Readiness to Help the Weak

self that is to get back to Athens which could make lost his life. He would be put on death if he got caught by Theseus, duke of Athens. Palamon shows his bravery through his words when he met with Arcita. He said that he dared to kill Arcita because Arcita also love the woman that he love, even Arcita is his cousin and bounded by knighthood to him. He also accepts Arcita‟s challenge to duel there on the next day. It can be deduced that courage generally shown by actions and by words or verbally. Knights always fulfill their words and it should bring it to reality. So it is cleared that Theseus, Palamon, and Arcita show courageous deeds in this tale.

4.2 Readiness to Help the Weak

A knight should be able to help people who are trapped in a difficulty. People who are in difficulty are those who do not have the power or authority to change or to do something that can improve or make up their life. Readiness in helping the weak attitude is demonstrated through Theseus, who was a persona as a knight in The Knights Tale and this attitude are not found in other knight, Palamon and Arcita. This attitude will be analyzed by describing the lines which shows the knight has the readiness to help those who are weak. The attitude of helping the weak demonstrated firstly by Theseus when he was on his way to the town where he was blocked by a group of women who immediately appealed before him. These women are the ones who are weak as said by a woman in lines 931-933: I, wretched Queen, that weep and wail thus 931 Was once the wife of King Capaneus Who died at Thebes – accursed be the day Chaucer in Kline, 2005 Universitas Sumatera Utara The woman was once the queen of the king Capaneus, who was murdered in Thebes. Thebes is a city ruled by king Capaneus , before the city ruled by Creon, and all the knights of Capaneus killed inhumanely by Creon. This is proof that women can be classified into those who are weak, because they do not have the ability or power to make their self better, to avenge Creon personally. In addition, these women may also be classified as a weak person if we seen from the status, because they no longer have their husband who is supposed to be their protector. Their powerlessness can be viewed on lines 949-951: They fell prone and cried piteously: 949 Have on us wretched women some mercy, And let our sorrow penetrate your heart‟ Chaucer in Kline, 2005 Lines above shows that these women are very helpless. It can be seen from their begging for mercy and compassion of Theseus, by appealing and crying in front of Theseus. They also state that they are wretched woman. They asked for help to who has the power that is Theseus, Duke of Athens that they consider be able to help them to avenge the Creon and they also beg him to return the bodies of their husband. Theseus showed his compassion to the widow who begged for his help to return the bodies of their husbands who were treated inhumanely by Creon. Lines 952-955 showed alacrity of Theseus in helping the weak, the widows who begging on him. The noble Duke with pity gave a start, 952 Leapt from his horse as he heard her speak. He thought that his own heart would break At seeing such piteous victims of fate. Chaucer in Kline, 2005 Universitas Sumatera Utara Lines above tells us that Theseus, Duke of Athens response the women. After hearing the request of the women, he fell from his horse soon. On the lines explained that Theseus has a sense of empathy for these women, as seen in lines 954-955, his heart would broken after seeing the piteous victims like those women. Theseus ‟ attitude which is shown proves that he has a sense of compassion for the weak. Compassion and willing to help immediately arises in him after hearing the crying of the widows who ask for compassion. Theseus does not only show compassion, but eventually he decided to help them to avenge Creon, and restore their husbands body by attacking Thebes, where Creon ruled city. The attitude to help the weak by Theseus also showed when he attacked Thebes, to avenge the women who ask his help. Theseus who won the battle in the city, shows his mercy toward Thebes‟ knights, which is the knight of Creon who dying on the battlefield. Arcita and Palamon are the knights who were seriously injured after the battle occurred. They were injured and almost died because they wounded in almost all of their body, as stated by persona as narrator on lines 1010 and 1011. Pierced with many a grievous bloody wound, 1010 Two young knights, lying side by side, Chaucer in Kline, 2005 Theseus shows his mercy to the weak, in this case toward Palamon and Arcita, which are followers of his enemy Creon. Lines below show that Theseus sends Arcita and Palamon which were injured seriously to prison in Athens. This attitude can be seen on lines 1022-1024: And he at once has them swiftly sent 1022 To Athens, to be confined in prison Universitas Sumatera Utara Perpetually; allowing them no ransom. Chaucer in Kline, 2005 Palamon and Arcita are