Comment on the Character of the Knight in “The General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales”.

Answer

Comment on the character of the knight in “The General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales”.

The Knight is described by Chaucer (1340-1400) in “The General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales” as the person of the highest social standing amongst the pilgrims, though his manners and clothes are ordinary. Chaucer begins the “General Prologue” by describing the knight because of his societal position. During Chaucer’s time, the knight was considered a man of honour, loyalty, and nobility.

Chivalric Ideals: The Knight is the essence of chivalry, honour, and courage. Similarly, he epitomises gentility, a man who loves truth, freedom, and honour. Everyone on the pilgrimage looks up to and respects him. Despite his elevated position, the knight is also filled with humility. Knight idealizes Chivalry. He has taken part in fifteen crusades in many countries.

A Man of Simple Nature: Chaucer does not only observe his clothes but also his nature. According to him, the Knight likes simplicity. His son, The Square, accompanies him. Chaucer describes the Knight in the following way:

A Knyght ther was, and that a worthy man,

That fro the tyme that he first bigan

To riden out, he loved chivalrie,

The Knight has won many battles for his people. He lacks pride, unlike other knights of the era. Bravery and courtesy are the two major ingredients which Chaucer has observed. The knight is a symbol of the upper class of the fourteenth century. 

Wisdom and Experience: The Knight’s wisdom and experience are evident in his behaviour and speech. Chaucer portrays him as a wise and prudent leader who commands respect through actions rather than words. He is well-travelled and well-versed in the world’s ways, having journeyed to distant lands and participated in numerous crusades. Chaucer states,

At mortal batailles hadde he been fiftene,

And foughten for oure feith at Tramyssene.

His experiences have shaped him into a seasoned and knowledgeable individual capable of easily navigating the complexities of medieval society.

However, the reader is supposed to believe that this man is a challenging soldier on the battlefield who killed many men during his crusades. But Chaucer idealizes him for his simplicity and from a humanistic perspective.