Introduction: The Knight in “The Prologue”
Among all the characters, the Knight in “The Prologue” receives the most detailed description from Chaucer. Not only does Chaucer highlight the Knight’s historical battles against heathens, but also his journey to the farthest reaches of the earth to spread Christianity. This touch of religiosity in the Knight’s character may seem odd in the context of chivalry, a term closely associated with the secular and romantic nature. However, Chaucer intertwines faith with the wars the Knight fought, giving a religious dimension to the character. This religious touch is perhaps the reason the Knight is described as having won “truth, honor, freedom, and courtesy” among the pilgrims.
The sense of religion is evident in the Knight’s “discolored and stained” clothes, which likely garnered respect from others. Chaucer’s point about the Knight’s accounts of battles being “ilke worthy knight” suggests that what Chaucer describes is based on the tales the Knight told the pilgrims. It’s possible that as they rode on the pilgrimage, the Knight recounted his battles and adventures.
As he embarks on a pilgrimage, a pious act, the Knight likely combined his love for religion with his tales of bravery in Prussia, Latvia, Belmarie, Alexandria, and, notably, Turkey, where the fall was considered a blow to the Christian faith. The widespread journey and fighting for religion were seen as signs of strength and bravery during that time. Thus, the Knight was viewed as a strong, brave, and wise figure among the pilgrims—the only sign of his being respected. Despite his meek demeanor, akin to a maid, he never uttered any offensive words throughout his journey. Due to these tales and his reputation as a religious person, the Knight earned genuine respect and great honor among the rest of the pilgrims.
Personal Opinion about The Knight in “The Prologue”
In my opinion, while the Knight may have been a skilled warrior, there’s a possibility that he embellished his expeditions, prompting Chaucer to offer a wry smile as he described what the Knight told him. The detailed accounts of numerous places, the emphasis on his religious devotion, battles against heathens, and his apparent meekness might have influenced Chaucer to suggest that the Knight resorted to exaggeration, perhaps veiling a subtle satire in his portrayal.
The concluding lines, however, provide a stark contrast by highlighting the state of the Knight’s clothes despite his good reputation and noble horse. The juxtaposition of his well-regarded tales and the worn condition of his attire adds a layer of irony, suggesting that appearances can be deceiving. Chaucer’s choice of describing the Knight as a “noble and perfect knight” despite the irony further enhances the complexity and interest in interpreting the character.
Works Cited: The Knight in “The Prologue”
Chaucer, Geoffrey. The General Prologue. Vol. 2. University of Oklahoma Press, 1993.
Relevant Questions about The Knight in “The Prologue”
- How does Chaucer characterize the Knight in “The Prologue” of “The Canterbury Tales,” and how do these characteristics align with the traditional ideals of knighthood during the medieval period?
- In what ways does the Knight’s tale, as introduced in “The Prologue,” reflect or deviate from the expected behavior and values associated with knights in medieval literature?
- How does Chaucer use the description of the Knight in “The Prologue” to satirize or comment on the societal norms and expectations of the time, and what deeper insights can be gleaned about the Knight’s role in the social hierarchy?
