Knight's Tale

Definition

The Knight's Tale is one of the stories from Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, written in the late 14th century. It tells the story of two knights, Palamon and Arcite, who fall in love with the same woman, Emelye, and their ensuing rivalry leads to a dramatic tournament. This tale intertwines themes of love, chivalry, and fate, reflecting the ideals of knighthood during the medieval period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Knight's Tale is written in rhymed couplets and uses iambic pentameter, showcasing Chaucer's mastery of poetic form.
2. Palamon and Arcite are cousins who are imprisoned by Theseus but fall in love with Emelye upon seeing her from their cell.
3. The story culminates in a tournament where Palamon and Arcite compete for Emelye's love, highlighting themes of fate and free will.
4. Chaucer uses the characters' nobility to explore the tension between personal desire and social duty within the framework of chivalry.
5. The Knight's Tale is notable for its blend of classical mythology with medieval themes, reflecting the cultural influences of both eras.

Review Questions

• How do the themes of chivalry and courtly love manifest in the Knight's Tale?
  • In the Knight's Tale, chivalry is embodied by the characters of Palamon and Arcite, who demonstrate noble qualities such as bravery and loyalty while competing for Emelye's affection. The tale also illustrates courtly love through their idealized feelings for her, showing how love can inspire both valor and rivalry. The characters' actions highlight the complexities of adhering to the code of chivalry while navigating personal desires.
• Analyze the significance of fate in the Knight's Tale and how it affects the outcomes for Palamon and Arcite.
  • Fate plays a crucial role in the Knight's Tale as both Palamon and Arcite struggle against predetermined outcomes. Their rivalry culminates in a tournament where destiny seems to dictate who will win Emelye's heart. Despite their noble intentions, their fates are ultimately influenced by external forces, such as the whims of the gods and chance events during battle, underscoring the tension between human agency and fate.
• Evaluate how Chaucer’s portrayal of knighthood in the Knight's Tale compares to modern interpretations of heroism and virtue.
  • Chaucer’s portrayal of knighthood in the Knight's Tale reflects a complex blend of honor, competition, and emotional conflict that contrasts with modern interpretations of heroism. Today’s heroes are often depicted as selfless individuals fighting against clear moral wrongs, whereas Palamon and Arcite embody a more conflicted sense of honor that is tied to personal desires and societal expectations. This nuanced view prompts readers to reconsider what it truly means to be virtuous or heroic in any age.

Related terms

Chivalry: A code of conduct associated with the medieval institution of knighthood, emphasizing virtues like bravery, honor, and respect for women.

Courtly Love: A medieval European literary concept describing a romantic relationship that is often idealized and unattainable, typically involving noble lovers.

The Canterbury Tales: A collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer that provides a snapshot of 14th-century English society through various characters telling their tales during a pilgrimage.