Concise research into the role of chivalry in Medieval society and literature.
Term Paper # 119633 |
1,866 words (
approx. 7.5 pages ) |
6 sources |
MLA | 2010
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Abstract
This paper presents research on the origins and principles of chivalry, how chivalry pertained to knighthood, and how chivalry is embedded in the two medieval romance stories "Le Morte d'Arthur" by Sir Thomas Malory and "Sir Gawain and The Green Knight," translated by Marie Borroff. The paper also delves into the process of knighthood, and the significance of jousting.
From the Paper
"The jousts between the knights took place on the tourney field. Combat in jousting was very dangerous. "Sometimes two knights fought alone, sometimes whole companies met in combat. When all were assembled, the heralds announced the names of the contestants..." (Knighthood 2). The point of a knight's lance was encased in a block of wood, but even so, knights were often killed or wounded. The combat between two knights continued until one was soundly defeated. "If he was still alive, the defeated knight then yielded his horse and armor to his adversary and was assisted from the field by squires" ("Knighthood" 2)."
Tags:gawain, knighthood, round, table
An overview of the history of knighthood and its role in the Medieval Age.
Analytical Essay # 111066 |
1,398 words (
approx. 5.6 pages ) |
5 sources |
MLA | 2008
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The paper relates that for the first two centuries, chivalry continued to denote proficiency in the art of fighting on horseback and it was only later that this social role of the knights became a specific ideology and a code of honor. The paper then illustrates how the romance of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" is a symbol of the complex ideology that emerged during the Medieval Ages around the concept of knighthood. The paper also discusses how the crusades organized by Christendom against paganism relied on knights and on their extreme devotion and generosity. The paper therefore concludes that knighthood can be identified as an important part of the Middle Ages, with a complex ideology of its own but also with a determinate role in society.
From the Paper
"Knighthood or chivalry has a very interesting and tumultuous history, which begins in feudalism and continues in the Medieval Age. In England, evidences of chivalry appear only after the Norman Conquest. In the beginning, the term "knighthood" was merely used to indicate the investment of arms of a young man after his training was over. For the first two centuries, chivalry continued to denote proficiency in the art of fighting on horseback. It is only later that this merely social role of the knights was rounded with a specific ideology, which soon become a code of honor. With the spread of Christendom, there appeared different orders of knights, each with their characteristic goals and ideals."
Tags:chivalry, horseback, code, of, honor, Christendom, morality, bravery
An explanation of knights, including their role as military servants of the king.
Essay # 46963 |
2,300 words (
approx. 9.2 pages ) |
8 sources |
MLA | 2004
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$ 42.95
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This paper offers an explanation of knights, defining them as professional soldiers and describing, in detail, their role, dress, history, and status. The paper shows the significance of horses in a knight's life, as well as explaining how the status of knight came about during the four chivalry periods of English history. The writer concludes that, while knighthood is no longer around, Renaissance festivals all over the world relive the pageantry of the feudal system and the knights who were part of it.
From the Paper
"Horses were critical to a knight's service. In France he was a 'Chevalier', in Italy a 'Cavalier', in Spain a 'Caballero', and in Germany a 'Ritter', from the word meaning 'to ride'. Even the name for the code by which the knight was later bound. It is only in England that the etymology of a horse cannot be traced back to horse. It came from the Anglo-Saxon word 'Cniht', meaning household retainer or servant. It wasn't until the 12th Century that knighthood and chivalry become inextricably associated with gentility. To this day, being a knight is synonymous with being chivalrous?once again from the French cheval."
Tags:anglo, saxon, english, british, horse, chivalry, lord, king
A examination of the legend of King Arthur and the ideal of knighthood that were epitomized in "Le Morte d'Arthur" by Sir Thomas Mallory.
Term Paper # 109465 |
3,052 words (
approx. 12.2 pages ) |
9 sources |
MLA | 2008
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$ 53.95
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This paper discusses the various sources on which Sir Thomas Mallory drew to create the version of the legend of King Arthur that is known today. The writer provides an overview of the historical background for the Arthurian legend and the evidence that exists for a historical Arthur. The writer explains the medieval traditions of courtly love and of chivalry that Mallory incorporated into his book and his legacy of the knightly ideal that was detailed by Chaucer in his "Canterbury Tales," and in the fourteenth-century poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight."
From the Paper
"The account that did the most to establish Arthur as a prominent historical figure was The History of the Kings of Britain written in 1135 by Geoffrey of Monmouth, a Welsh monk, and the book provides a history of the earliest kings of Britain, some 99 in all, including King Coel, known to us today from the nursery rhyme as Old King Cole. About one-fifth of the book is devoted to Arthur, and Geoffrey provides the first organized version of the story. Many of the elements that would be part of the later tradition were missing, however. Arthur's court is not at Camelot but at a place called Caerlon-on-Usk, or City of Legions. Geoffrey contributed at least three new elements to the existing histories of Arthur--he supplied Arthur with a family tree, told of Arthur's association with Merlin, and described his burial at Avalon."
