Abstract To understand the complexity of Christian chivalry, this paper examines an example on the noble knight, Sir Gawain the central character of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight". It discusses the medieval idea of Christian chivalry with a primary emphasis on Sir Gawain and argues how Sir Gawain is a good example of Christian chivalry.
From the Paper "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a prose poem about Christian chivalry written in the fourteenth century in England. During this time period knights lived their lives following the chivalric code that includes courage, honesty, courtesy, faithfulness, loyalty, faith in God and good manners. The fact is when a medieval man becomes a knight, he vows to follow these rules. The rules developed from the values of the Christian religion and perfection of moral principles. Charles Moorman defines the knights as the "leaders not through class status or wealth or even birth, but through the excellencies of the heart and mind and hands" (26). "
Abstract This paper discusses the 1984 text by Georges Duby entitled, "William Marshal: The Flower of Chivalry." In so doing, the paper reviews two significant themes which emerge time and again in the text: the concept of chivalry (as it pertains to the notions of fealty, honor and loyalty) and the theme of how women (and children) are treated as subordinates.
From the Paper "As well, the honor of William Marshal manifests itself in how braves extraordinary dangers in combat to prove his righteousness as a knight while still a young man. When accused of infidelity to his king and of adulterous conduct, "He says he is ready to confront the three most valorous champions that can be found, one after the next. If he fails to vanquish all three, he is more than willing that the suspicious husband put him to death by hanging" (Duby, 52). His fealty to his lord is complete (at least in his eyes) and he will not tolerate aspersions cast upon his honor and character. Ultimately, a reified society wherein duty is demanded and obligations honored is preserved and this reification would remain a substantial part of western culture, informing its martial and aristocratic values, for generations to come."
Abstract The author presents a detailed dictionary meaning of ?Chivalry.? The paper then asks how does one preserve, in a modern moral context, what is good about chivalry, without rendering it either sexist or feudal in the estimation of contemporary viewers and readers? The author answers her question by reviewing in detail the novel, "The Crystal Cave" by Mary Stewart and the film "First Knight". Both modern works are set during Arthurian times and attempt to reinterpret chivalric values for a modern audience.
From the Paper "The notion of "chivalry" thus has both concrete aspects to its definition, including denoting the medieval system of knighthood, as well as more abstract moral connotations. The latter aspect of "chivalry" has come under attack in recent years for both its antiquated notions of class and attitudes towards women. How does one preserve, in a modern moral context, what is good about chivalry, without rendering it either sexist or feudal in the estimation of contemporary viewers and readers? The novel, The Crystal Cave, and the film First Knight, attempt to answer this question. "
Abstract 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.? "
Abstract Acclaimed writer and historian, John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, author of the popular trilogy book series, "The Lord of the Rings", is an advocate of the great traditions of chivalry and Christianity. This paper discusses the dynamic elements used in "Lord of the Rings" to illustrate the prevalence of the tradition of chivalry and Christianity as reflected in the behavior, thinking, and actions of its main characters. The analysis is an interpretation of "Lord of the Rings" three-part movie and book series. It focuses on the themes of good versus evil, with sub-themes involving the dominance of women, pervasiveness of evil in the midst of human weakness, and, most importantly, the element of hope and faith in people and one's self in the face of adversity and suffering.
From the Paper "LOTR 3 is perhaps, among the three-story installments of Tolkien's Middle Earth tale, the only story that blatantly illustrates the reign and prevalence of Chivalry and Christianity as important values held important by its main characters. Chivalry is personified in every man involved in the battle, with the exception of Eowyn, who chooses to fight for her people. Centering the story's focus on Eowyn reiterates the fact that in Middle Earth, male dominance is prevalent, and her deviance illustrates the bravery of women despite their portrayal as domestic housekeepers and nurturers of their children."
Abstract In this paper, the writer studies 'Modern Chivalry' by Hugh Henry Brackenridge notes that the work, published in the 1790s, is over four volumes and features a satirical picture of American life. The writer explains that 'Modern Chivalry' is a commentary on American society, which through satire, demonstrates the positives and negatives of colonial America and what should be done to fix some of the ills. The writer further explains that the book is therefore a reflection of the values of America. The writer concludes that the work illustrates the danger of American society even though Brackenridge may claim to have written a book for purely entertainment value.
