Answer:
It shows the Knight fixation in the old woman's physical ugliness.
Explanation:
The Wife of Bath Tale describes the different occurrences on the isle of Britain during the reigns of King Arthur. The isle was inhabited by the fairies and elves for a very long time before their sudden disappearance. It is now inhabited by friars who take pleasure in raping both young and old women.
A young Knight encounters a beautiful maiden in Arthur's court, captivated by her beauty he decided to force himself on her. Upon hearing the news Arthur sentences the Knight to death.
The queen intercede on his behalf, she sends the Knight on a journey to find out what women really want in this world, failure to do this would lead to his execution.
The Knight began his journey and encountered many women but none could give him a definite answer. After a while of searching he comes across an ugly old woman who gave him the answer with the condition that he must pledge himself to her. The Knight agrees and then the journeys back to the court.
On reaching the court the old woman tells the queen that what women really want in this world is to be in control of their lovers and husband. The queen nods her head in affirmation, right there in front of everybody the old woman asks the Knight to marry her. The Knight having no other option decides to yield to her request, he could not believe the fact that his is married to an old woman.
The Knight finally realizes that it is better to have an ugly old woman who is faithful as a wife than an unfaithful young woman.
