Final answer:
Real gentility, according to the old woman in 'The Wife of Bath's Tale', is not determined by wealth or social status, but by one's character and actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the old woman in 'The Wife of Bath's Tale', real gentility is not determined by wealth or social status, but by one's character and actions. The old woman argues that true gentility comes from within and cannot be bought or inherited. She believes that a person's worth is measured by their virtues and their treatment of others, rather than their material possessions or social standing.
In the story, the knight initially shows disrespect and disdain towards the old woman because of her poverty and humble background. However, the old woman challenges his shallow perception of gentility and teaches him a valuable lesson about the importance of inner qualities and humility.