the nephews of Creon, sons of his sister as stated on lines 1017 – 1019: The heralds knew them, amongst them all, 1017 And that they were of the blood royal Of Thebes, and of two sisters born. Chaucer in Kline, 2005 Line above tells us that Palamon and Arcita are recognized by the followers of Theseus. They are recognizable because they are royal blood of Creon as we can see on line 1018. The word „sisters‟ on line 1019 can be interpreted as biological sisters of the king of Thebes, Creon. Lines above show the compassion of Duke Theseus to both of Theban knights who was injured when Theseus assaulted the city. Arcita and Palamon, are not killed by Theseus, but they are sent to the prison and no one can make up for their freedom. Palamon and Arcita found when the grave diggers were busy in burying the dead knights of Athens and Thebes which were killed in the war. Palamon and Arcita were wounded seriously when the workers found them, and brought them to the place where Theseus has a rest. By sending them to prison, indirectly it can be deduced that Theseus has been helping the weak. It is not impossible if Theseus executed them to avenge the widows, but he did not. Compassion arise in him by give them a lighter punishment by imprisoning them. The knight can be classified into those who are weak because they have been very badly hurt because of the war and they do not have the possibility to heal their wounds, do not have the power to fight back or even to escape. Although do not described in any line, of course we think that Theseus treat and cure them firstly, because they were so badly injured by Universitas Sumatera Utara the war, although they locked up in prison then. Theseus‟s attitude can be considered up into an attitude of readiness to help the weak which shown while dealing with the powerless knights. Having analyzed readiness to help the weak deed, if is found that readiness to help the weak is just only shown by Theseus. Some of descriptions above can be deduced that compassion is owned by Theseus. He does not view the status of the people who are weak. He immediately decides to help those who are weak, such as the widows and his enemy. The widows are considered as the weak because of their status makes them more powerless, while his enemies are considered as the weak because of their wounds. The widows who are appealed before him is helped by his action in avenging Creon and restoring their husband‟s bones back to them. He immediately flies his banner and walks to Thebes with his legion to avenge Creon. After that war, he is given two Theban knights which are wounded badly. Those knights are the followers and the nephews of the tyrant king. He helps those knights by giving them a lighter punishment that is condemned in the prison in Athens. Those knights are the followers of the tyrant king.

4. 3 Religious

One of the attitudes contained in Chivalry is a knight must devout himself in what he believed. The knights in this tale believe that worship towards the gods exactly will point their way and how they should act. The Knights also believe that their fate is in the hands of the gods which they believed. The speaker in The Knights Tale has confidence to the gods of ancient Roman belief. Palamon believes to Venus that is the Roman ‟s goddess of romance, which is believed to regulate any romance on the Romans. Arcita believes in Mars the god of war, which was believed Universitas Sumatera Utara to provide protection and strength in battle, meanwhile Theseus believes to Mars, Venus, and Diana. Palamon is devoted to Venus, one of the ancient Roman goddess. This attitude was first seen when he was with Arcita in the prison while looking toward Emily ‟s figure in the park. This we can know through lines 1111-1112: Is the cause of all my crying and my woe. 1100 I know not if she be woman or a goddess, But Venus she is in truth, I‟d guess.‟ Chaucer in Kline, 2005 Line 1100 is the explanation of Palamon condition that time. Palamon feels so sad because he is in prison, and at that time he saw a beautiful woman, so that makes him fall in love with her. That causes Palamon being so sad, and the sadness makes him think that the woman is Venus in truth. Line 1113 is a statement of Palamon, when he believed that the figure he saw was a figure of Venus, the goddess that he believed. After he thinks that he has saw Venus, then he shows his faith through lines 1103-1107: And with that on his knees down he fell 1103 And said: Venus, if it be your will To appear before me in this figure In that garden, a sorrowful wretched creature, Out of this prison help us to escape. Chaucer in Kline, 2005 From the lines can be identified how Palamon trusts Venus. Once he believes he had seen that figure as Venus, he immediately knelt down and prayed to Venus that appears in a figure of a beautiful woman in the park out of the prison. Contain of the prayer can be identified on line 1107, which he begged Venus to help them to escape from prison. That was not only Palamon ‟s prayer when the figure that Universitas Sumatera Utara he believed as Venus appeared. Palamon also give up his life to Venus as well as on lines 1108-1111: And if my destiny is already shaped 1108 By eternal word to die in prison, On our lineage have some compassion, That is brought so low by tyranny. Chaucer in Kline, 2005 Palamon also asks Venus to love his relation, although Palamon destined to die in prison. This second prayer of Palamon is a form of giving up his live to Venus. He believes Venus will love his relation and their descendants who may be treated arbitrarily by the ruler of Thebes that is Theseus. Lines above are the words of Palamon when he saw Emily from the prison bars. He considers that the Goddess Venus appears in a figure of Emily, so he makes a prayer to Venus. Palamons attitude here is a kind devout attitude, because he hopes and believes that Venus is heard his prayer. Believing in Venus which is shown by Palamon also can be seen when he went to the Altar of Venus. Palamon comes to Venus because he wants to be ready for the tournament which will be held in the next day. Palamon comes to her, pray and pour out his heart. Palamon glorify the image of Venus, the Roman goddess which he believes and adores. The adoration is shown by Palamon on lines 2221- 2224, by higher and exalting the position of Venus as one of the influential goddess in Roman. „Fairest of Fair, O my lady Venus, 2221 Daughter to Jove and spouse to Vulcanus, Who gladden Cithaeron‟s summit, By that love you showed Adonis, Chaucer in Kline, 2005 Universitas Sumatera Utara Lines above show us how Palamon adored Venus. Before invoke something to her, Palamon adored Venus first by exalting the name of Venus. Line 2221 proves that Palamon believe Venus as a fairy goddess. It is a sign that Palamon expects a justice from Venus in the tournament which will be held on the next day. Palamon exalts Venus again through his words. It can be seen on lines 2222- 2224, where Palamon is exalting the position of Venus as a great goddess and has an important position in his capacity as a goddess. As said by Palamon, Venus can be classified as the great goddess because she is the daughter of the god Jove or Jupiter, the king of the Roman gods, who sits on the sky. Venus is also the wife of Vulcanus, god of fire who is also the son of the god Jupiter from goddess Juno. Venus is also the mother of Adonis, the goddess of beauty and desire. This praise was appointed by Palamon because he believes that Venus will listen to his prayer after he worships and exalts Venus first. After worshiping and exalting Venus, Palamon express the purpose of his arrival. The purpose of his arrival can be seen on lines 2225-2226: Have pity on my bitter tears‟ smart, 2225 And take my humble prayer to heart. Chaucer in Kline, 2005 Lines above show us that Palamon comes to Venus with a broken heart. He begs for Venus ‟ compassion, accepts his request and grants it to be realty. He appeals to Venus as a weak and suffering creature as shown on line 2227-2229: Alas, I neither language have to tell 2227 Of the effects, nor torments of my hell, My heart may my hurt not display; Chaucer in Kline, 2005 Universitas Sumatera Utara Lines above show the condition of Palamon which come with his suffering. His suffering was caused by the torments of his hell. Hell illustrates the love story which very tortured him, because he loves a woman who is also loved by his friends and it makes them get in hostile. This is the means of hell that he was saying. Feeling so sad, Palamon comes to Venus and expressed his arrival. The purpose of the overall Palamon ‟s arrival can be seen on lines 2238-2241: I wield not my weapons boastfully, 2238 Nor do I ask tomorrow‟s victory, Nor for renown, nor for the vain glory Of skill in arms proclaimed up and down; Chaucer in Kline, 2005 Lines above are Palamon ‟s words through a prayer. From the prayer, there is an overall view of his request. Lines above show an attitude of humility of Palamon which he addressed to Venus with a broken heart. He does not ask to be won in the tournament which was held in the next day, because fame is not important for Palamon. Palamon begs her to bless him so that he can fight well. Palamon ‟s attitude shows a form of religious deeds in him. By humbling himself, he comes to Venus so that Venus gives her mercy to him, and grants his request. It is a form of religious, because people who believe in something which he worshiped, he shall humble themselves before praying to it. After humbled himself toward Venus, he expresses his heart that he could have Emily, either he wins or lose in the tournament. It can be seen on the following lines: But I would have complete possession 2242 Of Emily, and die in your service. Choose you the manner how, in what guise, I care not, whether it better be, To have victory of them or they of me, Universitas Sumatera Utara If I but have my lady in my arms. Chaucer in Kline, 2005 From the lines above we can conclude that Palamon gives up his life to Venus. Palamon wants two things in the prayer that is live for having Emily and death as a devout servant of Venus, as we can see on line 2243. It does not matter whether he won or lost the tournament, but the most important thing for him is owns Emily fully. He would rather die than did not have Emily at his side. If his request is granted by Venus, Palamon vowed to devout his live to Venus. Palamon promised to serve her more often as we can see on line 2251, “At your temple I will worship evermore so, ”, Chaucer in Kline, 2005. Palamon ‟s oath is a form of belief where he promised through a sacrifice if Venus granted his request, having Emily by his side. Palamon is willing to sacrifice more time to worship Venus. Sacrifice to Venus is a form of devout deed shown by Palamon in his prayer. Palamon knows that his victory in the tournament is determined by Mars, because Mars was the one who set up and give strength to a warrior. But Palamon, once again believes that the power of Venus is more needed to gain Emily to his side, as we can see on lines 2248-2250: For though it be that Mars is god of arms, 2248 Your power is so great in heaven above, That if you wish it, I shall have my love. Chaucer in Kline, 2005 Palamon believes that the power of Venus is greater than the power of Mars. Palamon ‟s purpose is not to win the tournament, but to have Emily. Mars does not have the power to grant his hopes to have Emily, but Venus could grant it. Palamon Universitas Sumatera Utara also requests something if he did not allowed having Emily. Palamon is rather to die than not have her by his side. Palamons desire can be seen on line 2254-2260: And if you will not so, my lady sweet, 2254 Then pray I that tomorrow with a spear This Arcita may through my heart pierce. Then care I not, when I have lost my life, That Arcita may win her as his wife. This is the aim and end of my prayer: Give me my love, you blessed lady dear‟ 2260 Chaucer in Kline, 2005 Death is something that he wants if he could not have Emily. He begs Venus to lets Arcita ‟s spear pierces his heart so that he lost his life. Seeing Emily lived with Arcita will rise up the hellfire which he felt at the time, so he would rather die before Arcita have Emily completely. From an event that is when Palamon prays to Venus, there are many forms of belief which are shown by Palamon. The religious deeds are exalting Venus, humble his self before Venus, invoke to Venus, sacrifice his self if Venus granted his request, and want to die as a devout of Venus. From these acts, a conclusion can be drawn that Palamon is a religious knight, devout himself to Venus. Arcita also a religious knight in The Knights Tale because he devout his self to Mars, the Roman god of war. The religious deed was showed when he came to the altar of Mars to invoke his request a day before the tournament. On that occasion, Arcita is glorifying Mars because he believes Mars will help him when he fought in the tournament. Arcita glorifies the strength and power of Mars, as can be seen on lines 2373-2377: „O mighty god, that in the regions cold 2373 Of Thrace honoured are, and lordship hold, And have in every kingdom, every land Of weapons all control in your hand, Universitas Sumatera Utara And as you wish their fates devise – Chaucer in Kline, 2005 From the lines above, Arcita adores Mars by way of exalting the strength and power that owned by Mars. Arcita believes Mars as a very strong and powerful god. It is a sign that Arcita expects the strength of Mars in the tournament which will he face on the next day. Arcita exalts Mars because of the strength and power of Mars. In the lines explain that Mars is a highly respected in Thrace, where he resides. Mars is also believed by Arcita as a god who has power in every country, the ruler of ability of someone while fighting, and also determines the fate in the war. Arcita believes when he came begging to Mars by way of praising the strength and power that is owned Mars first, the request will be granted by Mars. After exalting and worshiping Mars, Arcita humbled herself before Mars, as shown by lines 2381-2383: Your godhead, and I be one of thine, 2381 Then I pray you, pity this pain of mine, For this suffering and this hot fire Chaucer in Kline, 2005 Arcita humbled himself by way of calling himself are owned by Mars. He Appealed to Mars with his pain he suffered which caused by a hot fire in him. Hot fire is an illustration of feeling that burned by jealousy, because his friend Palamon also loved the same woman. By showing his pain and suffering, Arcita hopes Mars will has mercy on him, and granted his request that he is given the strength and ability in the tournament. Arcita argues, only by strength something which is grabbed can be won. It can be proved on lines 2398 - 2341: And well I know, before her love I win, 2398 I must gain her by strength in this place; And well I know, without help or grace Universitas Sumatera Utara Of yours my strength nothing will avail. Chaucer