Wife of Bath's Tale Text Dependent Analysis

In lines 99-108, which words or phrases illustrate the Wife of Bath’s tone towards the knight’s quest? What does her attitude reveal about her character?

1. What motivates the knight to seek the answer to what women most desire? How does this reflect the societal views of gender during the time?

1. What do the references to fairies in the beginning of the tale symbolize about the changes in society? How does this relate to the Wife of Bath’s views on women’s roles?

1. How does the knight’s final answer regarding women’s desire for sovereignty reflect the broader themes of power and control within relationships?

Compare the Friar and Summoner’s interactions to the relationship between the knight and the old woman. What do these contrasts reveal about societal expectations of men and women?

1. How does the structure of the tale—beginning with the knight’s crime and ending with his marriage—affect the reader's understanding of justice and morality?

1. How does the allusion to Midas in lines 127-131 enhance the reader's understanding of the themes of secrecy and truth in the tale?

1. Identify examples of irony in the knight's situation as he seeks the answer to his question. How does this irony contribute to the overall message of the tale?

 How does the character of the old woman evolve throughout the tale? What factors contribute to her transformation?

1. What lesson does the Wife of Bath convey through her tale? How does this lesson challenge or reinforce the norms of her time?