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From: Prof. Hunter
Date: 10/12/2009
Time: 6:39:37 PM
Remote Name: 24.240.36.163
Three of the tales we have read are part of what is called the "Marriage Group": the Wife of Bath, the Merchant, and the Franklin. The Wife of Bath starts the group with her strongly presented views on "mastery" or dominance in marriage; the others reply to her or appear to offer alternative views on relationships between husbands and wives. Discuss the ways these tales fit together. For instance, is the Merchant really giving an opposing view to the Wife of Bath, or does he end up presenting exactly the same view (perhaps intentionally)? Does the Franklin offer a workable alternative--a kind of compromise or synthesis--or is he just telling a fairy tale? Are all three tales shaped completely by social ideals of male dominance in marriage, or are there other forces at work here?