Question

1. the old woman offers a lengthy rebuttal to the knight’s complaints. why might the narrator place the focus the old woman and not the knight at this point in the story?
2. is the old woman helping the knight to gain an understanding that goes beyond “what women most desire” explain.
3. when he agrees with her and kisses her, what happens?
4. reread the last paragraph. what is the wife of bath’s attitude toward husbands who are controlling or mis

what does the wife of bath’s “prologue” tell us about how marriage affected these opportunities or limitations? in what way is it an apology or defense of her choices? choose 2 passages that illustrate your conclusions.

Explanation:

Answer:

1. To shift the power dynamic and establish the old woman's moral and intellectual authority, reinforcing the theme of female sovereignty.
2. Yes; she teaches him that true nobility comes from character ("gentillesse") rather than lineage, wealth, or physical appearance.
3. She transforms into a young, beautiful, and faithful woman because he granted her sovereignty by letting her choose.
4. She is defiant and critical, praying for their early death and for God to send "pestilence" to those who will not be governed by their wives.