The arrival of the magician

Definition

The arrival of the magician refers to a pivotal moment in the Franklin's Tale, where the character of the magician, known as Aurelius, enters the narrative and introduces themes of manipulation and the supernatural. His presence significantly impacts the dynamics of the story, especially concerning love and desire, as he offers to help Aurelius win over Dorigen, challenging the ideas of free will and fate.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The magician's arrival signifies a turning point in the plot, introducing conflict between desire and moral duty.
2. Aurelius's desperation leads him to summon the magician, reflecting the lengths to which individuals will go for love.
3. The magician uses supernatural powers to create challenges that test Dorigen's fidelity and Arveragus's honor.
4. This moment also highlights themes of illusion versus reality, as magic can alter perceptions but not true feelings.
5. Ultimately, the resolution emphasizes personal choice over magical influence, as Dorigen chooses loyalty to Arveragus despite temptation.

Review Questions

• How does the arrival of the magician serve as a catalyst for conflict in the Franklin's Tale?
  • The arrival of the magician is crucial in escalating tensions between characters. Aurelius seeks magical assistance to win Dorigen's love, which complicates her commitment to her husband, Arveragus. This introduces a struggle between love driven by genuine emotion versus love influenced by manipulation and magic. The magician's powers not only create challenges but also force characters to confront their true feelings and loyalties.
• Analyze how the magician's presence influences Dorigen’s choices throughout the narrative.
  • The magician's presence plays a significant role in shaping Dorigen’s experiences and decisions. Initially, he creates a situation that tests her fidelity, tempting her with an alternative romantic possibility through Aurelius. This manipulation forces Dorigen into a moral dilemma where she must weigh her loyalty to Arveragus against her attraction to Aurelius. Ultimately, her choice reflects her inner strength and commitment to true love rather than succumbing to external pressures.
• Evaluate the implications of free will versus destiny in relation to the arrival of the magician in the Franklin's Tale.
  • The arrival of the magician raises profound questions about free will versus destiny within the narrative. While his magical interventions appear to dictate events and manipulate emotions, it ultimately becomes clear that characters still possess agency in their decisions. The tale suggests that even when faced with supernatural influences, individuals like Dorigen choose their paths based on personal values and commitments. This exploration underscores that while fate may present challenges through external forces like magic, it is individual choices that ultimately define one’s destiny.

Related terms

Aurelius: Aurelius is a young squire who falls in love with Dorigen and seeks the help of the magician to win her affection, representing unrequited love and desperation.

Dorigen: Dorigen is the central female character in the tale, whose loyalty to her husband, Arveragus, is tested by Aurelius's advances and the magician's intervention.

Themes of Love: The themes of love in the Franklin's Tale explore the complexities of romantic relationships, fidelity, and the moral implications of desire influenced by external forces.