In writing and crafting the Wife of Bath (Alison) Chaucer paints his readers a vivid picture of a woman who has “been around the block” so to speak, and yet has a wisdom that is both painful and truthful to hear. According to Chaucer Alison has had five husbands, is very proud of that fact and considers that to be her prowess (Chaucer 682). I think Chaucer wants us to view Alison as a woman with many talents as well as being someone who has a wealth of knowledge. This is illustrated in the fact that she is familiar with writings from the ancients. During the prologue Alison mentions Old and New Testament scriptures, Ptolemy, Greek and Roman gods as well as Socrates. However Alison doesn’t possess just book smarts; she has lived and has gained
