The Knight

In the preface to the Canterbury Tales, Jeffrey Chaucer describes each figure traveling on a pilgrimage to the Canterbury Cathedral to pay homage to the sanctuary of Thomas Beckett. Using direct characterization, the character description method, directly indicating their character traits, Chaucer leads readers to different types of people who were typical of medieval society. By presenting these archetypal characters to the reader, that is, characters who demonstrate stereotypical or overly generalized personality traits, the reader can better understand the various social areas, cultural norms, and behavior of people living in the Middle Ages.

Although the spelling in Middle English is very different from modern English, we can still recognize that the knight is considered worthy and appreciates chivalry, truth, honor, freedom, and politeness. All of these descriptors are related to the Code of Chivalry, a code of honor that marks the truth, honor, courage, and respect for women. From the very beginning, in the description of Chaucer, we see that the knight is celebrated for his devotion to this Code.

It is representing a gallant knight better. Chaucer gives us an example of his courage. He tells us about the gallant efforts of a knight during the crusades, a series of religious wars that spanned the Middle Ages when Christian countries tried to conquer the Holy Land. The text shows that the knight fought in different places in Europe, the Mediterranean, and North Africa. Chaucer continues: “He was fifteen in the mortal battalions ... and he killed his foo”, that is, the knight fought in 15 battles and killed his enemy or enemy in each of them.

This gives us an example of the re-bravery and knight skills in battle. First of all, it shows us the dedication of the knight to Christianity. Since the crusades were religious wars, this passage shows that the knight is not only a knightly and courageous but also a model Christian. He served the Christian God by fighting in the crusades, and now, to pay homage to the Christian saint in Canterbury, another manifestation of the unshakable faith and faith of the knight.