Lines 220–245: Describe the contrast between the knight’s attitude toward the old woman earlier in the tale (lines 179–197) and his attitude now (lines 220–245). What does the knight’s behavior in this passage reveal about his character? What might the knight’s changed attitude toward the old woman suggest about human nature? Lines 220–245: Describe the contrast between the knight’s attitude toward the old woman earlier in the tale (lines 179–197) and his attitude now (lines 220–245). What does the knight’s behavior in this passage reveal about his character? What might the knight’s changed attitude toward the old woman suggest about human nature?

This question is about "Wife of Bath"

Answerand Explanation:

1. At the beginning of the story, the gentleman was grateful for the old woman's help, but he was depressed and ashamed of having to marry her. That's because he didn't love her and wanted to marry a beautiful, young woman who was not ashamed. However, after the old woman's wise words and her transformation into a beautiful young man he came to love her.

2. In this passage the gentleman shows himself to be a man very concerned with the view that others have of him and the choices he made in life. That is why he is ashamed of his marriage, despite the fact that it shows that he is a man who keeps his promises.

3. This shows how human nature tends to be more concerned with appearances than with the content of something. We are constantly worrying about what others will think of us, in caring for what life proposes to us.