essay

The Ultimate Man
During the medieval time period chivalry was a code of behavior to which a knight must live accordingly. Chivalry is an ethical system that emphasizes personal honor. The works of “The Knight’s Tale” written by Geoffrey Chaucer and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” written by Anonymous, tells the story of three knights who manifest the honorable morale way of life through the code of conduct all knights live by. King Theseus, Arcite, and Sir Gawain demonstrate the knight’s code of chivalry through acts of valor, resolution, and justice.
The constant act of valor is presented in each reading through different characters. Valor is a knight’s attempt to showcase their continuous bravery and fearlessness. For example, in Chaucer’s “A Knight’s Tale”, Arcite returns to Thebes even though he had been exiled in order to cease the love of Emily. “Now when Arcite got to Thebes again daylong he languished, crying out in pain ‘Alas!’ for never could he hope to see his lady more. To sum his misery, there never was a man so woe-begone, nor is, nor shall be while the world goes on” (Chaucer 39). Arcite exhibits true valor due to his deep love for Emily. His love for her is so great that Arcite is willing to risk his life and knightly status to return to his one true love, Emily. In addition to Arcite and his knightly stance, Sir Gawain exemplifies valor in his dedication toward his king. In “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”, a medieval poem that tells the story of a courageous noble man, Sir Gawain embodies the characteristic of valor. Throughout the epic poem, Sir Gawain courageously offers his military tactics in his defense for King Arthur. In response to the Green Knight’s search for a challenger, Sir Gawain vouches “I beseech, before all here, that this melee may be mine” (Anonymous 165). Even though the chances of survival were slim, Sir Gawain courageously offers his coat of arms in the name of King Arthur. Sir Gawain’s immediate willingness to fight validates his valor mentality and provides him a fearless outlook on life. Valor is a critical quality a knight needs to inhibit in order to make decisions that require various amounts of risk.
In terms of the knight’s code, the act of resolution is just as imperative as valor because a man’s word must constantly be reliable. To be resolute one must persevere the end in any action begun; in other words, the code requires finishing what has been started. For instance, as Theseus returns home from battle he witnesses women weeping, and soon discovers the women are sobbing over the mal treatment of their deceased husbands’ bodies. In honor of the code, Theseus “raised them in his arms and sought to fill their hearts with comfort and with kind good will, and swore on oath that he was true knight, so far as it should lie within his might” (Chaucer 29). Furthermore, Theseus vows to “take vengeance on this tyrant King” (Chaucer 29) and, in out rage, “slew him [Creon] manfully” (Chaucer 29). Theseus was presented the choice to continue on his journey home but instead he stops in light of the somber women. By executing the expectations of what a knight is said to be, Theseus’ deeds of condolence and fulfillment of promising revenge proves his character to be resolute. The chivalrous act of resolution is also seen through Sir Gawain’s promise to the Green Knight. Consequently to the failing result of his own successful killing of the Green Knight, Sir Gawain must return to the Knight’s domain a year later for another chance at slaying the Green Knight. In awe of Sir Gawain’s appearance, the Green Knight proclaims, “Friend mine, It seems your word holds good” (Anonymous 171). Disregarding the dangers to come, Sir Gawain is determined to accept his fate, fore Gawain would feel dishonorable and cowardly if he acted otherwise. Sir Gawain is a key example of imposing resolution because he stands ground with his word no matter the anticipating trials. In order for a knight to be considered chivalrous he must elicit actions of resolution.
Justice, the quality of being fair and reasonable, is a characteristic that is honored by all knights. Arcite, a knight who demonstrates the code of chivalry, is placed in a situation that requires a decision to be made. Through Arcite’s thoughts and actions, he displays the trait of justice. As the fight for Emily’s love continues, Arcite came to a realization. Her happiness and well-being is the one thing Aricite is concerned about. This being the case, if Emily wishes to be with Palamon then Arcite would be content with her decision. “ That if thou please I well may have my love. And I will worship at they shrine for ever; ride where I may, to thee my whole endeavor shall be in sacrifice and kindling fires upon thy alter”(Chaucer 63). Arcite’s compassion for Emily gives him the strength to surrender his one true love to his enemy at be, Palamon. Through his works of justice, Arcite’s benevolence and kindheartedness proves that true love can never be broken.
Knights are depicted as being valor, honorable, true, and just. Through the works of “The Knight’s Tale” and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” these characteristics are demonstrated throughout. Willingness to stay true to the code of chivalry is another difficult task that all knights must face. Throughout life we are confronted with temptations that will challenge our ability to stay true to our moral code. Arcite and Sir Gawain so rightfully displayed that chivalry is not dead and that knightly hood is a task that is not taken lightly.