The heartwarming ballad called The Franklin's Tale begins with a description of its main characters Arvergus, his wife Dorigen, and Aurelies, lover of Dorigen. It is a ballad about love and integrity. Upon the absence of Arvergus, Aurelies pursues his passionate love Dorigen. Dorigen, who is under enough grief already, agrees to a vow with Aurelies that if all the rocks on the coast of Brittany disappear, then Aurelies may have Dorigen for a wife. Enticed by the incentive, Aurelies summoned a magician to perform an optical illusion. This illusion, costing one thousand pounds, was successfully performed and Dorigen fulfilled her obligation to Aurelies. At the same time Arvergus returns from Britain. Filled with despair, Aurelies finds pity for Dorigen and lets her return to her husband Arvergus. Realizing that he is broke, Aurelies then pays the magician, who, coincidentally also finds pity on Aurelies and relieves him of his debt. The state of normality returns and Arvergus and Dorigen live out their years happily. .
This story really appealed to me because of its many central themes and messages. Chaucer is displaying man's ability to forgive in the way that all debts and vows are broken for the sake of desperation. The plot was easy and enjoyable to read and the idea that man's infatuations show a lack of self-perseverance, resulting in agony and distress, appealed to me. The story had little humorous innuendos, usually part of Geoffrey Chaucer's story, but the serious messages it had made up for this. It is a beautifully scripted message. The most important theme that I found to be is just to be faithful to your word in everything that you do. This theme, redundantly displayed throughout the ballad, is one that we all can relate to in our everyday lives. .
