Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales provides a unique view of the political and social aspects of life in the fourteenth century. The chapter The Knight’s Tale depicts a story of romance and rivalry between two knights who seek the hand of a noble maid. This essay will analyze the connection between Emily and the two knights who fell in love with her. Their relationships are full of conflicts, the resolution of which ushers a happy ending.
The two male characters share the same coat of arms, and their fates are bound together after a battle. Chaucer (2003) writes that Palamon and Arcite are “wearing the self-same arms in blazoned pride” when Theseus finds them (p. 30). However, as soon as these characters see the beauty of Theseus’ sister-in-law, their relationships turn to jealousy and strife. Without knowing Emily too close, the knights try to decide who is worthy to win her heart via a duel. Palamon and Arcite are pitted against each other, and their rivalry continues to escalate, although they do not possess hatred toward one another. Chaucer (2003) reveals that Emily’s opinion on this competition appears to be negative, as she prays to Diana to “live a maid,” only to have her wish denied (p. 65). This part of the story shows that Emily’s relationship with both knights is out of her control. After Arcite’s untimely death, Emily and Palamon grieve for their loss yet accept this outcome and give in to fate (Chaucer, 2003). Such a decision leads to a harmonious marriage between the last surviving knight and the maid.
In conclusion, Palamon and Arcite are bound together by their duty and the desire to win Emily’s heart, regardless of her opinion. This rivalry forces them to fight each other despite their pledge. However, they continue to hold their opponent in high regard. Simultaneously, Emily does not show genuine affection to either Palamon or Arcite, yet eventually accepts her fate and marries Palamon, who mourns his fellow knight’s death sincerely.
Reference
Chaucer, G. (2003). The Knight’s Tale. In The Canterbury Tales (N. Coghill, Trans.) (pp. 26-86). Penguin UK.