Comparing Fairy Tales And The Wife Of Bath's Tale

In “The Knight’s Tale” and “The Wife of Bath’s Tale,” Chaucer provides two manifestations of a medieval romance. Emily appears as an object of desire for Arcite and a paramour for Palamon. In contrast, Alisoun has dominion over men and feels as though women should retain sovereign power. In looking at “The Knight’s Tale” and “The Wife of Bath’s Tale,” one must examine instances which demonstrate the relationship between men and women, which suggest men’s lustful desire, and instances where women have dominion and the outcomes, which suggest women’s prudence in regards to dealing with men. One will find that although some may believe that men do not have lustful desires, and when a man has power a fine outcome will occur as a result, various

After the temples and the amphitheater get built for the purpose of fighting for love, Emily prays in Diana’s Temple. She admits: “I desire to be a maiden all my life; I never want to be either a beloved or a wife […] Now help me lady, since you may and can.” (Chaucer 109) Emily needs assistance in getting rid of Palamon and Arcite; she never planned to get married; no one ever listened to her and acknowledged her decision of continence. Now, she needs help from Diana, because she knows that at her current position she remains too low to do anything even slightly drastic. With Emily as the underdog, she cannot make any decisions; thus, all of the power rests with Palamon and Arcite. Furthermore, Arcite and Palamon plan the battle with 100 men each and fight one other. Arcite wins the fight and while taking a victory lap with his horse, “the horse pitched him on the pommel of the saddle and over his head so hard that he lay in the field as if dead….and as always he cried out for Emily.” (Chaucer 127) If Emily had the ability to make decisions, this instance would not have ever transpired, and Arcite would not have died. Also, since Emily does not really have any say in deciding her lover, Arcite thinks she belongs to him. One can observe how at the time of his fall, Arcite thinks about his immense yearning and

After the Knight begs Alisoun to tell him what women most desire and promises to do whatever she pleases for telling him, she asks the Knight to marry her. The Knight marries her with agony since she does not appear beautiful and come from nobility. In a hopeful tone, Alisoun, noticing her distressed husband begins: “Nobility is not tied to possessions…true nobility comes of grace. […] Whoever is content with his poverty I hold to be rich, even if he hasn’t a shirt.” (Chaucer 235-236) Alisoun continues, “But nevertheless, since I know what pleases you, I shall fulfill your fleshly appetite.” (Chaucer 236) The Knight responds, “My lady and love, and wife so dear…whatever pleases you suffices me.” (Chaucer 236) Alisoun teaches the knight what really matters in life; she also acts with great prudence, since she only touches on the aspects which reflect on him—money, nobility, and his “fleshly appetite.” She knows that his desires have still remained and she wants to fulfill his wishes as well, but he does not care for it any longer; he puts it up to her. He has learned a vast majority about nobility and understands what truly makes someone noble; therefore, his tone becomes incredibly charming to his wife. While prior to Emily’s teachings, the Knight made egregious remarks; for example, he said: “You are so loathsome and so old, and what is more,