But whereas the moral of the folk tale of the loathsome hag is that true beauty lies within, the Wife of Bath arrives at such a conclusion only incidentally. Her message is that, ugly or fair, women should be obeyed in all things by their husbands.
What is the lesson from the Wife of Bath’s tale?
The lessons behind the Wife of Bath’s Tale illustrate “that a happy marriage actually occurs when there is mutual love, respect, and kindness” (Ruud par. 9), meaning that the Wife of Bath is happiest in a relationship in which she and her husband share the power, a concept that flouts the social standards.
Does the knight learn his lesson in the Wife of Bath’s tale?
The knight eventually learns his lesson, although it takes him a while. With him, then, the tale seems to be encouraging women not to give up hope on the men in their lives; they may make some mistakes, but they’ll come around in the end.
What is the moral of the Wife of Bath’s tale quizlet?
The Wife of Bath suggests the existence of fairies when she frames the tale. What is the moral of “The Wife of Bath’s Tale”? It is best for husbands and wives when women rule the marriage.
What does the Wife of Bath’s tale reveal about her?
The Wife of Bath then relates tales about her former husbands and reveals how she was able to gain the upper hand (“sovereignty”) over them. Unfortunately, just at the time she gains complete mastery over one of her husbands, he dies. Then she explains how she gained control over her fifth husband.
What is the most important quote from the Wife of Bath’s tale?
I grante thee lyf if thou kanst tellen me What thyng is it that wommen moost desiren. Be war, and keepe thy nekke boon from iren.
What is Wife of Bath’s view of life?
Based on “The Wife of Bath’s Tale,” Chaucer’s view of life is good-humored and expansive, forgiving of human frailty and hopeful of human improvement. It is a view of life that applauds virtue, fairness, decency, and generosity wherever such qualities are found, whether in nobles or commoners.
Does the Wife of Bath’s tale contain a feminist message?
The Wife of Bath’s Tale is not only a text concerned with the position of women, it is a text whose speaker is a woman and a feminist–at least that is the fiction the text offers–and the body of this essay will concentrate on the Wife herself as the speaker of her Tale.
What are some themes in the Wife of Bath’s tale?
Themes
- Women and Femininity.
- Power.
- Rules and Order.
- Principles.
- Appearances.
- Old Age.
- Poverty.
What was the main sin addressed in the Wife of Bath’s tale?
In the Wife of Bath’s case, her sins and miss deeds are clear as day in the text. Lust is a huge portion of the Wife of Bath’s sins. Lust is defined as “very strong sexual desire or passion.” The Wife of Bath uses sex as an instrument or tool to control each of her five husbands.
What insights have you gained from the Wife of Bath’s tale?
It reveals the economics of wedlock in the middle ages; the brutal pragmatism of sexual relationships; and the secular logic by which the institution of marriage and the teachings of the bible were reconciled with the relentless carnality of human existence.
What is the critical appreciation of the Wife of Bath’s tale?
The Wife of Bath has a very negative view of women because she shows how women misuse their power given to them. She depicts women as being manipulative and always placing the blame on others. The Wife of Bath “wrecked [her husbands’] peace, innocent as they were, without remorse!
How does the Wife of Bath’s tale relate to today’s society?
She wants equality with men, especially within marriage, and isn’t afraid to say so! The issues she raises are still relevant today: the role of women in society, social injustice and the sexual tensions between male and female. That’s why her story is still so interesting.
What is the Wife of Bath’s philosophy on marriage?
Basically and simply put, the Wife of Bath feels that the woman should hold complete sovereignty over her husband; only then can a marriage be happy. Her tale is an exemplum of this belief.
How does the knight change in the Wife of Bath’s tale?
The only development of the knight’s character comes at the end of the tale, when he accepts his wife’s arguments and realizes what he has done wrong. However, even then he is manipulated by her into giving her what she wants (which is the power to make decisions).
Does the knight gain a better understanding?
The knight definitely has a much better understanding of what women want and value. This is proven towards the end of the story. The old woman offers the knight a choice between a young, beautiful, and unloyal wife or an old, ugly, and loyal wife.
What lessons does the old woman teach the knight?
What lessons does the old woman teach the young knight about? a. nobility/ gentility– Does not come from lineage but has to be who you are behind doors and being a gentlemen.
What is the moral of the knight?
Bravery, loyalty, protection of the weak and the worship of women – all were major moral ideals in the Middle Ages. In day-to-day life, however, ideals and reality were often far apart. It was a rough and brutal time and even the knights did not always take their virtues seriously.