Final answer:
In "The Wife’s Lament", the reason for the wife's exile appears to be the result of vengeance taken by her jealous stepmother. While exact details are not specified, the poem indicates that the exile is related to familial or political strife, common in the context of the era.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the poem "The Wife’s Lament", the wife was exiled due to vengeance taken by a jealous step-dame. The poem illustrates a common theme of women's suffering and exile during the times it was written. The exact reasons are not detailed, but the text hints at familial or political intrigue leading to her banishment. The reference to a spindle stained red and the gore that followed suggests a bloody event might have been part of the backstory for the exile. Such themes are not uncommon in literature from the era, reflecting a society where exile was a form of legal punishment, familial discord, or consequence of political maneuvering.