Knight Marlene by

The Knight

zebrasareweird — 2013-09-20 18:17:34 UTC

by Marlene Gutierrez

Occupation?

zebrasareweird — 2013-09-20 18:18:04 UTC

A Knight embarks on noble quests and lead vans (part of the army that goes before the rest). Knights also protect women and children and are expected to be humble when around others.

What does the need for this occupation tell us about the time period?

zebrasareweird — 2013-09-20 18:22:37 UTC

Knights were needed especially in war times and when situations in society got too out of control. The feudal lord had great military power because of how influential the knights were during the Middle Ages. Thus, because education, faith, and strictly following the role of chivalry were highly regarded, many people behaved well.

What was the Knight's social standing?

zebrasareweird — 2013-09-20 18:35:03 UTC

The Knight was seen as a sovereign in all eyes and that was mainly due to feudalism.

What might your character's day to day life be like?

zebrasareweird — 2013-09-20 18:37:22 UTC

In the text book, the Knight's day is described as he riding abroad to battle, always being on top of things, following chivalry, and praying.

What details about this character does Chaucer not include?

zebrasareweird — 2013-09-20 18:37:34 UTC

Obvious, direct characteristics such as eye color, hair color, ear size, a lot of physical appearance characteristics are left out by Chaucer.

What modern day occupation might correspond to your medieval character and why?

zebrasareweird — 2013-09-20 18:37:56 UTC

The Knight could possibly work somewhere in the army, because they are generally regarded with a lot of respect

Language of the text

zebrasareweird — 2013-09-20 18:39:15 UTC

l. 43 - 59

The Knight was different from the others.
One day he set out
To follow the chivalry code:
Truth, honor, generousness and courtesy.
He fought well in his monarch's war:
He rode into battle,
Christian or heathen places
Honored him for his noble graces
When Alexandria was being taken over, he was there.
He sat at the table (sign of prestige) on a chair
Of honor, rising above every nation when in Prussia.
In Lithuania he had rode, and Russia,
There were not many christians of the Knight's social position.
When in Granada, Algeciras sank
Because they were in trouble. The knight had been there and in
North Africa, raiding Benamarin;
And Anatolia.

Best lines describing the Knight's appearance and Why?

zebrasareweird — 2013-09-20 18:39:33 UTC

l. 76 - 79: "not gaily dressed, "wore a fustian," "smudges where his armor had left mark"

Lines describing the Knight's personality? Why?

zebrasareweird — 2013-09-20 18:39:57 UTC

l. 45 - 48: "To ride abroad had followed chivalry, / Truth, honor, generousness and courtesy. / He had done nobly in his sovereign's war / And ridden into battle, no man more,"

l. 62 - 63: "He had embarked with many a noble host. / In fifteen mortal battles he had been"

l. 70 - 75:

And although so much distinguished, he was wise

And in his bearing modest as a maid.
He never yet a boorish thing had said
In all his life to any, come what might;
He was a true, a perfect gentle-knight

Chaucer speaks of how noble the Knight is and how he follows all the rules, is always kind, fierce, and brave. The Knight is also shown as sympathetic when it says that the Knight only kills others when needed, showing that the Knight is smart about who he kills, he does not destroy civilian homes, abuse women, or hurt children; he is a noble Knight.

Specific words that add to the understanding of the Knight's personality.

zebrasareweird — 2013-09-20 18:40:17 UTC

l. 42 "distinguished," l. 69 "sovereign value," l. 74 "perfect gentle-knight."

So much praise is given to the Knight, seeing as "perfect" is only given to Gods.

Examples of spelling variations from middle to modern English.

zebrasareweird — 2013-09-20 18:41:01 UTC

Chaucer's opinion of/attitude toward the Knight.

zebrasareweird — 2013-09-20 18:41:39 UTC

I believe Chaucer's attitude toward the Knight is very positive. In l. 42 the Knight is described as a "distinguished man" and in l. 74 it says, "He was true, a perfect gentle-knight". There is also the part where Chaucer indirectly characterizes the Knight by saying "he was not gaily dressed," in l. 76, insinuating that the Knight is neither vain nor does he trouble himself with getting really fancy whence setting out on a mission or adventure.

Word choices that require an understanding of vocabulary from the time period.

zebrasareweird — 2013-09-24 18:48:45 UTC

Alexandria - Site of one of the campaigns by Christians against groups who threatened Europe.

Van - Part of the army.

Bey of Balet - Pagan Leader.

Fustian - Course cloth of cotton and linen.