When Aleyn seeks restitution for the stolen grain, he does not give Malyne any time to react as he forces himself on her, “Til he so ny was, er she myghte espie, / That it had been to late for to crie, / And shortly for to seyn, they were aton” (4195-4197). He does not care if he receives permission or not. Symkyn’s wife does not give consent when John tricks her into sleeping with him. Allman and Hanks Jr. elaborate on the significance of both instances when the women do not protest, “By the Reeve’s logic, raising hue and cry once in the act is futile, presumably leading
When Aleyn seeks restitution for the stolen grain, he does not give Malyne any time to react as he forces himself on her, “Til he so ny was, er she myghte espie, / That it had been to late for to crie, / And shortly for to seyn, they were aton” (4195-4197). He does not care if he receives permission or not. Symkyn’s wife does not give consent when John tricks her into sleeping with him. Allman and Hanks Jr. elaborate on the significance of both instances when the women do not protest, “By the Reeve’s logic, raising hue and cry once in the act is futile, presumably leading