Question

the story of Midas appears to be unrelated to the tale of the knight. What narrative purpose or purposes does this digression serve?

Answer 1

The Story of Midas is discussed in The Wife of Bath's Tale. King MIdas has donkey ears and hides it from everyone, except his wife. He doesn't want this secret to be revealed. However, his wife one day breaks that rule and talks about this secret. The story shows that the women cannot be trusted because they cannot keep secrets. In the same story is also discussed the fate of a Knight who marries a very unattractive woman in the consequence of the events. When Knight explains his unhappiness because of that the woman explains him the difference between an ugly, but loyal and beautiful, but unfaithful wife. The author shows the moral side of the story in a complete opposite to the story of King Midas. The Knight's story shows that woman has an option to choose. The representation of the stories shows the complete character of women without degrading them, even when they cannot keep secrets.

Answer 2

To tell you a story, and perhaps to teach you something