Knighthood

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" and "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight", which belong to the 14th century Western literary period, illustrated how knights are characterized by different people in different situations. The author points out that the image of a brave and chivalrous knight dominated the view of knighthood and was perpetuated and tolerated by a society that was characteristically patriarchal or male-dominated. The paper concludes that each knight, to some degree, is unique; Arcita has his rationality; Palamon is a romantic knight; Sir Thopas is adventurous, yet irresolute; and Sir Gawain is a man of integrity and honor.

From the Paper:

"The first reading is based on "The Knight's Tale" from Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" . This tale introduces to the readers the characters of Arcita and Palamon, who became prisoners in Athens under the rule of Theseus, lord and governor of Athens. The story centers on how the two knights fell in love with Emily, sister of Queen Hippolyta, and upon their freedom from bondage to Theseus, they sought ways in order to be close to Emily, and eventually win her heart and marry one of them."

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