her alternative motive away:We made it up between the two of us: he gave the reins to me, and to my hand not onlymanagement of house and land, but of his tongue and also his fist and then and there Imade him burn the book. (239)Through all five marriages she used the marriages as a tool of which she controlled. Even withthe last it seems as if she does not have the control because she is being abused, then she is giventhe control, when he makes the wrong move, she grabs the reins and holds on.In the actual tale she makes the character the Knight who is going to be beheaded forrape have to find out what women want most in the world. He has a year and a day and asksmany women but never receives the same two answers:Some said we love best riches and wealth; others, happiness; some said it is thepleasures of the bed, and to be often widowed, often wed. And others said we’re happiestat heart when complimented and well cosetted. Which is pretty near the truth, and that’sno lie. A man can win us best by flattery; and with attentiveness, assiduity, we’reensnared, one at all. (242)Finally an old hag told him he could have the answer if he does the next thing she asks of him,he says yes, and they go to the castle. He told the court the definition given to him by the oldhag:Women desire to be dominion over their husbands, and their lovers too; they want tohave mastery over them. That’s what you most desire--even if my life is forfeit. (245)Then the hag told him what she wanted it was marriage, he begged her not to make him,but he was forced. He was sad and when she asked why he was sad he gave her a cruel andhonest answer: You are so hideous, so old and plain, and what is more besides, so basely born, it’s littlewonder if I toss and turn. (246)She gave told him to choose between a loyal old hag or a not loyal young beauty. He told her itis her choice:I place myself in your wise governance; choose for yoursel...
