How is the Squire different from his father, the Knight?
The General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales is a notable literary work by Geoffrey Chaucer. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of The General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales.
Answer
How is the Squire different from his father, the Knight?
Chaucer’s (1340-1400) “The General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales” introduces the characters of the Knight and the Squire. The Knight is the father of the Squire, and they are both members of the nobility. Here are some characteristics of how the two characters are different.
Age: The Knight is described as being “in his fifties,” while the Squire is much younger, “twenty years of age.” Chaucer says,
Of twenty yeer of age he was, I gesse.
Experience: The Knight participates in fifteen mortal battles. He fights throughout his life. He devotes his victory to Jesus Christ. In contrast, the Squire has not yet had the opportunity to prove himself in battle. The Yeoman, the servant of the Knight, trains the Squire.
Appearance: The Knight is dressed in a plain tunic with a simple, understated appearance. Chaucer says about his dressing,
Of fustian he wered a gypon
Al bismótered with his habergeon;
On the other hand, the Squire is described as being very fashionably dressed, with “curly locks as bright as gold” and a “fresh as is the month of May.”
Skills: The Knight is an experienced warrior and a skilled horseman, while the Squire is described as having more varied talents, including singing, dancing, and writing poetry.
Personality: The Knight is described as “honourable” and “worthy. The Knight is described as humble and gracious, with a strong sense of honour and chivalry. Chaucer writes,
And of his port as meeke as is a mayde
On the other hand, The Squire is portrayed as more playful and flirtatious, with a love of music and romance.
Thus, the Knight is different from his son, the Square.