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When Steven Tyler, the lead singer of the band Aerosmith, sings Eat the Rich, some of his personality is expressed. A listener understands that Steven disagrees with a wasteful and elegant lifestyle and believes that one loses sense of humility when engulfed in an extravagant way of life. This idea of reflection of ones personality in his / her work is relevant to literature as well as music. An authors style reveals some of the authors personality traits.
For example, in The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, the tale that the Franklin contributes reflects the personality traits foreshadowed by his prologue. In the Franklins prologue, Chaucer speaks of the Franklin as buoyant and optimistic, Of sanguine temperament by every sign (p 11 l 15). The Franklins sanguine temperament is exhibited throughout his tale. In the beginning of the tale, the Franklin speaks of two lovers, Arveragus and Dorigen, who both contribute equally to the relationship. Arveragus desired to be married to Dorigen, but some problems existed. In the time period in which they lived, a man had complete control of his wife, and her job was to please her husband.
Dorigen had a free spirit and did not wish to be under the control of Arveragus. Arveragus understood and respected this, but he wanted the dignity of being a husband. Arveragus offered Dorigen a free rein and promised not to become an authoritarian or ever show jealousy to her. Dorigen promised to always be a good wife and treat Arveragus with due respect, so the couple married. A relationship with such equally contributing partners and calm compromise lacking quarrels is very unlikely. The Franklins optimism allows him to portray such a cheerful and trouble free couple.
His optimism is also shown in the conclusion of the tale, where everything works out wonderfully. Arveragus is not angered by Dorigen's promise, and he allows her to keep her dignity and be Aurelius lover. Dorigen does not want to be Aurelius lover, and Aurelius realizes this and wants her to be happy, so he dismisses the promise. Aurelius is then not happy, and has to pay the magician a large sum.
But the magician acknowledges Aurelius nobility and relinquishes all debt, and he leaves satisfied. Thus, all is ended happily, displaying the strong optimism and hopefulness of the Franklin. The Franklins prologue includes his love of foods and wines, A man with better cellars there was none Full many a fattened partridge did he mew His table, waiting in his hall alway, stood ready covered through the livelong day nowhere was a worthier vavasor. (p 11 l 24 -p 12 l 11) He loved delicacies and elegance, and he lived a happy and comfortable life with plenty of wealth to satisfy all of his needs. He was the son of Epicurus who believed that complete pleasure equalled true and perfect happiness. It is fitting that in his tale the main characters are of high distinction and lived in wealth and luxury. Arveragus was a knight who wore the title Arveragus of Kerry; he and Dorigen lived in a castle in America with servants and cooks to tend to their needs.
They always had a horn of plenty and were respected by many. Saint Julian he was in his own country. (p 11 l 22) St. Julian is the patron saint of hospitality, and speaking of the Franklin, Chaucer really complimented him with this analogy. The Franklin was a courteous, sociable, and friendly man, and his kind nature definitely contributed to his tale.
All of the characters in the tale exhibit great respect and courteousness, even in the times of despair. Dorigen was surrounded by friends in her time of need, when Arveragus was in Britain. Arveragus was kind and understanding even when Dorigen had promised to be Aurelius lover if he could make the rocks disappear. Aurelius was courteous when he dismissed Dorigen's promise and allowed her to live happily. The magician is extremely noble when he clears all of Aurelius debt to him upon realizing that Aurelius made a very kind gesture to Dorigen. The Franklin might have been likely to behave in a manner similar to the characters in his tale.
In conclusion, In The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer, the tale that the Franklin contributes to the group reflects the personality traits foreshadowed by his prologue. The Franklins optimism, hopefulness, good nature, hospitality, courteousness, and love of elegance are all revealed through his tale. Similar to a musician expressing personality in lyrics, an authors personality can be seen in the style and characters portrayed in an authors work.
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Research essay sample on Geoffrey Chaucer Personality Traits
