The Prioress and the Wife of Bath are two female characters described in <em>The Canterbury Tales</em> by Chaucer. The two women share some commonalities. However, they are also quite different. The Wife of Bath is a woman of great experience. She has been married several times, has travelled around the world and is quite independent economically. This does not fit with the stereotype of a wife of the time.
The Prioress, on the other hand, also does not fit with the stereotype of a nun. The Prioress is more dainty and sophisticated in her behaviour. She is educated and aristocratic, and she is quite beautiful. She is interested in secular matters, such as social advancement and has led a sheltered life when compared to the Wife of Bath.
The Prioress is foolishly sentimental, "She was so charitable and pitous / She wolde wepe, if that she saugh a mous /Knaught in a trappe." But all her sentiments are for animals only, she don?t cares for men as ordered by the God and Charist, The Wife of Bath is more lively, she can sit with other men and can talk and laugh, she cares only for herself.
Despite the fact that world literature stories usually come from other countries and cultures, there is always some meaning that we can take from their intended messages.