Tags:Nennius, Dark Ages, Celt Merlin retelling passion Beowulf battle Avalon Camelot
Examines the culture of chivalry and reign of Christianity in "The Lord of The Rings" trilogy by J. R. R. Tolkien.
Analytical Essay # 52331 |
900 words (
approx. 3.6 pages ) |
4 sources |
APA | 2004
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$ 19.95
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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."
Tags:gollum, eowyn, gandolph, king, arthur
This paper analyzes the work 'Modern Chivalry' by Hugh Henry Brackenridge, which presents a satire of colonial America.
Book Review # 98763 |
910 words (
approx. 3.6 pages ) |
5 sources |
MLA | 2007
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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."
Tags:citizen, republic, democratic, satirical
Examines examples of chivalry and courtly love in two works by John Webster.
Analytical Essay # 50820 |
1,143 words (
approx. 4.6 pages ) |
7 sources |
MLA | 2004
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$ 23.95
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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."
Tags:Antonio, prince, courtier
An analytical paper which compares and contrasts the theme of reality vs. illusion in Don Quixote's world.
Analytical Essay # 7674 |
860 words (
approx. 3.4 pages ) |
1 source |
MLA | 2002
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A paper which shows how reality and illusion are interwoven not only throughout the story line of Don Quixote exploits, but how author, Miguel de Cervantes, even leaves the true authorship of this tale in question, suggesting that he is merely translating the story from the original writings of Cide Hamete. The paper discusses the madness of Don Quixote who sees people and objects in his everyday life as the counterparts in his knights and damsels world of chivalry, and how Don Quixote charging the windmills has become a classic scene and now serves to symbolize bravery in vain.
From the Paper
"Cervantes begins Part Two of Don Quixote again referring to the writings of Cide Hamete, thus, lending credence to both, Don Quixote and Hamete as real historic characters (Cervantes, 529). This further adds confusion between reality and fantasy. Throughout the novel there are countless scenes crossing the line of reality and illusion. The deathbed scene is perhaps the most poignant, for at the end, even though he himself had given up his chivalrous life and rejoined society, the others around him were still holding on to his fantastic world of knights and damsels in distress. But Don Quixote speaks, "I am no longer Don Quixote of La Mancha, but Alonso Quixana.""
Tags:Alonso, Quixano, knighthood, Sancho, Cide, Hame, Miguel, de, Cervantes
This paper discusses "The Song of Roland", by an anonymous author, translated by Patricia Terry. It specifically examines the brave knight, Roland, the principal character.
Analytical Essay # 56787 |
1,395 words (
approx. 5.6 pages ) |
1 source |
MLA | 2004
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$ 27.95
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Abstract
The paper explains that "The Song of Roland" is an epic poem, which tells the story of how, after seven long years of fighting, King Charlemagne's French forces were eliminated by Muslim forces during the Crusades in Spain; Count Roland is Charlemagne's nephew, a brave and gallant knight who serves Charlemagne well. The author points out that this poem, probably written around the year 1100, is the oldest known epic poem, a format that was very popular at this time. The paper concludes that Roland, an epic hero and a symbol of knighthood and chivalry, demonstrates that those who are true to their beliefs and religion can do mighty things and will be greeted on their journey to heaven.
From the Paper
"Roland is clearly Charlemagne's favorite, he says of him "'God! If I lose him, no one can take his place'" (35). Yet, even though he has an ominous dream, he sends Roland off to command the rear guard as Ganelon has suggested, and so, he seals Roland's fate. Yet, even though Ganelon is a traitor, Roland will not listen to anything bad about his stepfather. He admonishes Oliver when he calls him "false-hearted" (42), and is true to his family, even though they are not true to him. This intense loyalty extends to his king, to his men, and to his conviction that Christianity must spread throughout the world. This loyalty is an important part of chivalry, and Roland is an excellent example of what people of the time felt chivalry should represent."
Tags:crusades, catholic, epic, charlemagne, heaven
A brief biography of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra and an analysis of "Don Quixote".
Book Review # 71136 |
1,840 words (
approx. 7.4 pages ) |
6 sources |
MLA | 2003
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$ 35.95
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This paper looks at the life and work of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra and analyzes his novel, "Don Quixote of La Mancha", as representing the dualistic nature of human personality. It also looks at the novel as a social document with universal meaning.
From the Paper
"Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra is credited with writing "Don Quixote of La Mancha", a work translated into more languages than any other but the Bible. Cervantes was a novelist playwright and poet but only two of his plays are extant...."
Tags:chivalry, honor, knighthood, romance, idealism, realism, Sancho Panza, Don Quixote, Cervantes, literature, human psyche