Chivalric Ideals

Definition

Chivalric ideals refer to the code of conduct associated with the medieval institution of knighthood, emphasizing virtues like bravery, honor, loyalty, and courteous behavior towards women. These ideals played a significant role in shaping social norms and literary themes during the Middle Ages, often influencing characters and narratives in literature, including their moral dilemmas and relationships.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chivalric ideals were closely tied to the notion of knighthood and often reflected societal values during the medieval period, promoting a sense of duty and moral integrity.
2. In literature, chivalric ideals often serve as a framework for characters’ actions and conflicts, revealing their struggles to live up to these expectations.
3. Chivalric ideals also influenced the representation of gender roles in medieval literature, often depicting women as objects of admiration and knights as protectors.
4. Many stories from this period use chivalric ideals as a backdrop for exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and personal growth through trials faced by knights.
5. Chaucer's works frequently engage with chivalric ideals, providing both homage and critique of these values through various characters' interactions and decisions.

Review Questions

• How do chivalric ideals manifest in Chaucer's use of language and poetic techniques?
  • Chaucer incorporates chivalric ideals through rich imagery, allegorical references, and character dialogues that highlight notions of honor and valor. The language he employs often reflects the grandeur associated with knighthood, using elevated diction to portray characters who embody or struggle with these ideals. Additionally, Chaucer’s use of irony allows for a critical examination of these values, showcasing the complexities and contradictions within the chivalric code.
• Discuss how themes related to chivalric ideals are represented in The Parliament of Fowls.
  • In The Parliament of Fowls, chivalric ideals are explored through the allegorical representations of birds that symbolize various human traits and societal roles. The narrative examines themes like love and choice within the context of courtly behavior, mirroring the expectations placed on knights. By situating these ideals within a whimsical debate among birds, Chaucer critiques and reflects on how such virtues translate into human relationships, particularly in matters of love and loyalty.
• Evaluate the significance of chivalric ideals in shaping character motivations in The Franklin's Tale.
  • In The Franklin's Tale, chivalric ideals are pivotal in shaping character motivations, particularly those of Arveragus and Dorigen. Arveragus embodies these values through his commitment to honor and loyalty, showcasing his willingness to uphold his vows even at great personal cost. Dorigen's internal conflict highlights the tension between her own desires and societal expectations placed upon her as a noblewoman. This dynamic ultimately emphasizes how deeply ingrained chivalric ideals influence decisions about love, duty, and personal integrity throughout the narrative.

Related terms

Courtly Love: A literary concept that describes a nobleman's romantic devotion to a lady, often characterized by admiration from afar and an idealization of the beloved.

Knight Errant: A wandering knight who seeks adventures and aims to prove his chivalric virtues through deeds of valor, often involving rescuing damsels in distress.

Code of Chivalry: A set of rules that governed the behavior of knights, emphasizing qualities such as bravery in battle, loyalty to one's lord, and protection of the weak.