In Geoffrey Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales,' the Wife of Bath stands out as a complex, opinionated, and intriguing character. A successful cloth merchant and experienced traveler, she challenges the societal norms of the 14th century. Her tale revolves around a knight who must discover what women desire most in order to save his life. The answer, given by an old woman, is sovereignty over their husbands. This reflects the Wife of Bath's assertive personality and her desire for power and autonomy, a controversial notion in her time. However, her character sparks debate among literary critics. Some view her as a feminist icon for her independence and defiance of patriarchal norms. Others argue she embodies misogynistic stereotypes of a lustful, domineering woman, undercutting the claim of her being a feminist character. Regardless, the Wife of Bath’s tale delves into thought-provoking themes of power, love, and equality. It invites readers to question societal norms and interpret characters beyond their surface presentation. As such, the Wife of Bath stands as a testament to Chaucer's skill in character development and illuminating societal issues through storytelling.