By introducing us to this particular character, Chaucer is opposing the attitudes to women at the time. As a wealthy woman, The Wife of Bath had to keep her married status in order to retain her wealth. The importance of wealth is highlighted when she says "Thou seyst som folk desiren us for richesse" From this, we can appreciate, to some extent, the reasons behind her treatment of men. When she states "She may no while in chastitee abyde" this is suggesting her own unfaithful actions. Some may interpret the Wife of Bath's story to only consist of sexual revenge. However we must consider the society in which she lived where women remained second class. Chaucer is exposing a woman with a desire to gain revenge inside marriage, with lies "swere and lyen, as a woman kan" and deceit. The Wife of Bath is an intelligent woman, she has the skill of manipulating men and influencing other women by saying "Ye wise wyves, that kan understonde." Her intelligence is also displayed in the way she is able to read and write, when the majority of women in this period were unable. Again, Chaucer is demonstrating the distinct difference between her and the women of her time.
The Wife of Bath opens this passage with "Now, sire, now wol I telle forth my tale" She is introducing her tale in a classic story-telling manner. By using an opening similar to the ordinary "once upon a time" introduction, this is captivating the attention of her audience and influencing them to listen further. This takes the form of a speaker and listener situation, this suggests that her audience are normal, "run of the mill" fo lk who enjoy an interesting story. The Wife of Bath is in pole position, she vocalises "I shal seye soothe" meaning she will speak her truth. She is given the opportunity to voice her opinions and beliefs disguised as a story. From this, some can assume that her audience were commoners as they are prepared to listen to her individual voice expressing her personal set of thoughts.
