The Franklin

A wealthy landowner

• He is a prosperous member of society

Associated with food and hospitality

• His house is constantly supplied with food and drink

Enjoys pleasure

• Chaucer associates him with Epicurus and a life of enjoyment

• Epicurus was a Greek philosopher - taught that pleasure is the highest good, and the goal is tranquil, pain-free existence (modest living)

Generous host

• His household is famous for its abundance

Important civic figure

• Associated with local government and public responsibilities

Concerned with “gentillesse”

• The idea that true nobility comes from virtue and behaviour, not simply birth or wealth

Socially ambitious/complicated status

• Chaucer’s presentation of him can be read as somewhat ambiguous because wealth, status, and virtue do not completely align

His tale is a Breton lay

• He presents himself as relatively unlearned and says he will tell the tale in a “bare and plain” style

Key idea

Gentillesse = virtue

Good marriage equals

Mutual love + generosity + freedom from domination

What does the Franklin say about marriage?

Marriage should be based on mutual respect rather than domination

• Neither husband nor wife should seek absolute control.

• Love requires mutual freedom.

• Marriage involves “gentillesse” – generosity, virtue and consideration.

• Both partners should show forbearance.

• Authority becomes less important when both people willingly respect each other.

Full comparison between Wife of Bath, Clerk, and Franklin

Pilgrim	What gives them authority?	View of marriage
Wife of Bath	Experience	Female sovereignty
Clerk	Learning / scholarship	Female obedience
Franklin	Social experience / gentillesse	Mutual respect