The Canterbury Tales - The Wife of Bath: Tale

The Wife of Bath’s tale is quite surprising when really reflected upon. When discussing the chivalric code, it went as follows:
1. God
2. King
3. Fair Lady
The fact that the Wife of Bath’s tale consists of a knight being placed on trial for rape (which, considering, would have probably been closer to the truth of thing), it is quite a shock to the system. One was always taught that a good knight was courteous, chaste, brave, strong, etc. This particular knight lays to shame all that others would have stood for. Though it presents an interesting facet that there may not be one true thing that a woman desires, and each contain their own idea. Yet the fact that the knight learns what it is that women truly want, and is able to put it into action, proves that though his youth may have caused him to do some brash things, that he may learn from the old hag what it meant to be a man, and a knight.

And whan the knight sawgh verraily al this,
That she so fair was and so yong therto,
For joye he hente hire in his armes two;
His herte bathed in a bath of blisse;
A thousand time arewe he gan hire kisse,
And she obeyed him in every thing
That mighte do him pleasance of liking. (283)