How we cite our quotes: (Line Number)
Quote #1
And of hir labour [they] took hir sustenance
After that the erthe yaf hem habundance. (202-203)
Here, the tale portrays the poor as entirely passive in the matter of their own sustenance. Sure, they labor for it, but it's the earth that gives it to them—and the earth, like their lord, can take it away. The relationship between the earth and the poor is kind of like the relationship we'll see between Walter and Grisilde.
Quote #2
And doun upon hir knees she gan to falle,
And with sad contenance kneleth stille
Til she had herd what was the lordes wille. (292-294)
Grisilde kneels, which is an outward show of passivity. It's matched by her attitude here: she's waiting to hear what her lord's will is. She's ready to do whatever she is asked to do. Does she have a choice? Could she say no to Walter? What do you think would happen if she did? Would she be punished? Would Janicula be punished with her?
Quote #3
"Grisilde," he seyde, "ye shul wel understonde
it lyketh to your fader and to me
That I yow wedde, and eek it may so stonde,
As I suppose, ye wol that it so be." (344-347)
So Walter had said that we was going to ask Grisilde to marry him, but here he is basically telling her that she's going to accept his proposal. What's the point of even asking, dude? He's definitely not imagining even the possibility that she (or her father) might not want to accept.