* Members of the nobility and upper classes: These individuals were most likely to be literate and have access to manuscripts. They would have appreciated the humor, satire, and complex themes within the tale, especially the discussion of gender roles and marriage.
* Clergy: The Church played a significant role in medieval society, and priests and monks were often well-educated and familiar with literature. The Wife of Bath's story, with its controversial views on marriage and sexuality, would have likely sparked debate and discussion within clerical circles.
* Merchants and craftsmen: While literacy rates were lower among these groups, some individuals would have been literate and had access to manuscripts through guilds or patrons. The story's themes of social mobility and economic success would have resonated with these readers.
It's important to note:
* The audience was largely male. Women were less likely to be literate in this period. While the Wife of Bath's story is a powerful expression of a woman's perspective, it's likely that her views would have been most appreciated by men.
* The audience would have had a strong understanding of medieval religious and social norms. This is crucial to appreciating the satire and subversiveness of the Wife of Bath's character and her views on marriage.
Overall, "The Wife of Bath's Prologue and Tale" would have been read by a diverse audience in 14th-century England, each bringing their own perspectives and experiences to the story.