THE FRANKLINS TALE Saurav Pandey and Aiman Habib

THE FRANKLIN’S TALE Saurav Pandey and Aiman Habib Main Characters Involved Arveragus (Knight) Dorigen (Knight’s Wife) Aurelius (Squire) Aurelius’ Brother Scholar /Illusionist TYPE OF TALE Nobility/Morality Generosity Romance

P r o l o g u e - Before beginning his story, Franklin shares that this tale is originally a Breton tale. - Franklin warns others about his poor story telling skill as he has “never studied rhetoric. ” - He also apologizes that he will have to express the tale in a simple and plain manner.

THE FRANKLIN’S TALE • The story begins with a Breton knight, Arveragus who loves a beautiful lady by the name of Dorigen. • She is from “high birth” and Arveragus tries to serve her well. Arveragus and Dorigen • Dorigen notices this and willingly marries Arveragus. • This marriage is one of equality as: o Dorigen takes Arveragus as her “lord and servant. ” o Arveragus takes Dorigen as his “lady and love. ”

ØHowever, Arveragus needs to depart to fulfill his duties in Britain for two years. ØDorigen loves Arveragus and can’t stand being alone ØHer friends try to make her as his absence makes her weep. feel better by taking her to walks by the coast. ØThis backfires as the black rocks remind Dorigen of her husband’s death.

THE FRAKLIN’S TALE The Franklin introduces the reader to Aurelius. Seeking the opportunity, Aurelius attempts to confess love to Dorigen, who is faithful to husband, is shocked and denies Aurelius stating, “I will always be his to whom I’m knit. ” However, Dorigen does promises that she will love Aurelius if he were to completely remove the rocks from the coast.

—During that time, —Aurelius is heartbroken Arveragus has because he knows this task returned home and the is impossible, which leads couple is reunited to his depression. again. —Aurelius’ brother suggests visiting a friend in Orleans who can make all the black rocks —He disappear. promises he —Aurelius and can make his brother the rock’s make a trip to disappear Orleans, where but he a scholar spots requires a them. fee of 1000 £.

Ø The Scholar The Franklin’s Tale works night and day perfecting his illusion. Ø Aurelius is very unsettled at the time; anxious to see if the rocks really do disappear. Ø Dorigen is Ø The Scholar successfully dumbstruck by the is able to make the rocks news and goes home disappear of the coast. crying. Ø Aurelius goes Ø She ponders about immediately to committing suicide as she Dorigen to tell her of faces a difficult decision. the news.

§ Arveragus returns home to find his wife distraught as Dorigen recounts what has occurred. § He sadly explains to Dorigen that she must fulfill her vows because it § He kindly explains that he has freed Dorigen of her is the noble thing to do. vows and tells her to go § He sends Dorigen to the back home. garden to meet Aurelius. § Aurelius sees Dorigen and § Dorigen thanks him as she returns home to tell her asks her what is wrong. Dorigen replies that she is husband what occurred at the garden. there to keep her vow. § Arveragus is delighted as § Aurelius realizes THE FRANKLIN’S the couple spend the rest Arveragus’ noble deed TALE

THE FRANKLIN’S TALE Aurelius is dejected as he ponders how he is going to repay the scholar. He tells his story to the illusionist and he states that it is going to take time for Aurelius to repay the scholar for his aid. The scholar is so moved that he decides to free Aurelius from the 1000 pounds. The tale ends with the Franklin addressing his crowd with one question: “Which one of them showed the greatest nobleness? ”

Chaucer uses several examples of situational irony in his tale. Example I: Arveragus giving Dorigen away so that she could complete her vows is ironic. Arveragus to Dorigen (from line 1472 -1475): IR O “Ah, wife, leave sleeping what is still. Perhaps things soon will all be well. But now, N Y Upon my faith, you’ll be true to your vow! …A vow’s the highest thing that one may keep. ” Example II: However, this ironic situation is furthered by Aurelius freeing Aurelius to Dorigen (from line Dorigen right back. 1330 -133): “I’d rather suffer woe my whole life through Than to divide the love between you

Chaucer also spends an extensive amount of time describing his characters. Example I: Examples of characterization Example II: Chaucer’s description is seen through Dorigen’s feelings being of Aurelius is another strong form alone, as well as her general dislike of of characterization. the black rocks. The Franklin narrates (from line 816819): The Franklin admiringly narrates Aurelius to be (from line 926 -934): “One livelier and brighter in array, “[Dorigen] Who loved him in her heart than is the month of May. . . as much as life… …He better sang and danced than any man …She mourned and wailed, she fasted, Who is or was since this whole world began… lost her rest” And from line 859 -861, it is described: Among the fairest men alive; a strong “She'd see the black and grisly rocks Young man, right virtuous, one rich and wise, below, One loved and well esteemed in others' eyes. Her heart for fear then quaking in her so She couldn't stand up on her feet. ” Characterization

Saurav’s Reflection 0 This was an interesting tale since it tries to discover the idea of generosity and staying true to one’ s word. 0 However, I fail to accept that Aurelius would so easily give up on his love just by seeing Arveragus’ actions. 0 I also didn’t like the magical aspect of the tale. 0 Having said that, I did enjoy the tale and the Aiman’s Reflection 0 I thought this tale was intriguing because it displays a sense of humanity. Humanity is an important quality held by very few people. Having this quality shows your natural human nature and caring for other people rather than yourself. Arveragus tells his wife Dorigen that she must keep her word to Aurelius and go and be his lover because he had done as she told him to do.