1. “Pardoner’s Tale” and “Wife of Bath’s Tale” Essay Questions
Compare and contrast the Pardoner to the tale he tells in “The Pardoner’s Tale.” What kind of person is he? Consider the kind of person he is and the reason that he generally tells this kind of tale.
Who is the old man in “The Pardoner’s Tale”? Is he a spy for Death? Is he an innocent bystander? Is he Death itself? Write an essay in which you assert your position. Use examples from the text for support.
Explain why the old woman in “The Wife of Bath’s Tale” first presents herself to the knight as old and ugly, rather than as young and beautiful. Why does she later transform herself into a young and beautiful woman? Explain the possible reasons for this change, based on your reading of the tale.
What characteristics does the Wife of Bath represent as a woman? Why social ideas, both positive and negative, do she and her tale reflect? Use details from “The Wife of Bath’s Tale” to support your ideas.