From the Paper "Drawing on many truths, this work of satire became very popular particularly in the west which it satirizes. The story is dominated by a hero, a new Don Quixote, and his servant Teague who is like a Sancho Panzo. It is first and foremost a parody of the frontier, but speaks on much more the political landscape of early colonial America. Modern Chivalry can be seen as a work to show insight into America's system of representation. It is ultimately, a satire on numerous aspects of young America and thus reflects on the forces which from which it emerged, a society still in the youthful stages of a new form of government."
"Modern Chivalry's primary theme is one which was of great consequence to a young America as whole. In Colonial America, there was a question as to the common man could be an effective democratic citizen in a young and unique republic. According to Lukasik, it is this face of the republic that Brackenridge depicts meaning this piece of literature is in fact a product of the political forces of America."
Abstract Within John Webster's works, "The Duchess of Malfi" and "The White Devil", there are many messages about the results and realities of chivalry. Within these two works there is constant interplay between courtly reward and courtly desertion, with issues of class extremely volatile subjects. This paper shows, using Webster's works as examples, that the issue of courtly love in Renaissance drama is one utterly surrounded by high emotion, intrigue, and secrecy.
From the Paper "Those men and women who overstep the boundaries of convention and disturb the honor code are friendless. There are many ways to overstep the role of the honorable, not the least of which is through flagrant acts of outranking love. The prince and the courtier, as well as the women who are often the objects of unquenchable desire are charged with the role of social police."
Abstract This paper examines the social constructs of comitatus and chivalry as seen in "Beowulf" and "Morte D'Arthur," respectively. What these constructs are and the fate of those who fail to live up to them are examined in this essay.
From the Paper "Throughout history, there have been different codes of ethics that are often more important to a society that the governing laws of the land. While laws are written standards that people are compelled to abide by for fear of punishment, these codes serve as guideline for how people should live their lives. Two such codes are comitatus as demonstrated in Beowulf and chivalry as depicted in Morte D'Arthur. When the characters in these stories live by the constructs of these social systems, the society flourishes. When characters stray from each social code, however, the entire society falls victim."
Tags: arthur, beowulf, chivalry, codes, comitatus, king, morte, social
Abstract The paper identifies the common idea of chivalry and heroism in all three stories of "Beowulf," "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" and "Oroonoko". The paper shows how, whether the man of honor is officially a hero, or just one to his people, it is ultimately the actions he performs that raise him to a heroic status.
From the Paper "In the history of British Literature the topic of heroes is quite prevalent. Throughout time many readers have seen different types of epics which show the basic traits and values of what exactly make up a hero. The most common idea revolves around the topics of chivalry and heroic deeds, which combined together give them this heroic title. Although many of these stories usually consist of the main character being a knight, we have also seen some that are not officially classic heroes, but seen instead as one in the eyes of their people."
Abstract The writer of this paper contends that just as people use the bible and tales from Greek mythology as guides for moral behavior, Arthurian codes of chivalry can also be used as such a source. This paper lists the 10 basic rules of chivalry and compares them to the 10 commandments. This paper defines chivalry as a set of ideals and duties that changed throughout the middle ages to meet new socio-economic realities. Chivalric virtues were a clear distillation of what it meant to be a fine human being as well as a person in search of justice and humility.
Topics covered in this report include:
Chivalry The Code of Chivalry Bibliography
From the Paper "To be honorable means to treat other people fairly and to keep our word when we promise something. It also means that we are willing to admit our mistakes and ask forgiveness. We don't attempt to cover up mistakes and hope no one notices. First, we tell the other person without mincing words that we have screwed up and that we will do what we can to correct the matter. Then we ask for forgiveness without expecting it. Finally, we take whatever comes. To be courageous is easy when no one else is involved. It is when we have to deal with other people that we sometimes get terrified and run. But to have courage (to be brave) does not mean that we don't have fear."
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of chivalry during medieval times. Using the story, "The Knight's Tale" by Chaucer, the writer shows how knights were expected to be chivalrous to women and men alike and of all status levels. The writer dispels the myth that knights were taught to be mighty in military tactics only, but instead emphasizes their social responsibilities, as well. Chivalry is greatly emphasized in the story as the entire plot concentrates on chivalric customs and values, thereby underscoring the significance of chivalry in the making of a true knight.
From the Paper "Fair play was thus one of the main characteristics of chivalry but that wasn?t the only one. Apart from fair play and complete adherence to rules, "principal representative of chivalry espouses a highly idealistic conception of the value of a good name" (Muscatine, 184). It was thus important for the knight to have a good reputation. Thus while bravery and valor were important and so was consideration for enemies, but establishing a good reputation in all manners possible was critical to chivalrous behavior."
