1. Characterize the Wife of Bath's " philosophy" of marriage. Is this philosophy logical from her point of view? How?
2. What elements of the Wife of Bath's tale characterize it as a romance?
I don't understand what #1. is asking me so I have no idea how to respond. I also don't understand how this is a romance I didn't get that when I read the story. Could someone help? Thanks so much!
First of all, you must understand what the story is telling you. Here are some websites that may help:
http://www.courses.fas.harvard.edu/~chaucer/teachslf/wbt-par.htm
Scroll down for the "interlinear" translation -- that is, modern-day English between the lines of Chaucer's English.
http://www.universalteacher.org.uk/poetry/wifebath.htm
Scroll down to the sections on the Wife of Bath, both in the prologue and her tale.
http://www.luminarium.org/medlit/wife.htm
http://www.unc.edu/depts/chaucer/zatta/wife.html
Once you understand the story, let us know if you still don't know how to answer the questions.
=)
Here is the literary definition of "romance". You will see that the Wife of Bath's tale definitely fits.
The following sites will help you with her philosophy. Be sure to read the preamble to the tale.
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/canterbury/section10.rhtml
http://www.pinkmonkey.com/booknotes/monkeynotes/pmCanterbury49.asp
Definiton of Romance
2. A mysterious or fascinating quality or appeal, as of something adventurous, heroic, or strangely beautiful: "These fine old guns often have a romance clinging to them" Richard Jeffries.
3.
a. A long medieval narrative in prose or verse that tells of the adventures and heroic exploits of chivalric heroes: an Arthurian romance.
b. A long fictitious tale of heroes and extraordinary or mysterious events, usually set in a distant time or place.
c. The class of literature constituted by such tales.
I understand the knight makes a deal with the crone as he swore to do whatever she tells him to do. But how would I cite that she essentially saves his life? Would I use a quote that the crone says or quote the knight's answer to the queen? Or use both?
1. To characterize the Wife of Bath's "philosophy" of marriage, we need to examine her prologue in Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales." The Wife of Bath presents a unique perspective on marriage, as she has been married five times and believes that women should have control and dominance in their relationships. She argues for the importance of experience and the ability to exert power and authority over one's spouse. She believes that women should use their beauty, sexuality, and wits to gain control and to manipulate their husbands into providing them with wealth, respect, and pleasure.
From the Wife's point of view, her philosophy of marriage is logical because she believes that women have been given the power to control men through their sexuality, and thus should use it to their advantage. She argues that men desire sex so much that they will do anything to please women, and therefore, women should use this to their advantage to gain wealth and dominance within their marriages.
However, it is important to note that this philosophy may not be logical or applicable in all situations. It is a radical perspective that challenges traditional gender roles and power dynamics within marriage. The Wife of Bath's philosophy emphasizes the idea of female agency and empowerment, but it can be seen as manipulative and potentially unsustainable in maintaining a healthy, equal, and loving relationship.
2. The Wife of Bath's Tale, which follows her prologue, does have elements that could be characterized as a romance. In the tale, a knight who has committed a crime against a woman is sent on a quest to find what women desire most. He encounters an old crone who promises to help him if he does a favor in return. The knight agrees, and the crone reveals that what women truly desire is to have sovereignty over their husbands. The knight is then forced to marry the crone, who transforms into a beautiful and faithful wife as a reward for acknowledging her desires.
The story has several elements commonly found in romances, such as a quest, a magical transformation, and a happy ending. There is a focus on love, marriage, and the power dynamics within relationships. Additionally, the tale explores themes of gender, obedience, and the complexities of desires and relationships.
It is understandable that you may not have perceived these elements as traditionally romantic, as the Wife of Bath's Tale also challenges conventional ideas of romance and gender roles. The inclusion of these elements reflects Chaucer's intent to provoke thought and discussion on these topics within a medieval society that often held strict views on love and marriage.