The Canterbury tales - The wife of Bath

9 important questions on The Canterbury tales - The wife of Bath

Describe The Wife of Bath's character.

She is larger than life, and looks like a very lustful person. She is dressed expensively.

Why can you assume that the wife is now a widow?

  • She runs her own business
  • She can travel on her own, and very far.

What is Chaucher representing in this story?


the medievalestate, orsocialclass, of wifehood.
  • Higher grades + faster learning
  • Never study anything twice
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Discover Study Smart

Who is the king in the Wife of Baths tale?

King Athur

What does the wife of Bath think of the friars?

She doesn't like them

How does the tale begin?


•King Arthur had a knight who, when riding home one found a maiden walking alone and raped her.
•This crime usually held the penalty of death
•the queen intervened and begged her husband to spare the knight
•Promised the knight that she would spare his life if he could answer the question "What do women most desire?" She gave him one year to find the answer.


The Canterbury Tales’ is a so-called link-and -frame story. Explain.


•A literary technique that serves as a companion piece to a story within a story.
•Introduction of each character before their tale is told (frame story)
•Purpose of setting the stage for each tale

On which condition does the old woman tell the knight the truth?


•He has to grant her whatever she wishes if it is in his power to do so

What are the major themes of the tale?

  • women/feminity
  • power
  • rules and order
  • principles
  • appearances
  • old age
  • (advantages of) poverty

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

  • A unique study and practice tool
  • Never study anything twice again
  • Get the grades you hope for
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Remember faster, study better. Scientifically proven.
Trustpilot Logo