In "The Wife of Bath's Tale," the men in the group stay away from marriage because they are afraid of losing their freedom and control over their lives. The Wife of Bath, who has been married five times, challenges the men to consider the benefits of marriage and argues that women should have equal rights and power in relationships.
The men in the group are skeptical of the Wife of Bath's arguments and question whether women can be trusted in marriage. They are concerned that women will use their beauty and charm to manipulate men and gain control over their lives. In response, the Wife of Bath argues that women should be given the same opportunities as men to pursue love and happiness.
However, the men are not convinced and choose to avoid marriage altogether. They believe that by remaining single, they can maintain their independence and avoid the risks and uncertainties of marriage. This decision ultimately proves to be their downfall, as they are unable to find true love and happiness on their own.
Overall, the men in "The Wife of Bath's Tale" stay away from marriage because they are afraid of losing control and independence in their lives. The Wife of Bath challenges their assumptions and argues for greater equality and mutual respect between men and women in relationships. However, the men are unable to overcome their fears and ultimately suffer the consequences of their choices.