The marriage debate in the Franklin's Tale is a complex and nuanced one, as it explores the different ways in which power and authority can be negotiated within a marriage. The debate is framed by the story of Dorigen and Arveragus, a married couple who agree to a unique arrangement: Arveragus will travel for a year, and during that time, Dorigen will be free to do as she pleases. However, Dorigen makes a rash promise to Aurelius, a young squire who is in love with her, that she will sleep with him if he can remove all the rocks from the coast of Brittany. Aurelius is able to accomplish this task with the help of magic, and Dorigen is faced with the difficult decision of whether or not to keep her promise.
The debate in the Franklin's Tale is ultimately about the nature of love, marriage, and power. Dorigen's promise to Aurelius is a test of her love for Arveragus, and it also raises questions about the power that men and women have over each other within a marriage. The Franklin's Tale does not provide a simple answer to these questions, but it does offer a nuanced and complex exploration of the different ways in which power and authority can be negotiated within a marriage.
The points made by each character in the Franklin's Tale are as follows:
* **Dorigen:** Dorigen is a complex and sympathetic character who is caught in a difficult situation. She loves her husband, but she also feels guilty about her promise to Aurelius. She is ultimately willing to sacrifice her own happiness in order to protect her husband's honor.
* **Arveragus:** Arveragus is a kind and generous husband who is willing to give Dorigen the freedom she desires. He is also a strong and capable man who is able to protect his wife from harm.
* **Aurelius:** Aurelius is a young squire who is in love with Dorigen. He is willing to go to great lengths to win her love, even if it means using magic. However, he is also a kind and generous man who is willing to forgive Dorigen for her promise.
The Franklin's Tale does not provide a solution to the marriage debate in the stories of the Wife of Bath, the Clerk's Tale, or the Merchant's Tale. However, it does offer a different perspective on the issue of power and authority within a marriage. The Franklin's Tale suggests that a successful marriage is one in which both partners are willing to give and take, and in which there is a balance of power.
In the end, the Franklin's Tale leaves the question of marriage up to the reader to decide. There is no easy answer, and each reader will likely come away with their own interpretation of the story. However, the Franklin's Tale does offer a thought-provoking exploration of the different ways in which power and authority can be negotiated within a marriage.