The Theme of Chivalry in Today's Literature and Movies

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Recommended: Medieval code of chivalry

The basics of chivalry, which are bravery and loyalty, are present in literature and movies of today. Loyalty is present in the book The Count of Monte Cristo while bravery is present in the movie National Treasure. The Count of Monte Cristo is about a man who is wrongfully imprisoned but remains loyal to his family in his course of vengeance. National Treasure is about another man who acts bravely in his search for treasure.

Chivalry was the code of conduct for knights in medieval Europe. Chivalry came from the French word “chevalier” meaning, “knight.” This code of conduct for knights originated from feudalism, the social-political system that governed medieval Europe. Nobility mostly made up the chivalric order, but not all (Dickerman, 611-12).

Feudal qualities included skills in arms, bravery in battle, courtesy towards rivals and helpfulness towards low class. The main qualities were loyalty to a lord and skill in protecting that lord. Glory and honor were the highest qualities of a knight. Social skills were also required, such as conversation, dancing, and capability of playing a musical instrument (Dickerman, 611-12)

Knights were contradictory in their lifestyle. They were good Christians. However, the Church was against their idea of courtly love. Also, chivalry’s bravery, skill, and helpfulness were near selfishness, brutality, and prodigality (Dickerman, 611-12).

The Count Of Monte Cristo begins with a sailor named Edmond Dantès. Edmond has a best friend named Fernand who is sailing with him on the Pharoan (Dumas and Celestine, 1). The Pharoan’s captain falls ill. Edmond stops at an island where Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled. Bonaparte gives Edmond a note to give to a friend and Edm...

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...n who is wrongfully imprisoned but remains loyal to his family in his course of vengeance. National Treasure is about another man who acts bravely in his search for treasure.

Works Cited

Dickerman, Edmund H., “Chivalry.” Encyclopedia Americana: International Edition.

Vol. 6. Danbury, CN: Goiler Inc., 1993. Print.

Dumas, Alexandre, and Roger Celestine. The Count of Monte Cristo. Abridged. New

York: New American Library, 2005. Print.

National Treasure. Director: Jon Turtletaub. Performers. Nicholas Cage, Justin Bartha,

Sean Bean, and Diane Kruger. Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc., 2005. DVD.

Ruined Endings. “The Count of Monte Cristo Synopsis.” 20 May 2010.

.

The Internet Movie Database. “National Treasure Synopsis.” 24 May 2010.

.

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