WOB RESPONSES CONTENT LED

Letting the Wife Speak (Again): Re-writing the Wife of Bath's Story

Adaptations, Revisions, and (Re)visions

• Importance of adaptations and revisions in literature.
• Examples of modern adaptations of classic works:
  • WICKED: A reinterpretation of the Wicked Witch of the West's story from The Wizard of Oz.
  • DISNEY adaptations: Such as Maleficent, which retells the story of Sleeping Beauty from the antagonist's perspective.
  • POOR THINGS: A novel and film adaptation showcasing complex characters.
  • FRANKENSTEIN: Various interpretations emphasizing themes of creation and morality.
  • PRIDE AND PREJUDICE AND ZOMBIES: A mashup that combines classic literature with modern horror elements, written by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith.

Taming and Liberating the Wife of Bath

• Character Analysis:

  • The Wife of Bath is larger than life, showcasing her travels and marriages.
  • Unique characterization within the Canterbury Tales, often more developed than other medieval literary characters.
  • Dr. Marion Turner highlights her interiority and the power of her voice, challenging historical suppression of female characters.
  • Her Realism: Despite being a larger-than-life figure, contemporary readers can identify with aspects of her character.

• Contradictions and Feminist Themes:

  • Amid her flaws (e.g., excessive drinking, manipulation of men), she critiques the male-dominated narrative of her time.
  • Key Reflection: "Who painted the lion?"—a metaphor for artistic representation shaped by the artist's biases.
  • Suggests that if women were allowed to narrate their stories, perspectives would differ vastly from the male-dominated literature.

Carol Ann Duffy on Revisions

• Duffy's perspective reinforces the significance of reinterpreting classic texts, giving voice to the voiceless.

"Beautiful" by Carol Ann Duffy

• A poem reflecting on beauty, fame, and societal expectations.
• Themes:
  • The cost of beauty is highlighted through metaphors and vivid imagery.
  • Exploration of public perception and personal loss of identity amid fame.
• Notable lines emphasize the timelessness of beauty and the objectification of women in media and life.

Jean "Binta" Breeze: The Wife of Bath in Brixton Market

• A contemporary retelling set in a culturally rich environment.
• Highlights the universal relevance of the Wife of Bath's themes of sovereignty and consent across different contexts and eras.

Zadie Smith's Adaptation: The Wife of Willesden

• Context: Born from a Twitter accident that sparked creativity.
• Unification of genres: blurring lines between poetry, adaptation, and play.
• Examines connections between past narratives and contemporary issues, including sex-positivity and individual identity.

Forms and Evolution of the Story

• Transition from monologue (traditional storytelling) to dialogue (interactive, contemporary formats).
• Transporting the story from Canterbury to Jamaica to explore cultural connections and adaptations.

The Wife of Willesden Trailer

• Teaser giving a glimpse into a modern interpretation of the Wife of Bath's character, highlighting its relevance today.