How is natural order either imposed upon or impeded in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" and the "Wife of Bath's Prologue"?

Full Answer Section

• Natural Order Imposed: The Church's teachings and societal expectations impose limitations on women, particularly regarding marriage. The Wife of Bath challenges these limitations and argues for a woman's right to multiple marriages.
• Natural Order Impedmented: The Wife of Bath's multiple marriages and her views on female agency can be seen as an impediment to the patriarchal social order of the time.

Contrasting Approaches:

• "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" presents a more idealized view of natural order, emphasizing chivalry and upholding social codes. The disruption is external and temporary.
• "Wife of Bath's Prologue" takes a more critical stance. The natural order is viewed as a construct that disadvantages women. The Wife of Bath advocates for a more equitable social order that reflects a natural order based on mutuality and agency.

Overall:

Both works explore the concept of natural order but in contrasting ways. "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" emphasizes the importance of upholding a societal order, while the "Wife of Bath's Prologue" challenges such limitations and argues for a more natural order based on individual agency.

Sample Answer

The concept of natural order is a complex theme explored differently in both "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" and the "Wife of Bath's Prologue." Here's a breakdown:

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight:

• Natural Order Imposed: Chivalry and courtly conduct represent a societal order imposed on knights. Gawain strives to uphold these ideals, demonstrating his adherence to a prescribed social order.
• Natural Order Impedmented: The Green Knight's challenge disrupts the natural order by introducing chaos and testing Gawain's virtue. The beheading and return of the Green Knight defy the natural order of life and death.

Wife of Bath's Prologue: