The Requirement of a Mutually Contented Relationship

The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer, was written in a time where women were often compelled to servitude for men. This was even prevalent in relationships in which men exerted forceful control over women. Despite societal norms, women still strived for some sort of sovereignty in their relationships, which often went ungranted. This imbalance of power caused unhappiness and serious discontent. Chaucer lived in a world where critics were considered heretical and were at risk of capital punishment, i.e. burning at the stake. This caused many faultfinders to resort towards hiding behind fictional characters in order to safely express their beliefs. Chaucer denounces his society’s common …show more content…
Dorigen and Arveragus agree upon getting betrothed, that their freedoms must be maintained. In a shared wish for a vivacious marriage, Dorigen and Arveragus are both willing to allow the other to live by their own jurisdiction. “Women by nature love their liberty, / And not to be constrained like any thrall, / And so do men, if they say the truth I shall” (410). “By nature” allows for the envision of the most legitimate version of women and men because in a natural state, humans are closest to their instincts. This proves that it is human instinct to “love” one’s “liberty”. The word “love” signifies a state of ecstasy and happiness, often experienced with and towards a romantic partner. The word “liberty” represents the ability of one to be in control of him/herself, and free from the control of others. Chaucer is implying that when “women” and “men” are granted sovereignty in a relationship, they experience true affection towards the other. “To be constrained” depicts one who is not free to govern him/herself and is binded by the power of their partner. Chaucer is stating “the truth” that in order for one to be naturally contented in a relationship, they cannot be constricted by the control of their partner. Therefore, only when these autonomies were granted by one another, Dorigen and Arveragus “...lived in bliss and all solace”. According to human …show more content…
Dorigen devoted herself to Arveragus upon expressing, “Sir, I will be your true and humble wife” (410). “True” insinuates that Dorigen will be truthful and honest towards Arveragus, while maintaining her “true” oath of faith to him. Dorigen also bonds herself not to step on the toes of Arveragus and his own clout when she pledges that she will be his “humble wife”. “Humble” suggests that Dorigen will not overpower or threaten to limit Arveragus’ power. It is clear that Dorigen will not dare to command Arveragus because she refers to him as “Sir”, a sign of respect. Because Dorigen so openly vows that she will not infringe of his sovereignty, she is allowing for a peaceful marriage with Arveragus. To prove the mutuality of this agreement, Arveragus also expresses his will for Dorigen. “He freely gave his promise [...] / That he would never darken her delight / By exercising his authority / Against her will…” (409). Again, Arveragus “promises” to Dorigen proving his loyalty that he will not abuse his “authority”. “Authority” depicts ultimate power that can be justly used over someone else, but Arveragus chooses not to use this power “against” Dorigen’s “will”, symbolizing a vow not to breach the boundary between Dorigen’s control and Arveragus’ control. Arveragus also states that to exercise his power over Dorigen would cause to “darken her