Truth, honor, generousness and courtesy are some models of how a Knight should act. Chivalry is a quality, which is resulted in the following short stories: “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”, “The Wife of Bath” and “Le Morte D’Arthur. All these short stories show the true meaning of chivalry by truth, honor, generosity, and courtesy. To begin In “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Sir Gawain is presented as a noble knight, who is the perfect example of chivalry; He is loyal, honest above all, and respectful. He is the perfect knight. When Arthur’s court was challenged by the Green Knight, Gawain all alone offered to take the cup from Arthur’s hands. He showed pride and courage greater than everyone else, for coming forward. Another thing Sir Gawain does is fighting the Green Knight, he didn’t want to behead the Green Knight but he did. By doing that and standing up by himself shows chivalry.
Here is a quote of his chivalric actions; “There knights fought in tournament again and again, Jousting most gallantly, these valiant men, Then rode to the court for dancing and song. For there the festival lasted the whole fifteen days with all the feasting and merry-making that could be devised” (Sir 41) this shows chivalry because Sir Gawain was never a coward and never quit a battle, he kept on fighting until the battle was over. To start off in “The Canterbury Tales” there is a young man, The Squire; a very courageous man.
He fought fifteen battles all for the defense of religion which he believed in. The Squire was definitely the perfect example of knighthood! His chivalry was more committed and less idealistic of the medieval times. He’d ridden sometime with the cavalry In Flanders, in Artois, and Picardy, And borne him well within that little space In hope to win thereby his lady’s grace. Prinked out he was, as if he were mead, All full of fresh-cut flowers white and red. Singing he was, or fluting, all the day; He was as fresh as is the month of May. ” (Tales 142) This shows chivalry because the Squire puts his women first and treats them right like a real knight should. To begin in “Le Morte D’Arthur” King Arthur shows what a true knight is supposed to be. He was a true knight so he could improve the place he lived.
The Essay on Sir Gawain And The Green Knight – Analytical Paper
Christmastime in Camelot, around King Arthur’s table –this is where the story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight begins. The Green Knight enters the court to challenge ... true in oneself. Through Sir Gawain’s character, we see how often true chivalry is tested. First, Sir Gawain volunteers to take King Arthur’s place in the ...
Respect for women and being polite were very important aspects being a chivalric. A quote from Le Morte D’Arthur assures you that King Arthur was chivalric. Then the king established all his knights, and them that were of lands not rich he gave them lands, and charged them never to do outrageousiky nor murder, and always to flee treason” (Le Morte d’Arthur 362) This text basically says that he has followed all the rules of being a chivalric knight and that everyone else should follow these rules unlike most non chivalric knights. In the light of “Sir Gawain and the Green knight”, “The Canterbury Tales” and “Le Morte D’Arthur. ” It is easy to say that chivalry is a big concept among these short stories. Truth, honor, generousness and courtesy are actions involved in these sacred texts. ”Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Exhibits chivalry because Sir Gawain showed honor by being the only knight to accept the challenge from King Arthur, which makes him a big chivalric hero.
