* Epic Characteristics: Epics are long, narrative poems that typically feature:
* A hero of great stature: The Wife of Bath is not a traditional hero, but rather a complex and outspoken character.
* A grand and often supernatural setting: The Wife of Bath's Tale has a more realistic setting, even if it includes fantastical elements.
* A theme of great importance: The Wife of Bath's Tale focuses on themes of marriage, gender roles, and the power of women, but these are not universal or epic in scope.
* A heightened, formal style: The Wife of Bath's Tale is written in a more conversational style, reflecting the character's voice, rather than a grand, elevated style.
* Genre: The Wife of Bath's Tale is a frame story within the larger framework of *The Canterbury Tales*. It fits more into the fabliau genre, which are short, humorous tales often involving trickery and satire.
In summary, while the Wife of Bath's Tale is a rich and complex story, it lacks the defining characteristics of an epic poem.