The Canturbury Tales
To manipulate is defined by Webster's dictionary as: to cause by clever maneuvering, to act as one wishes. In a class structured society such as the one during the times of the Canterbury Tales, did the ability to manipulate, open doors to those seeking greater power and recognition? In the case of the Knight and the Wife of Bath in Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales manipulation was the key to opening the doors of their success. These two characters, the Knight and the Wife of Bath share differences and similarities in their characters however, they demonstrate their ability use their perfected traits to manipulate others and achieving their desires. One of the most obvious differences between the two, is gender. It is a is a boundary which determines the degree of success that each is able to achieve. The views of gender during the era in which The Canterbury Tales takes place, distinguishes men as superior to women. Therefore being a woman restrained the Wife of Bath from succeeding and blossoming to her full potential. Even if she did achieve success, she would never be as widely respected as the Knight. The Knight however, being a male possesses endless possibilities. Personality difference is another factor whi
The Wife has broken many hearts using her sexuality or lack there of, to gain her objective. He displays his dislike for tension at the end of the Pardoner's tale when he breaks in and attempts to stop bickering between the Host and the Pardoner ordering them to "kiss and make up" (Chaucer,295) This shows his aversion to conflict or unhappiness of any sort. They have both caused torment to those who have suffered their manipulation. For each of the individual characters manipulation benefited them but presented negative consequences on the opposite end of the spectrum. Another linking similarity is the Knight was wearing a coat of mail that was rust stained which is commonly the color red. They are both know of the same life and components of a higher social class. Her experience with men and twisting their minds comes from five previous marriages. The two characters, the Knight and the Wife of Bath display differences and similarities in their personality traits however, they exhibit their ability to manipulate others through their perfected qualities in achieving their desires. Another common tie between the two characters is their motive of personal gain from manipulation. In all examples stated, the two are opposites. The Wife of Bath was wearing scarlet hosen (red stockings). He has gained experience through fighting formal duals, and battling the Muslims in Egypt, Spain, Turkey and the Russian Orthodox in Lithuania. She would with hold sexual pleasure until she gained what she desired. The Knight, though intimidating he does not enjoy conflict.
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