda’s feelings whatsoever.
I’m not sure the disregard he has is completely sexist however. It could also stem from their social class differences.
I agree with my peers, I think sexual solipsism is the foundation of the text and of Walter’s character. He sees only himself, with his mind being capable of autonomous thought in a way I think it’s clear he believes Griselda’s isn’t. He tests her with absolutely no care for her wants and tears his children away from their mother with little regard to their wellbeing either. Though that was common at the time, so having his children raised by another women isn’t a heinous act per say, just a cruel one to Griselda. However, I also agree that Griselda could simply have been making the most of the situation she was presented with, as a poor commoner being offered a place at a King’s side. But her words and actions still ring too true to me to not be born of how she really feels— lesser than. I see her mindset as being symptomatic of the time and how she was raised/how women were treated within society, as almost being outside of it. So I think it can definitely be argued that sexual solipsism explains Walter’s character, and might be the foundation for the text at large as well.