9.3 Exploration of gentillesse, honor, and marriage

The Franklin's Tale explores gentillesse, honor, and marriage through the story of Arveragus and Dorigen. It challenges traditional notions of nobility, emphasizing character over birth and presenting marriage as a partnership based on mutual respect and trust.

The tale demonstrates how gentillesse and honor can be upheld through compassion, forgiveness, and keeping one's word. It also explores the complexities of marital relationships and the importance of open communication in navigating challenges.

The Franklin's Tale: Key Themes and Concepts

Concept of gentillesse

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• Refers to nobility of character rather than nobility of birth
  • Emphasizes inner qualities like generosity, courtesy, and compassion
  • Contrasts with traditional aristocratic notion of nobility based on lineage
• Franklin values gentillesse as a key virtue
  • Believes true nobility lies in one's actions and moral character
• Demonstrated by various characters in the tale
  • Arveragus shows gentillesse through his trust and respect for his wife Dorigen
  • Aurelius displays gentillesse by releasing Dorigen from her promise
  • Magician exhibits gentillesse by forgiving Aurelius's debt

Demonstrations of honor

• Arveragus upholds his honor by keeping his word to Dorigen
  • Allows her to make her own decisions even if it means losing her to another man
  • Demonstrates his trust and respect for his wife's autonomy
• Dorigen faces conflict between her honor and loyalty to Arveragus
  • Feels bound to keep her promise to Aurelius though it was made in jest
  • Ultimately chooses to prioritize her marriage vows over her word to Aurelius
• Aurelius initially seeks to hold Dorigen to her promise challenging her honor
  • Later realizes importance of compassion and releases her from the agreement
• Magician's actions challenge traditional notion of honor based on social status
  • Forgives Aurelius's debt valuing generosity over personal gain

Marriage in the tale

• Franklin presents marriage as partnership based on mutual respect and trust
  • Arveragus and Dorigen's marriage built on love and equality
  • Make decisions together and value each other's happiness
• Explores challenges that can arise in marriage
  • Dorigen's promise to Aurelius tests the couple's trust and commitment
  • Arveragus's decision to let Dorigen keep her word highlights complexities of marital roles and expectations
• Resolution demonstrates importance of open communication and understanding
  • Arveragus and Dorigen's honest discussion helps them navigate the difficult situation

Franklin's views on nobility

• Values gentillesse as true mark of nobility
  • Believes one's actions and character more important than social status
  • Presents characters who embody gentillesse as admirable and virtuous
• View of honor emphasizes keeping one's word and respecting others
  • Shows how honor can be upheld through trust, compassion, and forgiveness
  • Suggests true honor is not rigid but can be adapted to prioritize what is right
• Portrays marriage as partnership based on love, equality, and mutual respect
  • Highlights importance of open communication and understanding between spouses
  • Acknowledges challenges that can arise but suggests they can be overcome through trust and compassion