RG Chaucer Wife of Bath Tale 1152 to 1160
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Georgia Southern University *
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English
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Dec 6, 2023
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Reading Guide for "The Wife of Bath's Tale" 1152-1160
Notice how we are reading another frame tale, in which a character in a story, the Wife of
Bath, tells a story to other characters, which is her tale. Just as in
The Thousand and One
Nights
, we see a story within a story.
What is the time period of her tale?
The olden days of good King Arthur.
She says that during the time of her tale, the land was filled with fairies. What
group does she blame for the fact that no one sees a fairy in the present time of her
telling the tale? Why do you think she makes fun of this group?
She blames the limitors and holy friars for the reason why there are no fairies.
What crime did the knight commit in her tale?
The knight rapes a woman.
To whom does the king give control of the knight’s life? What task does she set the
knight, and how long does she give him to complete the task?
The king gives control to the knight’s life to the queen. She tells the knight “tell to
me what thing it is that women most desire.” She gives him twelve months and a day.
What tale from Ovid does the Wife of Bath mention in the midst of her own tale?
The tale of Midas and his secret ass ears which is hides from everyone but his
wife.
When the knight finally had to turn homeward, what did he see that drew him to
eagerly turn toward a forest?
He saw twenty-four ladies come together for a dance.
When he arrived at the scene, whom did he find in place of the twenty-four dancing
ladies? How is this woman described?
He finds an old woman described as an old wife and a foul creature.
The old woman says she’ll answer his question if he promises what?
If he promises to give the old woman whatever she demands.
What answer does the knight give the queen to her question of what thing women
love the best?
He says women desire to have sovereignty over their husbands.
Once the queen agrees that he is correct, what does the old woman demand?
The old woman demands the knight to marry her.
On their wedding day, when the old wife asks him how her faults can be amended,
what does he name as her faults?
He does not like her because she is loathly, old, and poor.
Notice how the old wife addresses her named faults one by one, like a scholar.
Notice how she cites numerous authorities.
What choice does the old wife finally give the knight?
Two options: for her to be his true and humble wife or she can be young a pretty
but unfaithful.
What does he decide? What does he get as a result of his decision? What
transformation occurs with the old wife?
He decides to let his wife do as she pleases. She then turns into a beautiful young
woman, and they live happily ever after. The End.
How does the message of “The Wife of Bath’s Tale” coincide with the message of
“The Wife of Bath’s Prologue”?
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