Chivalry Codes In Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales

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Faith A knight possesses Faith in heavenly and temporal lords. A knight celebrates the trials and tribulations laid before them as an opportunity to demonstrate their faith. Unwavering loyalty is given to the knight’s liege to bind all together through demonstrations of this faith. Strength A knight must possess the virtue of strength in body, mind and soul. Not only must a knight display strength in combat, but also in conviction to uphold the earthly and heavenly laws of the realm. Through strength a knight will stand fast in the other virtues of chivalry. Nobility A knight must be Noble providing charity and largesse to those around them. A knight is granted privileged social status so that they may serve as a beacon of what it means to be a noble creature. Mercy A knight must know when to show Mercy to friends and enemies alike. In the pursuit of justice and victory there is a time for relenting to show strength through forgiveness. A truly strong …show more content…

Chaucer wrote in his book about knights and the qualities they were to possess. Furthermore, book of The Canterbury Tales were written sometime in the late 14th century, around the same time as Richard II’s reign in England. In his book The Canterbury Tales and the Good Society by Paul A. Olson discusses the social framework under which Chaucer was operating. Olson asserts that Chaucer wrote from the perspective of the existence of three main estates in society, and within The Canterbury Tales. There is a character being representative for each estate (Holinshed, 1968). The three estates in the work are “the Church, the Court, and the Country, and all of the characters fit into one of the three estates” (Olson, 1986). The estate of the Court and particularly the characters of the Knights are of the most significance. Olson describes the characteristics of the exemplary Knight in substantial

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