Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024
The Wife of Bath's Prologue and The Wife of Bath's Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer
Grade Level: This lesson plan is intended for High School English, ideally 11th or 12th grade.
Subject: Literature
Time Allotment: Two class periods (approximately 1.5 hours)
Learning Objectives:
- Students will be able to analyze the narrative style and use of language in Middle English literature.
- Students will be able to identify the character traits and motivations of the Wife of Bath.
- Students will be able to discuss the themes of marital power, gender roles, and social satire in the Wife of Bath's Prologue and Tale.
- Students will be able to consider the historical context and the Wife of Bath's potential audience.
Materials:
- Copies of "The Wife of Bath's Prologue" and "The Wife of Bath's Tale" by Geoffrey Chaucer in a modern translation (optional)
- Whiteboard or projector
- Markers or pens
- Character analysis worksheet focusing on the Wife of Bath (optional)
- Theme analysis graphic organizer (optional)
- Background information on medieval marriage and social hierarchy (optional)
Lesson Procedure:
Day 1: Introduction and The Wife of Bath's Prologue
- Introduction (10 minutes):
- Briefly introduce Geoffrey Chaucer and "The Canterbury Tales," mentioning the framing narrative and the diverse characters.
- Discuss the challenges of reading Middle English literature and the use of modern translations.
- Character Analysis (20 minutes):
- Distribute copies of "The Wife of Bath's Prologue" (in a modern translation, if necessary).
- Individually or in small groups, students analyze the Wife of Bath using a character analysis worksheet (optional).
- Key aspects to consider:
✵ Her background, personality, and marital history.
✵ Her views on marriage and female agency.
✵ Her use of humor, satire, and religious references.
- Theme Discussion (20 minutes):
- Lead a class discussion based on the character analysis:
✵ How does the Wife of Bath challenge traditional gender roles of her time?
✵ What are her views on marital power and the treatment of women?
✵ How does she use satire and social commentary in her prologue?
- Historical Context (10 minutes):
- Briefly discuss the role of the Church, social hierarchy, and the concept of marriage in medieval society (optional, based on available resources).
Day 2: The Wife of Bath's Tale
- Review (5 minutes):
- Briefly review the previous day's discussion on the Wife of Bath's character and prologue.
- Close Reading and Analysis (30 minutes):
- Distribute copies of "The Wife of Bath's Tale" (in a modern translation, if necessary).
- Guide students through a close reading activity, focusing on:
✵ The narrative structure and the use of a "folk tale" format.
✵ The characters of the knight, the loathly lady, and the contrasting ideas of masculinity and femininity.
✵ The themes of power dynamics, control, and the importance of keeping promises.
- Theme and Interpretation (20 minutes):
- Utilize a graphic organizer (optional) to help students analyze the themes of the tale:
✵ How does the tale connect to the Wife of Bath's views on marriage and female agency?
✵ What are the possible interpretations of the ending?
✵ Does the tale reinforce or challenge the Wife of Bath's earlier statements?
- Audience and Legacy (15 minutes):
- Discuss the potential audience for "The Canterbury Tales" and the Wife of Bath's narrative.
- How might her voice have been received by different social classes and genders?
- Consider the ongoing relevance of the Wife of Bath's character and the themes explored in her tale.
Differentiation:
- Provide scaffolding for reading comprehension by offering a glossary of Middle English terms, paraphrasing complex passages, or summarizing key plot points.
- Offer different options for character and theme analysis activities (e.g., creating a character mind map, drawing connections between the prologue and tale using a Venn diagram).
- Allow students to choose a specific aspect of the Wife of Bath's character or a theme to further research and present to the class.
Extension Activities:
- Students can research the history of feminism and women's rights movements.
- Have students write a diary entry from the perspective of another character on the pilgrimage, reacting to the Wife of Bath's story.