David VanVliet Mrs.

Fouts Period 7 Senior English 4 10/3/2011 Chaucers Knight In The Cantebury Tales, Chaucers characterization in each of the different tales is essential to the overall plot development. Each of the characters represents either qualities that seem to be realistic or exaggerated. One character in particular, the Knight, undergoes a heroic tale of not just kings and queens, but also chivalrous deeds, illustrating his traits and lifestyle. In analyzing the Knight, one must determine whether his character is realistic in todays world, or if his actions and personality seem to be over the top. The Knights good virtues, manners, and chivalry as a positive and overall good character are so contrary to human nature that it causes one to question if such actions are possible in the world today; they also demonstrate what Chaucer believes everyone should strive to be like. Chaucer develops the personality and traits of the Knight into a character who appears too good to be true. From the start of the tale, the narrator notes that A knight ther was, and that a worthy man, that fro the tyme that he first bigan to ryden out, he loved chivalrye, trouthe and honour, fredom and curteisye. This statement not only describes the Knights character, but it also prepares the reader to learn of the Knights noble deeds. Such an introduction makes it clear that this man is considered to be highly honorable. The Knight is indeed a perfect gentleman. He carries out his life holding a love of ideals that are not very common in most people. The Knight finds it necessary to always be a man of chivalry, to be true to his principles, and to be honest, truthful,

and faithful. In order to gain honor and a good reputation, the Knight says to always do what is right. Important to the Knight are freedom and equality for all, as he always offers his generosity. There is never a moment where the Knight can be found not acting properly or out of courtesy. The Knights high character and prestige is so good and too perfect that it seems to be impossible. Not only does the Knight carry out a life of honor in his chivalry and gentleman character, but he also displays prestige on the battlefield. In the prologue, the narrator notes that ful worthy was he in his lordes werre, and therto hadde he riden, no man ferre, as wel in Cristendom as hethenesse, And ever honoured for his worthinesse. Even as a Knight in his military profession, he is admired for his well-mannered being, kindness, and understanding towards everyone. He has an impressive military character as he fought in the Crusades Holy Wars in many battles. He wears still armor, of fustian he wered a gipoun al bismotered with his habergeoun; for he was late ycome from his viage. His appearance creates a powerful presence in the eyes of many, adding to his perfect character. The Knight represents the character all people should strive to be like. The narrator sums up the Knights character by saying that though he were worty, he was wys and of his port as meeke as is a mayde. The Knights constant chivalry and gentleman actions seem impossible to find in the real world. Unfortunately in society today, so man people lack and overlook these traits of the Knight. Chaucers characterization of the Knight demonstrates not only the great qualities of the Knight, but also gives a representation of how Chaucer believes everyone should be like, a perfect model for society.