Annotations
Lines 1-24: Mainly used to set up tone and setting, but is also used to introduce the theme of male and women sovereignty
Lines 20-24: Women won't have to worry about the supernatural creatures such as devil's and imps, instead there is only the holy friar, who causes dishonor
Lines 31-32: Conflict of the story is introduced. The Knight has raped a lady and must now pay for his crimes.
Line 45-46: The Queen tells the knight that he shouldn't be relieved, since he's not in the clear yet
Line 54-55: The knight shall swear that he will return after a year and a day to give the Queen an answer
Line 71: Women desire "undivided attention"
Lines 73-78: One of womens desires is to be held trustworthy and able to keep any and all secrets. However this is not true, Women cannot conceal any secrets.
Lines 96-99: The old wife says to the knight: " The path does not continue from here, ask of me anything and I may have what you need, we old people are full of knowledge"
Lines 104-106: "Promise me that you will do whatever I desire if it is within your power to do so" - The Old wife shifts power in her favor
Line 109: To 'Vaunt' is to speak boastfully
Lines 110 - 114: Referring to The Old wife's 'Vaunt' she assures the knight that not even the proudest woman will disagree to the answer she gives the knight.
Lines 119 - 124: Many noble wives, maids and widows ( who are the wisest) gathered to hear his answer. The queen, herself, appeared as the judge.
Lines 1-24: Mainly used to set up tone and setting, but is also used to introduce the theme of male and women sovereignty
Lines 20-24: Women won't have to worry about the supernatural creatures such as devil's and imps, instead there is only the holy friar, who causes dishonor
Lines 31-32: Conflict of the story is introduced. The Knight has raped a lady and must now pay for his crimes.
Line 45-46: The Queen tells the knight that he shouldn't be relieved, since he's not in the clear yet
Line 54-55: The knight shall swear that he will return after a year and a day to give the Queen an answer
Line 71: Women desire "undivided attention"
Lines 73-78: One of womens desires is to be held trustworthy and able to keep any and all secrets. However this is not true, Women cannot conceal any secrets.
Lines 96-99: The old wife says to the knight: " The path does not continue from here, ask of me anything and I may have what you need, we old people are full of knowledge"
Lines 104-106: "Promise me that you will do whatever I desire if it is within your power to do so" - The Old wife shifts power in her favor
Line 109: To 'Vaunt' is to speak boastfully
Lines 110 - 114: Referring to The Old wife's 'Vaunt' she assures the knight that not even the proudest woman will disagree to the answer she gives the knight.
Lines 119 - 124: Many noble wives, maids and widows ( who are the wisest) gathered to hear his answer. The queen, herself, appeared as the judge.