What is the Wife of Bath concerned about when she goes to church? What does this suggest about her?

Comes from the city of Bath, which is known for its hot springs - the Romans took from 1st century A. D. and made pools and spas which can still be visited today

Somewhat deaf-Was abused by one of her husbands and damaged her hearing

Excellent seamstress

Is concerned that she is the first one to the alter when she goes to church and that she is wearing the best clothes - people approached the alter according to social rank, so her concern suggests that she cares more about status than spirituality.

Wears about 10 pounds of handkerchiefs on her head on Sundays

Wears "scarlet red hose gartered tight"

Bold handsome face with a red hue, gapped teeth, large hips

Wears a large hat/wimple on her head that is broad

Has had 5 husbands "all at the church door" - in Chaucer's day, the marriage ceremony was performed at the church door literally.

Is a veteran traveler: has been to Jerusalem 3 times, Rome, Boulogne (in france), Compostella (in spain), and Cologne (in Germany) - Jerusalem was the Christian Holy City, Rome was the home of the Pope, Compostella was the resting place of the martyred apostle St. James, and Cologne was the site of the largest Gothic church in the Middle Ages. The Wife of Bath's freedom to travel was not a luxury available to many women in her time. She took full advantage of her freedom.

Likes to laugh and chat and "knew the remedy for love's mischances"

Bold, assertive, strong, intelligent, frank, stubborn