In my research process for my longer paper, I found a really interesting article that discusses the potential that proverbs and patristic texts present for multiple interpretations. Justman states the "double standards and cacophony of voices" within the Tales positions auctoritee as up for the taking. The medieval tendency to collect particulars under one statement of truth presents the illusion of unity. However, once proverbs are pitted against one another, conflicting truths arise. Justman points out that the Wyf makes no attempt to preserve a consistent interpretation. When the Wife "cites in her behalf the prince of the antifeminists, Solomon, or when she abuses exemplary Romans in her Prologue, only to have them invoked virtuously in her tale, she makes the self-consistency of her presentation suspect" (104). The Wyf's clear manipulation of texts to serve different purposes in her Prologue and Tale evidences that she understands that texts can be utilized rhetorically. Furthermore, it shows that she thinks texts can be read differently depending on the context, which will be a useful example in my larger paper.
Justman, Stewart. "Medieval Monism and Abuse of Authority in Chaucer." The Chaucer Review 11.2 (1976) : 95-111. 2 November 2015. Web.
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