The Wife of Bath's Tale

The Wife of Bath's Tale, from Chaucer’s "Canterbury Tales," recounts a knight who must discover what women desire most to escape execution. An old woman tells him that women want control over their lives and choices. The knight grants her sovereignty, and she transforms into a beautiful, faithful wife. The tale explores themes of power, control, and mutual respect in relationships, highlighting that true happiness comes from understanding and balancing personal desires and authority within partnerships.