A Comparison Of The Knight And The Squire In Chaucers The...

In the medieval period that is described by Chaucers Canterbury Tales, chivalry was perhaps the most recognized quality of a true gentleman. This quality is explored in Chaucers two characters of the warrior class, the Knight and the Squire. The squire is the son of the Knight; both ride gallantly and have the air of true gentleman warriors. However, the two are very dissimilar despite their appearances. The Knight possesses the true qualities of chivalry, devotion to service, constancy in humility, and honesty. The Squire possesses none of these qualities truly; instead his demeanor is one that is less honorable and virtuous. Although both claim the same vocation, the Squire and the Knight display contradicting attitudes in respect to†¦show more content†¦Although Chaucer does not criticize the Squire by his writing, the Squires hesitant attitude towards putting himself in mortal danger as well as his lack of conviction are revealed in light of the Knights numerous demonstrations of a willingness to defend his faith single-handedly and also in extreme hardship and distance. In addition to Chaucers descriptions of dedication that distinguish the Knight, Chaucer also provides a description of the Squires acquisitiveness for wealth and beauty, a quality that is contrary to the humble nature of the knight. The Squire had quot;locks as curly as if they had been pressedquot;, while there is no such description of the Knights appearance whatsoever (5). I feel that Chaucer does not intend to criticize the Squire by the mention of the beauty of the Squires hair in conjunction with the mention of the poor outfit of the Knight. Instead he attempts to point out that the Squire is the lesser of the two in terms of keeping to the code of chivalry. Regarding his articles of clothing, the Knight wore a fustian tunic, which was only somewhat bright and only sufficiently comfortable. An example of the Squires meticulous appearance is: He was embroidered like a meadow bright And full of freshest flowers, red and white. . . . He was as fresh as is the month of May.Show MoreRelatedKnight And Squire In The Canterbury Tales Essay913 Words   |  4 PagesThe Canterbury Tales were written by Geoffrey Chaucer the 1300s, and told the story of twenty-nine travelers making a pilgrimage to Canterbury, England. The pilgrims wished to visit the relics of Saint Thomas Becket, in the Canterbury Cathedral. 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