Squire by caitlyn

Physiogamy

17cookhinesd — 2016-09-25 03:14:48 UTC

The squire is physically fit and has curly, brown hair. The color of his hair indicates that he gets along well with others and shows loyalty. The curliness implies that he is dutiful. These qualities are similar to those of his father, the knight. These positive attributes reflect Chaucer's high opinion of this character

Heavenly Virtues

17cookhinesd — 2016-09-25 03:20:52 UTC

The Squire possesses the heavenly virtues of Fortitude (he is working to become a knight like his father and has seen battle), Hope (he "hopes to win his lady's grace" through valiant efforts), and Justice (he has served in battle in "Flanders, Artois, and Picardy"). However, he does possess the deadly sin of lust, "loving so hotly that till the dawn grew pale, he slept as little as a nightingale." The presence of the heavenly virtues in this character along with one cardinal sin implies that Chaucer thinks that the Squire is on track to greatness, but not there yet. He still needs to overcome his shortcomings.

Traits/ Description

17cookhinesd — 2016-09-25 03:25:06 UTC

The squire, though well on his way to becoming a knight, is a lover and not a fighter. He is a hopeless romantic. Squire possesses the following traits:
1) LUST
Chaucer describes Squire as being a "lusty bacheler" who seems highly interested in love and impressing women: "He loved so hotly that till dawn grew pale / He slept as little as a nightingale" (Chaucer 75).

2) TALENT
Squire sings, plays the flute, writes poetry, draws, dances and jousts: "He could make songs and poems and recite, / Knew how to joust and dance, to draw and write" (Chaucer 75).

3) POLITENESS
Squire is willing to help his father: "Courteous he was, lowly and serviceable, / And carved to serve his father at the table" (Chaucer 75).

Key Quotes

17cookhinesd — 2016-09-25 03:26:34 UTC

"Loved so hotly... slept as little as a nightengale" This quote describes the deadly sin that the Squire possesses: Lust.

"A lover, a cadet, a lad of fire" This quote concisely describes the Squire.

"with locks as curly as if they had been pressed... in stature he was of a moderate length, with wonderful agility and strength" This quote explains the physical features of the Squire, and thus, gives the reader a clue as to what his character is like. In other words, this is the physiogamy of the character.

Overall Evaluation

caitlyngirl10 — 2016-09-25 20:23:35 UTC

Overall, The Squire is very similar to an average 20 year old male. He doesn't have much experience on the battle field but loves to impress women with the skills he does have. Besides the signs of lust that he shows, he is an all around morally strong character. Chaucer seems to love the Squire, so he tries to avoid pointing out the obvious flaws he has.

Literary Criticisms

caitlyngirl10 — 2016-09-25 20:23:55 UTC

"These characteristics, along with the physical details of his portrait, such as the flowers embroidered on his clothing and the simile stating that he is "as fressh as is the month of May," grant him an association with youth and springtime, creating further contrast to his serious, sober father."
Rossignol, Rosalyn. "The Squire." Critical Companion to Chaucer: A Literary Reference to His Life and Work, Critical Companion. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2007. Bloom's Literature. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 25 Sept. 2016 .

Unlike his father, the Squire is the epitome of a courtly lover. He is handsome and well dressed and rides along singing and playing the flute. He is more interested in poetry and love than in war; nevertheless, he is "curteis […] lowely, and servysable" [courteous, humble, and attentive] (l. 99).
Sauer, Michelle M. "General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales." The Facts On File Companion to British Poetry before 1600. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 2008.Bloom's Literature. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 25 Sept. 2016 .

Squire-full Sins

17mccarthyk — 2016-09-27 00:57:05 UTC

As pointed out by the author of this character analysis, the squire is lustful, although, Chaucer doesn't exactly describe his lustful actions as terrible. Chaucer speaks very neutrally of the Squire, artistically avoiding discussing his weaknesses. He is described as "a lover and cadet, a lad of fire" and said to have "in little space/ Of time, in hope to win his lady's grace" (Chaucer lines 82, 89-90). At first glance Chaucer seems to be saying that he's a wonderful man who has fought for "his lady's grace". But, in reality he's saying that the squire is lustful and only really fought in order to impress the ladies. Chaucer is smart with his descriptions so that the reader is too distracted by the good to notice the bad. Later, The Squire is described as wearing the highest of fashions and "full of freshest flowers, red and white" (Chaucer 92). This description in itself is extremely contradictory. Red represents lust, anger, and love; while white is known to depict innocence. In reality, The Squire sins just as much as the other pilgrims, however, Chaucer is sure to include more of Squire's good qualities than bad qualities.

17mccarthyk — 2016-09-27 01:01:00 UTC

17mccarthyk — 2016-09-27 01:19:17 UTC

17mccarthyk — 2016-09-27 01:21:45 UTC

2021-01-11 14:35:21 UTC