Tags: medieval, round, table, women, men, dual, france, england
Abstract This paper looks at the novel "Don Quixote" and the aspect of chivalry as a defined system of discipline and social interaction. The writer shows how this system was used by the classes of the warrior elites who grew from the old Norman rulers of England from the eleventh century, and from the noble French families that descended from the lineage of Charlemagne during the Carolingian dynasty. It also compares the chivalry of Don Quixote to this defined system of attitude.
From the Paper "The knights of old and chivalry are one for all time intermingled with destiny, the way of truth has always been seen to lie within this elite structure that was open only to the noble classes. Moreover we can also argue that with the elite structure of knight hood was only open to those members of the ruling classes after they had served a long arduous apprenticeship that lasted from the moment they were old enough to walk and talk. A dedicate upon is induction to the knight hood would swear to protect the weak, be courteous at all times, defend the church, be truthful, chaste and honourable (Wasserman 47). We can see by this that knights were an honourable and elite order, so much so that many a peasant aspired to be like these armoured men furthermore with so many stories and romances being written about these illustrious knights it is easy to understand why the role of a chivalric knight was the man to aspire to be, in this way we can see that Don Quixote delved into the ways of knighthood and fantasized himself to be one of these armoured men with honour and prestige. In looking at the book Don Quixote we will illustrate how Cervantes has produced an archetypal role of the Knight for his main character Quixano."
Abstract Various codes of conducts are endorsed each year by authorities in charge of various fields of life in order to promote justice, valor, peace, and harmony among the innumerable sections of the society. However, the fighting force of warriors serving the military demonstrates the most evident form of adherence to a specific code of behavior. Chivalry, originating from the French word, "chevalerie", has been, since the ninth century, one such set constituting a body of law and a rigid behavioral system based on rules and regulations that the men in shining armor had to abide by. This analytical research paper examines the great influence chivalry had on the general behavior, military activities, fighting tactics, war-related strategies, and the motivations for warfare of the medieval knights.
Abstract This paper explains that Sir Gawain is considered to be an ideal knight because he is able to uphold many of the standards that are associated with chivalry and noblemen. Gawain was famous for fellowship, charity, friendship, courtesy, and cleanliness. The writer points out that Gawain also demonstrates his chivalry when he encounters the lord and the lady of the castle. Even in his moment of shame, Gawain exhibits humility and true remorse.
From the Paper "We know that Gawain represented the qualities of fellowship, charity, friendship, courtesy, and cleanliness (Gawain 248). These five virtues were "each linked in other" (658) and were of a "force that never failed" (658). One example of Gawain's nobility as a knight can be seen when he offers to fight the Green Knight's in Arthur's place. He believes that the king should not have to risk his life and decides his life can be risked. Here we see how Gawain lives up to the notion that he is "good in works, as gold unalloyed/devoid of all villainy, with virtues adorned in sight" (633-4). Here Gawain is not only described as a virtuous knight but he also behaves like one as well."
Abstract This paper compares the rules and theories set forth by St. Augustine to those followed by citizens of the Middle Ages who sought to be chivalrous. It studies both codes which represent the pinnacle of Medieval society. It describes the many classes in the Middle Ages including The Feudal Class, the Religious Class and more. It includes an historical overview of the Middle Ages and the spread of Christianity at the time.
From the Paper "It is interesting to note that St. Augustine's City of God was written in the Fifth Century, which is generally considered to be the onset of the Middle Ages. The Middle Ages gained notoriety and expanded mainly due to the spread of Christianity. St. Augustine's Christian beliefs, coupled with the chivalric code, seemed to serve the theoretical basis for the foundation that the Middle Ages were built on.
"The order of the chivalric code and St. Augustine's rules also show the importance of religion in society. St. Augustine's code begins with the general statement, ?Before all else, dear brothers, love God and then your neighbor, because these are the chief commandments given to us.? This general plea not only serves as the precursor for St. Augustine's code, but would not be out of place if it was written right before the code of chivalry. There are many aspects of the chivalric code which support the general statement made by St. Augustine. They include, "thou shalt be generous, and give largess to everyone" and ?thou shalt love the country in the which thou wast born.? These two elements of the code of chivalry note that commoners should respect their neighbors and the country in which they live."
