What is gentilesse in the Wife of Bath?
‘Gentilesse’ and the Wife of Bath. The Old Woman’s definition of ‘gentilesse’ would suit the Wife of Bath. Chaucer portrays her as coming from an area of increasing wealth, and therefore likely to be interested in upward social mobility unimpeded by old distinctions of nobility.
What does the Wife of Bath say about nobility?
Nobility is a manner of treating others as one expects to be treated. In this way, she denounces the brash way in which the knight felt he had the right to rape the stray maiden in the forest. The hag then addresses her social standing, her lowly class. She asserts that to live poor is to live wealthy in the heart.
What is the argument the old woman makes to the knight?
The woman tells the knight that he must pledge himself to her in return for her help, and the knight, having no options left, gladly consents. She then guarantees that his life will be saved.
What gentility means?
Definition of gentility 1a : the condition of belonging to the gentry. b : gentlefolk, gentry. 2a(1) : decorum of conduct : courtesy. (2) : attitudes or activity marked by false delicacy, prudery, or affectation. b : superior social status or prestige evidenced by manners, possessions, or mode of life.
Why does the Wife of Bath’s include the story about King Midas donkey ears?
Why does the Wife of Bath include the story about King Midas’ ass ears? How is satire present here? They cannot keep a secret. She had to tell someone she went down to the river and screamed it and it echoed and everyone heard that her husband had ass ears.
What does the Wife of Bath symbolize?
In the “Wife of Bath’s Tale,” Alison is suggesting control that women should have. She is a strong-willed and dominant woman who herself gets what she wants when she wants it. She cannot accept defeat no matter what the cost. She feels that this is the way things should be and men should obey her.
What answer does the old hag give the knight on condition that he marries her if its right?
on what condition does the hag tell the knight the answer? he has to answer her request no matter what.
What is a Trouthe?
trouthe (uncountable) loyalty (to a cause) honesty, honor, troth. goodness, kindness, integrity. truth, reality (especially absolute)
Why did the old woman promise him both beauty and fidelity?
20. Why did the old woman promise him both beauty and fidelity? By giving her the choice, he allowed her mastery over him, her husband.
What is the pre eminence?
Definition of preeminence : the quality or state of being preeminent : superiority.