How is the Wife of Bath characterized in the prologue?

In Chaucer’s “General Prologue,” the Wife of Bath is intentionally described in an explicit way to provoke a shocking response. The Wife of Bath is a headstrong bold woman of her time. She shows off her Sunday clothes with evident pride, wearing ten pounds of cloth, woven by herself under her hat.

What is the purpose of the Wife of Bath’s prologue?

The Wife of Bath uses the prologue to explain the basis of her theories about experience versus authority and to introduce the point that she illustrates in her tale: The thing women most desire is complete control (“sovereignty”) over their husbands.

Who is the Wife of Bath talking to in the prologue?

speke of wo
The Wife of Bath’s Prologue begins with the Wife proposing to “speke of wo that is in mariage,” claiming the authority to do so because she has been married five times.

What does the wife of bath wear in Canterbury Tales?

The red clothing that the Wife of Bath wears signifies her lusty nature. An overemphasis on clothes and physical appearance usually indicates the hypocritical nature of that vain pilgrim. The The Canterbury Tales quotes below all refer to the symbol of Clothing and Appearance.

What is the name of the wife of Bath in the Canterbury Tale?

The real name of the Wife of Bath, or the name she calls herself is both Alyson and Alys, which she states in the prologue; as to her occupation, it seems to be that her primary purpose is to find and marry as many husbands as possible in her life.

What are the character traits of the wife of Bath?

Characteristics of the Wife of Bath. The Wife of Bath is not beautiful, but forceful and energetic. Her bright clothes and elaborate head-dress (“cover chiefs”) are showy rather than elegant: her hat is as broad as a “buckler” (a buckler or small shield).

What is the theme of the wife of Bath’s tale?

In conclusion, the underlying theme of the “The Wife of Bath’s Tale” is that women should be allowed to decide for themselves. Furthermore, men are better off allowing women to make this decision. Having being married five times, the Wife defends her marriages.