The tale begins with the courtship of Breton knight Arviragus and Dorigen, who come to be married happily. Soon after they marry Arviragus is sent to England to work for two years. ... Arviragus returns home and Dorigen tells him of her promise to Aurelius. ... Arviragus, her husband, is noble and courageous. ... The marriage pact between Arviragus and Dorigen is based on truth and equality. ...
Indeed, it is easy to accept the Franklin's depiction of Dorigen and Arviragus' marriage as idealistic, but it is in this idealism that Chaucer speaks volumes. Dorigen and Arviragus are involved in a marriage that is, to say the least, not typical for the times. ... Arviragus' loyalty to both his wife and society are commendable. ... In it, the reader experiences the pain of love lost (Dorigen when she pines over the fear of her husband), the heartbreak of unrealized love (Aurelius), love and its role in morality and society (Arviragus), and the effect love can have on innoce...
