Classic English Literature
The character of the Knight in the Canterbury Tales is clearly the ideal and perfect knight with the best description. At the beginning of the story, the Knight had just arrived from his expeditions. The Knight was described as a man who had a beautiful horse and dressed in a tunic that bears bloodstains from his last battle. At that time, the horses were only being used to transport the Knight in the battlefield rather than being use for fighting (Hodgson 77). The Knight is bestowed with chivalry qualities and idealism. Based on the Prologue of the Canterbury Tales which states that “A knight was a worthy man who loved chivalry from the time he started to fight to bring honor, freedom, truth, and all courtesy” (The Canterbury Tales, “The General Prologue”) for the glory of his kingdom. Along with his horse, he initiated to ride about the world and continue with his committed profession.
Straight from the battle, the Knight together with his fine horse appeared still wearing the clothes he wore during his fight and still in his armor. Based on the lines “Of simple fustian wore he a jupon; Sadly discoloured by his habergeon” (The Canterbury Tales,“The General Prologue”). He wore the traditional clothes of tunic created out of fustian bears were apparent bloodstains can be seen. This important facet will share a level of realism to the image of the Knight because it depicts his spiritual dedication and vigor to undertake a pilgrimage. The vision of seeing the Knight in spite of his bloodied clothes gives is a manifestation that he deserves all the credit for his courage and bravery to fight for the honor of his homeland.
Works Cited:
Hodgson, Phyllis. The Canterbury Tales. New Jersey: Athlone Press, 1999. Print.
Shmoop. The Canterbury Tales: General Prologue and Frame Story. USA: Shmoop University,
2000. Print.
The Canterbury Tales. The General Prologue. Web. April 4, 2013.
http://pages.towson.edu/duncan/chaucer/duallang1.htm.
Toshack, H.S. The General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales. USA: Wordsmith, 2007. Print.
