The Wife of Bath's Tale

Front

What is the central conflict in 'The Wife of Bath's Tale'?

Back

The central conflict revolves around the knight's quest to discover what women truly desire, which leads him to confront issues of power, gender roles, and the nature of true love.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

Who is the protagonist of 'The Wife of Bath's Tale'?

Back

The protagonist is a knight who is punished for his crime of raping a maiden and is given a year to discover what women most desire.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Front

What does the hag represent in 'The Wife of Bath's Tale'?

Back

The hag represents the theme of transformation and the idea that true beauty and worth come from within, rather than from physical appearance.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.5

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.8.9

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

What is the significance of the knight's choice at the end of the tale?

Back

The knight's choice to allow the hag to decide her own form symbolizes the importance of mutual respect and equality in relationships.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

What lesson does the knight learn by the end of the tale?

Back

The knight learns that true sovereignty in a relationship comes from giving power to one's partner and valuing their desires.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

How does the hag's argument about her ugliness serve as a defense for her character?

Back

The hag argues that her ugliness ensures her loyalty, as no other man will desire her, thus making her a faithful wife.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

What role does Queen Guinevere play in 'The Wife of Bath's Tale'?

Back

Queen Guinevere is the one who presides over the knight's trial, representing the authority of women in the tale.

Front

What is the significance of the riddle the knight must solve?

Back

The riddle symbolizes the quest for understanding women's desires, which is central to the knight's journey and character development.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Front

How does the tale challenge traditional views of marriage?

Back

The tale challenges traditional views by advocating for female agency and the idea that women should have a say in their relationships.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.11-12.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

Front

What does the transformation of the hag into a beautiful woman symbolize?

Back

The transformation symbolizes the idea that true beauty lies in character and virtue, rather than physical appearance.