The Knight's Tale

A few things to consider as we move forward:

1. Poor Emily. All she wants out of life is to be chaste, pure, and free from boy drama. However, even the goddess of chastity (Diana) herself denies her that privilege! Yet Arcite and Palamon lie, cheat, and disobey the king, and they are rewarded with honor and love. Why does the Knight (or Chaucer) tell a tale of such imbalance? Is this tale used to further oppress women of royalty? Let's not forget that Hippolyta, the queen herself, was won as a prize in war!

2. We see consistent connections between Emily and the month of May. Think of springtime as a symbol of fertility (as we touched on in class). What connection can be made between May and Emily's virginity? She is preserving flowers and she wishes to preserve her virginity...coincidence?

3. Judging by the tale he chooses to tell, what is important to the Knight? What does he value? What is he trying to teach the rest of the pilgrims? If you were judging the stories for the contest, what score would you give him?

4. Is all fair in love and war? I will keep asking you that until the day you graduate.