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These flashcards cover key concepts, themes, and characters from the lecture on the Wife of Bath, her adaptations, and related literary works.

What is the central theme of the Wife of Bath's story in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales?

The story explores themes of female empowerment, marriage, and the role of women in society.

Who is the author of 'The Wife of Bath, A Biography'?

Marion Turner.

How is the Wife of Bath characterized in the Canterbury Tales?

She is depicted as a strong, independent woman who has been married multiple times and is very vocal about her experiences and views.

What major adaptations are mentioned in the notes?

WICKED, DISNEY's MALEFICENT, POOR THINGS, FRANKENSTEIN, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES.

What is notable about the Wife of Bath's voice according to Marion Turner?

She has a powerful voice and personality that resonates with readers due to her realistic traits.

What does the Wife of Bath reveal about the perspective of storytelling?

She emphasizes that all stories have been told from a male perspective and suggests that women's narratives would highlight men's faults.

Who adapted 'The Wife of Bath' in a contemporary play setting?

Zadie Smith in 'The Wife of Willesden'.

What creative elements are involved in Zadie Smith's adaptation?

It involves genres like poetry, adaptation, and plays, exploring themes of sovereignty, consent, and sexuality.

What does Carol Ann Duffy explore in her poem 'Beautiful'?

The poem explores beauty and its consequences, portraying a woman who remains immortalized and idealized by men.

What literary device does Duffy use to depict the price of beauty in 'Beautiful'?

Imagery and metaphor.

In 'Beautiful,' how is the relationship between men and women portrayed?

It illustrates a complex relationship where women are idealized while also being objectified.

How does the Wife of Bath challenge the misogynistic canon?

By being a character with depth, honesty, and a narrative that questions male authority.

What is the significance of asking 'Who painted the lion?' in the context of the Wife of Bath?

It highlights how perception is influenced by the creator's biases and experiences.

What themes connect the past and present in Zadie Smith's adaptation?

Sovereignty, consent, pleasure, body-positivity, and individual identity.

What is the role of humor in the Wife of Bath’s character?

It showcases her cleverness and ability to engage her audience.

What does the mention of the 'golden barge' symbolize in Duffy's 'Beautiful'?

It symbolizes the glamour and high status associated with beauty.

What elements of humor and irony appear in the Wife of Bath's confessions?

She uses humor to critiquely manipulate societal expectations of women.

What is the 'Twitter accident that worked out' referring to in the context of Zadie Smith's adaptation?

It refers to an unexpected event that led to the creation of 'The Wife of Willesden' as a contemporary reinterpretation.

What historical context surrounds the Wife of Bath's character?

She is often seen as a reflection of medieval gender dynamics and the societal expectations of women.

What literary experiments did Chaucer undertake with the Wife of Bath?

He provided her with a complex interiority and a narrative voice not common for women in medieval literature.

What aspect of the Wife of Bath's narrative illustrates her self-awareness?

She understands that her character embodies some of the faults that antifeminists criticize.

How does the Wife of Bath relate to male characters in her story?

She often manipulates male characters and asserts her own desires and perspectives.

Name an adaptation that combines classic literature with a modern twist.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.

What message about male narratives does the Wife of Bath convey?

That they are biased and do not represent women's perspectives accurately.

How does Duffy's poem address the concept of aging?

By showing that beauty can be associated with an inability to age or die.

What does the character of the Wife of Bath ultimately symbolize?

A strong testament to female agency and the reclaiming of women’s narratives.

In what way does the Wife of Bath embody contradictions?

She is both subject to societal norms and a challenger of those very norms.

Why does the Wife of Bath travel three times to Jerusalem?

As part of her character's backstory to explore faith and personal agency.

What role does public perception play in the poem 'Beautiful'?

It highlights how women's identities are often shaped by how men perceive them.

What literary techniques does Carol Ann Duffy use in discussing beauty?

Imagery, repetition, and dramatic tone.

How do adaptations like Maleficent reinterpret female characters?

They often provide a backstory that complicates traditional villain roles, offering depth and nuance.

What is the significance of Zadie Smith’s adaptation in the context of modern conversations about gender?

It connects historical women’s issues to contemporary discussions about consent and identity.

What common theme runs through adaptations of the Wife of Bath in modern interpretations?

The exploration of female autonomy and sexual agency.

What does the character's manipulation of male characters signify in the Wife of Bath's tale?

It suggests a reversal of traditional gender roles where women are passive.

In what way does Jean 'Binta' Breeze contribute to the discussion on the Wife of Bath?

By presenting her in a modern, urban context that reflects contemporary issues.

What does the adaptation 'The Wife of Willesden' illustrate about cultural relevance?

It shows how classic literature can resonate with current societal themes and issues.

How is the Wife of Bath viewed by contemporary audiences?

As a complex, multi-faceted character who challenges stereotypes.

What role does memory play in the Wife of Bath's character development?

It informs her identity and perspective on life and relationships.

How does Duffy portray the entertainment industry’s take on beauty?

As a force that immortalizes women but also objectifies them.

In the Wife of Bath's tale, what does her marriage history signify?

It represents her quest for autonomy and self-definition.

What are the implications of the Wife of Bath’s self-reflection?

It suggests a critical awareness of societal roles and personal choices.

How do adaptations like Poetics challenge the original texts?

By offering new interpretations that can highlight or subvert traditional themes.

What is one way Duffy implies the cost of beauty in 'Beautiful'?

Through the relentless pressure to maintain an idealized image.

What aspect of the Wife of Bath’s characterization was revolutionary for its time?

Her ability to express desires, hopes, and regrets openly and candidly.

How does the character of the Wife of Bath survive criticism?

By turning critiques into affirmations of her identity and choices.

What is the significance of the 'cutting-room floor' metaphor in Duffy’s poem?

It implies the selective nature of memory and how narratives can be edited or forgotten.

In what way does the Wife of Bath’s narrative challenge historical female stereotypes?

By showcasing her as a dominator in courtship and a thinker.

How does Zadie Smith frame the Wife of Bath for modern audiences?

As a relatable figure who navigates contemporary issues of race, gender, and consent.

What literary trend is reflected in the adaptations of classic works like 'Wicked' and 'Maleficent'?

The trend of re-examining and reinterpreting female characters traditionally portrayed as villains.

What message does the Wife of Bath convey about personal autonomy in relationships?

Her narrative underscores the importance of mutual respect and consent.

Why are adaptations significant in the study of literature?

They provide insights into changing societal values and highlight different perspectives.