The Wife of Bath's Prologue and The Wife of Bath's Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer

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

  1. 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.
  1. 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.

  1. 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?

  1. 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

  1. Review (5 minutes):
  • Briefly review the previous day's discussion on the Wife of Bath's character and prologue.
  1. 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.

  1. 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?

  1. 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.