English Literature / Unit 4 ENL 0311 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Wife of Bath's Tale
Captions available
The idea
An Arthurian knight, sentenced for rape, must learn what women most desire. An ugly old woman gives him the answer, sovereignty over husband and love, and he must marry her. When he yields her the choice, she becomes young and fair. Critics call her the loathly lady.
In practice
A quest, an answer, a transformation.
Where people slip
The answer is sovereignty, her own theme.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
Unlocks
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