Final answer:
In the 'Wife of Bath's Tale' from 'The Canterbury Tales,' the knight was punished for raping a maiden, a serious crime that required him to learn what women truly desire.
Step-by-step explanation:
The knight in the Wife of Bath's Tale, which is a part of Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, was being punished for raping a young maiden. This crime was one of grave consequences during the time period in which the tale was set, often leading to severe punishment or even the death penalty. The knight's punishment by the queen was to discover what women most desire, teaching him a lesson in humility, respect, and understanding towards women.