| Papers [1-9] of 9 | Search results on "KNIGHTHOOD": |
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Malory's Vision of Knighthood, 2003.
A close reading of Sir Arthur Malory's "Le Morte D'Arthur".
1,833 words (approx. 7.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 58.95
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Abstract
Sir Arthur Malory's "Le Morte D'Arthur" presents, in one volume, a cumulative and syncretic vision of knighthood. A knight has several roles, and his worth depends on how well he fulfills them. Malory's knights are primarily defined by martial success, although the knights of the Grail Quest have a separate set of standards to live up to because of the spiritual component of their quest. This paper describes the defining characteristics of a Malorian knight and addresses apparent inconsistencies in the text. The knights' characteristics are prowess in feats of arms, lack of caution, courtesy and devotion to the fellowship and, by extension, to the state. Relationships with women are usually conducted along the lines of courtly love. The ascendancy in Book VI of "pure" knights like Galahad does not indicate inconsistency on Malory's part, but rather a change in the Arthurian world, a need for a new kind of knight for a new kind of quest.
From the Paper
"Many knights disobey some of the guidelines for knightly conduct, but the sympathetic ones usually have a reasonable excuse. Arthur orders young boys killed to avert the prophesy of his death but this is not strongly condemned. Tristram cannot ride to the aid of Lord Segwerdes' abducted wife until her husband has tried to free her or it will be too obvious that Tristram is having an affair with her. Lancelot shamefully rides in a cart because he is in a terrible rush to reach Guinevere. Tristram technically commits treason by cuckolding his king, but a chapter heading within the tale of Tristram de Lyones is entitled "Here Begynneth the Treson of Kinge Marke That He Ordayned Agayne Sir Trystram." Of all the knights, Sir Gareth is probably the one who lives most in accordance with the chivalric ideal."
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Knighthood, 2004.
This paper discusses the characteristics of heroism, love, and honor as portrayed by the knights in Geoffrey Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" and in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" (anonymous).
2,135 words (approx. 8.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 66.95
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Abstract
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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Knighthood, 2004.
An explanation of knights, including their role as military servants of the king.
2,300 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
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."
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Medieval Knighthood, 1999.
Examines and defines this concept in terms of power as a privileged class, chivalric code, military & religious roles, weaponry & garb, training, games and Crusades.
3,600 words (approx. 14.4 pages), 10 sources, $ 127.95
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From the Paper
" The institution of knighthood had its roots in the ninth and tenth centuries and vestiges of it remain in place even today. From a practical arrangement in which the principle of vassalage was extended to include military service, the institution grew to the point where a grant of arms was the equivalent of ennoblement. In the course of five centuries during which knights dominated the practice of warfare three important modifications of the system made it a complex historical phenomenon that affected everything from the nature of warfare to fashions in literature. One such modification was the gradual evolution of knights as a privileged, hereditary class. A second was the development of the chivalric code that ritualized their practice and defined the knights' unique social role as a military elite transformed into an aristocracy. The third is the.."
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"The Knight's Tale", 2008.
An analysis of the six tenets of the chivalric code for knighthood in "The Knight's Tale" by Geoffrey Chaucer.
810 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
The paper examines prowess, truth, honor, freedom, courtesy and glory as tenets of the chivalric code in "The Knight's Tale" by Geoffrey Chaucer. The paper discusses how knights enacted these various traits in their roles as medieval warriors.
From the Paper
"The basis of Chaucer's view of Chivalry defines way and manner in which knights would defend the honor of a lady by always being courteous and gentle, regardless of the military might a knight may exude. Respect for women is clearly part of the chivalric code through courtesy and honor, which defends the love of a woman through a knight's actions and behaviors. The issue of knightly conflict between Palamon and Alcite occurs when lady Emily arouses both of their desire for love--often called courtly love. Jealousy mounts between the two men, who immediately site vows of honor and truth they took as knights to uphold their love for Emily."
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"The Song of Roland", 2004.
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.
1,395 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 46.95
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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."
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"Don Quixote", 2002.
A review of Cervantes's novel "Don Quixote" with an emphasis on the character of the protagonist himself, "Don Quixote"
1,150 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 5 sources, $ 44.95
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Abstract
This paper analyses the character of Don Quixote in Cervantes's famous novel by the same name. The hero lives in the world of illusion and believes in the tales of knighthood. His thinking and obsession take him to several places and his life becomes a series of bizarre events.
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King Arthur and the Round Table, 2002.
A paper which traces the history of written texts relating to King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
850 words (approx. 3.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 30.95
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Abstract
The paper shows that if there was an historical King Arthur he would have existed centuries before the era of knighthood, probably sometime in the sixth century. It discusses how the historical reality of Arthur is much in doubt and remains a controversy, though Arthur has his champions who believe the stories of his reign began with a real personage and then were turned into myth and legend by various writers, each treating Arthur differently. The author traces the history of the stories relating to Arthur, and analyzes some of these works such as Sir Thomas Malory's "Le Morte D'Arthur" and "The History of the Kings of Britain" by Welsh monk Geoffrey of Monmouth in 1135.
From the Paper
" 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. Later chroniclers would use Geoffrey's account as a source and would develop more complex stories establishing Arthur as a king in the popular imagination."
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Sir Gawain and the Endless Knot, 2002.
An analysis of the significance of the endless knot in the classic, "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight".
944 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the medieval tale of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight". It looks at how Sir Gawain is most often associated with virtues of the chivalric code, how these codes were often displayed through symbols, and how, in the case of Arthurian knights, armor was often decorated with meaningful symbols. It discusses how the endless knot is one of the most prominent symbols in "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" and, upon close inspection, how the knot itself becomes a symbol for the somewhat unattainable goals of medieval knighthood. It examines the significance of the endless knot, how it relates to the lady's girdle, and the overall meanings of these symbols.
From the Paper
"The girdle appears to be more complicated than the pentangle. The girdle is a gift from lady. We can easily make an association with the girdle and the magic it represents. This may seem similar to the "magic" that Gawain's shield posses, but it also very different. For example, we are told that the man who possesses the girdle "could not be killed by any craft on earth" (1854). To examine the way in which the girdle is offered and accepted says much about Gawain and his beliefs, not to mention his humanity. The lady offers the girdle to him as some sort of magical protection against physical harm. This offering indicates that a segment of society did indeed believe in such talismans. In fact, we might even assume that such talismans were part of religious practices. "
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