Analysis Of Chivalry

Chivalry can be defined as an evocative word conjuring up images in the mind” of how a knight should appear. Therefore “for that reason it is a word elusive of definition” (Keen, 1). Differently, Charny suggests that chivalry consists of an “ascending scale” of glory to be the best knight. He purposes that by following an ethos of martial, competition and aggression, the best people will eventually reach the top and be rewarded by god thus “he who does more is of greater worth”. For the purpose of this essay chivalry is taken to be a multi-layered term, impossible to pin down. However it does have stereotypical features such as prowess, loyalty, franchise, and generosity. This essay will examine four key scenes of the presentation of chivalric

Arthur reflects ideals of chivalric behaviour such as reputation. However Charny’s hypothesis suggests that chivalry is about one’s external chivalric appearance and argues that one gains reputation through “physical strength” and “skill” and sometimes “putting oneself in danger of death”. He states that because one participates in such activity ones “fame increases in their territory and that of their neighbours.” Thus one is driven to continue this activity because of one’s success and being worthy of praise. The importance of one’s reputation is seen in the tale when King Uther from Wales threatens Arthur’s court and kills his people. Arthur reacts by saying “it were grete shame unto myne astate” (p.38). Here it can be seen how although he is king he doesn’t have all the power. Therefore, fortune is in control and one’s fate can change at any given time despite ones power and fame. Furthermore this also suggests that chivalry is a band of extremes either you withstand and defeat people and gain power and glory or you don’t and get defeated and it is great shame. Here Arthur is showing a concern in how he is perceived as he has to put forward an image of strength. Thus pride is an important chivalric ideal. Arthur is showing a chivalric preoccupation with external appearance and having his peers respect him but this

Pauls verse from the bible which describes how one is incapable of seeing themselves as they really are as one doesn’t have the full view of God or themself. “For now we see through a glass, darkly; …” (1 Corinthians, 13: 12). This opaque glass one is looking through does not show anything except the self that one see themself thus this stops one from living. God seeing one as they really are is held as hope for the future. Therefore here it can be suggested that Malory is mirroring how one cannot find happiness through perfection or external appearances as they can never truly be seen but one can find happiness if they focus on the part of them that cannot be seen by them such as wisdom. Wisdom can be seen by God and fortune is subject to wisdom. Thus God seeing one as they really are is held as hope for the future as wisdom brings happiness. This is reflected in the tale through the character of Balin as Malory demonstrates how external appearances can be misleading. For example Balin is imprisoned for committing a minor crime. He appears to look “poore and poorly arayde”(p.39). Nevertheless Balin believes he has a worthy hearth and demonstrates this when he manages to pull the sword despite his external imperfections. This echoes not only how ones fortune can change, but also how