Feudalism and Chivalry

Analytical Essay # 51479

English > Analysis
History > European
Literature > Poetry

A look at how the themes of feudalism and chivalry are exemplified in literature.

1,316 words () | 2 sources | MLA | 2004 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how the systems of feudalism and chivalry were used by kings and lords in medieval Europe to maintain order and security in an uncertain time and how, centered on the relationship between knights and lords, these systems stressed loyalty, honor, and bravery in a way that elevated the knight above the rest of society. In particular, it looks at how the poems, "Beowulf" and "Song of Roland", glorify chivalry and feudalism by emphasizing the virtues valued by both systems and providing examples of honorable behavior for the Christian warrior to emulate.

From the Paper:

"The idea that great warriors are also great men is nothing unique to medieval Europe, since in most cultures warriors are respected and looked up to by the rest of society. However, the difference with the warriors of time was in how the chivalrous knight comported himself in battle. An example of this difference can be seen by contrasting Beowulf and Song of Roland with Homer's Iliad. In the Iliad, Hektar and Achilleus fight without honor by using deceit and trickery to defeat one another. Furthermore, the two fighters have no respect or decency for each other and are only concerned in victory, regardless of how it is achieved. The savagery with which they fight is shown by Achilleus who tells Hektar, "On you the dogs and the vultures shall feed and foully rip you." "