Narrative Elements
What is the setting of the tale?
During King Arthur’s ruling
What are two themes in the story?
Marriage, Sovereignty, Justice, Power
How many husbands did the Wife of Bath have?
5 husbands
How did the Wife of Bath become partly deaf?
Her fifth husband hit her so badly she partially lost hearing
Who replaced the fairies in the land King Arthur ruled?
Friars
What is the climax of the tale?
The knight gives the choice if she would rather her be ugly but faithful, or pretty but unfaithful
What literary element does Chaucer use most in the telling of the Wife of Baths tale?
Allusion
What were the characteristics of her 3 “good” husbands?
Old, rich, infinite love for her
What is her view on virginity?
She thinks it's important to have virgins in a society, but not everyone should be one necessarily. It's a recommendation from God, not a commandment.
What is the answer to the question the Knight gets asked?
Power over their husbands
What is the conflict in the Wife of Baths tale?
Men underestimating the complexities of women
What is the knight a metaphor for?
The Wife of Bath's husbands and all of mankind
Which husband had another lover at the same time he was with the Wife of Bath?
Husband 4
Why did the Wife of Bath compare herself to a wood bowl?
Not everything is born valuable but they still hold value
What (wrong) answers did the Knight get when being asked a question (must answer at least 50%)
Honor, Jollity + pleasure, pretty clothes, Fun in bed, Becoming widowed and remarrying, To be cosseted and flattered, To have freedom to do what they want
What views are Chaucer trying to reflect in the Wife of Baths tale?
His feministic views
What is one simile or metaphor Chaucer uses?
“They search the countryside through field and stream / as thick as motes that speckle a sun-beam…” (281)
“And all day long stayed hidden like an owl” (287)
“Down to a reedy marsh she quickly ran / And reached the sedge. Her heart was all on fire…” (284)
Who did she admire at her fourth husband’s funeral?
Johnny
How old was the Wife of Bath when she first got married?
12 years old
Fill in the blank: Wealth doesn’t matter if your heart is ___
Gay
How is the character of the Wife of Bath described?
What object does the Wife of Bath compare herself to in her analogy?
A wooden bowl
Which husband caused her to become partially deaf?
Husband 5
What is the Wife of Bath’s real name? (Spelling included)
Alisoun
What book ultimately led to the Wife of Bath’s loss in hearing?
Theophrastus and Valerius