The initial impression given in the Canterbury Tales suggests the Wife of Bath was not conventionally attractive, at least not in a way that immediately appealed to most men.
Initial Appearance and Impression
While the provided reference states this directly, it's important to note that beauty standards are subjective and that the Wife of Bath's character is multifaceted. However, the text leads to this conclusion. The reference also mentions that after being made beautiful, she becomes the "best wife there is" and is "young and beautiful." This refers to a tale where a woman's outward appearance changes drastically after certain conditions are met, implying her original state was not considered conventionally attractive.
The Wife of Bath's Tale Interpretation
The Wife of Bath's tale explores themes of beauty, age, and wifely dominion. It suggests that a woman's true worth and attractiveness lie in her character and independence rather than solely in her physical appearance. The tale's conclusion, where the old woman becomes both beautiful and subservient, can be interpreted in several ways, but one is that genuine attractiveness comes from a woman having agency and control in her marriage.
Key Takeaway
While the Wife of Bath's initial description may not have portrayed her as traditionally beautiful, her character's complexity and the message of her tale suggest that attractiveness extends far beyond physical appearance. The reference confirms this by stating that men did not view her as attractive until after a transformation made her both young and beautiful.
