Fine Men DID Exist

Of the four tales we had to choose from, I’d have to say that The Knight’s Tale is my favorite.

                Chivalry has been dead for quite some time now so I am always fascinated whenever I read stories revolving around it.           

                One of the things I thoroughly enjoyed in The Knight’s Tale is the rivalry between Arcite and Palamon for Emily’s affection. I do not believe in love at first sight but I am willing to make an exception. Arcite and Palamon’s willingness to turn against each other for Emily’s love baffles me. It was like Emily came into the picture and their relationship flew out the prisoner’s window.

              I admit, I was a bit shocked by how King Theseus wanted to resolve the Arcite and Palamon’s rivalry. He wanted them to duel – to duel. Physical battling for a maiden’s love must have been common back then but to me, an adolescent in modern times, it seems quite odd. King Theseus could have given both Arcite and Palamon a year or two to woo Emily but he didn’t. He opted for the more lance-friendly choice and it makes me wonder. In the beginning of the story, he was avenging the husbands of some women and now, he’s asking two men to battle it out for a maiden’s affection. Is he a closet battle freak of some sort? Nonetheless, though, King Theseus’s unusual decision made the story more interesting.

                The Knight’s Tale was touching, at times, and for me, the most touching part was when Arcite, as he was dying, told Emily to remember Palamon if she was ever going to marry. It seemed to me as if Arcite had already accepted his death.

                Perhaps what attracted me most to The Knight’s Tale is their portrayal of how powerful and pure love can be. These days, when the only thing love seems to do is get female teenagers pregnant and bring money to fortune-seeking pretty ladies, it’s always refreshing to read something that takes love for what it is – a heaven-sent gift which is not synonymous to lust.