canterbury tales Flashcards
What issue seems to set the Wife of Bath off on a tirade?
The Wife of Bath gets mad when people say women should not marry more than once. She thinks men act like they know everything about marriage and want all the power.
What does the Wife of Bath turn to for support for her side?
She uses stories from the Bible and her own life to back up her opinions. She talks about how famous people in the Bible had more than one wife.
Why does the Pardoner cut in? How does this interjection change the mood of the tale?
The Pardoner interrupts because he’s worried about his own marriage after hearing her talk. This makes the story a little funny because it shows that he’s nervous.
How does the Wife of Bath characterize her husbands
She says some of her husbands were old and rich, and she didn’t really love them. Her fifth husband was different because he was young and hard to control.
What strategy does the Wife of Bath use to keep her husbands from finding fault with her?
She argues a lot and makes them feel guilty even when they haven’t done anything wrong. She also uses her charm to get what she wants.
Comparing the five husbands, what stands out the most about her last one?
Her fifth husband was the only one she really loved. But he also hit her once, so their relationship was more complicated.
What is the setting of the Wife Of Bath’s tale? (Include where and when the story takes place.)
Her story happens a long time ago during King Arthur’s time. It’s set in England, where knights and magic were part of the world.
How is the answer to the question plaguing the knight fitting for his crime?
The knight hurt a woman, so his punishment is to learn what women really want. This makes him understand how to respect women better.
What does the old wife say that convinces the knight to leave it up to her?
She tells him that she is wise and knows what’s best. She promises that if he lets her decide, he will be happy.
How does the tale reflect the prologue?
Her story shows her ideas about marriage and what women want, just like her prologue does. It also shows her strong personality and how she likes to have control.