in Kline, 2005 Lines above show that the main expectation of Arcita towards Mars is strength. This is clearly illustrated in the line in 2399; Arcita must be strong to be able to win Emily. Arcita thinks if he just rely on his own without relying on the strength of Mars, is something futile. Arcita feels that he would fail without a blessing in a form of power from Mars. Arcita prays for power towards Mars. Request for power can be seen from some of the lines, on line 2380 and 2399 where the word strength experienced repetition. And if my strength be worthy to serve 2380 I must gain her by strength in this place; 2399 Chaucer in Kline, 2005 The repetition above can be concluded what is exactly Arcita emphasized in his prayer. The strength is the request of Arcita to Mars, so he would be shrewd in using of weapons during the tournaments. After purposes his request, Arcita asks Mars to bless, as describe on lines 2402 and line 2405: Then help me, lord, let my arm not fail, 2402 And let me tomorrow win the victory. 2405 Chaucer in Kline, 2005 Arcita hopes his request is granted by Mars so he could shrewd in using a weapon in the tournament, and gains victory then. Arcita argues that victory in that tournament can be won only with agility and proficiency in using weapons. Therefore Arcita begged his arms were blessed so that his hands would be shrewd at using weapons as well as on line in 2402. After purpose his request, Arcita makes a promise in his prayer. The promise contained on lines 2410-2411 and 2414-2418: And in your temple I will hang my banner, 2410 And all the emblems of my company; … Universitas Sumatera Utara And to this also my word I bind: 2414 My beard, my hair that hangs all a-down That never yet the touch has known Of razor or of shears, to you I‟ll give, And be your true servant while I live. Chaucer in Kline, 2005 The first Arcita ‟s promise is putting his war banner on Mars‟s temple and uses the attributes of Mars on his legion. This is done to demonstrate his sincerity in appealing to Mars. By using attributes of Mars, Arcita hopes Mars will see his sincerity, and willing him to win the war. In addition, by using the attributes of Mars, Arcita will feel Mars will come to fight with him, so victory can be achieved by Arcita absolutely. Arcita ‟s second promise is a sign of gratitude if he won by Mars. Arcita promises to shave his beard and hair, and presents it to Mars as a sign of thankfulness. The hair shaving can be categorized as a sacrifice, because Arcita said that his beard and hair were never cut or touched by anyone. Arcita also would to sacrifice the rest of his life to be a devout of Mars. After telling his sacrifice, once again Arcita emphasized his request to Mars, which is found in lines 2419-2420: Now, lord, have pity on my sorrows sore; 2419 Give me the victory I ask n o more‟ Chaucer in Kline, 2005 Victory is absolutely desired by Arcita. Victory can only be achieved if he is given the power from Mars. Line 2420 emphasized that he wants to win and does not desire anything else. Victory is more important for Arcita, rather than having Emily. From an event, that is when Arcita pray to Mars before the tournament begins, there are many forms of belief which are shown Arcita. The belief attitude are exalts Mars, humbling before Mars, invoke to Mars, sacrifice when Mars grant his request, Devout the rest of his life as a faithful servant of Mars. From those attitudes, a conclusion can be drawn that Arcita is a religious knight. Universitas Sumatera Utara Theseus also shows the religious attitude in The Knights Tale. His religious deed is shown when he is preparing the theater to hold a tournament between Palamon and Arcita. As proof that he believes to the Roman god, he builds the theater which are completed by altars of the gods, namely the altar of Mars, altar of Venus, and the altar of Diana. He builds the altar of Venus on the east, as described on lines 1903-1905: Eastward he had upon the gate above, 1903 To worship Venus, Goddess of love, Made an altar and an oratory; Chaucer in Kline, 2005 Build an altar for Venus is a form of religious deeds because altar is a place to worship and pray to the god. The Romans believed that Venus protects people who are in love. Theseus expects Venus to interferes in the match, because the match was held because a struggle of love. The altar is used by Palamon to pray and worships to Venus. Theseus also builds two other altar for worshipping Mars and Diana, as shown on lines 1906-1912: And on the westward gate in memory 1906 Of Mars, had made such another, That cost a heap of gold, moreover. And northward in a turret on the wall, Of alabaster white and red coral An oratory, rich indeed to see, In worship of Diana of Chastity, Chaucer in Kline, 2005 Altar of Mars is built in front of and facing the altar of Venus, which is located in the west. Theseus builds the altar of Mars decorated with gold, as a sign of respect and glorify Mars. The Romans believed that Mars was the one who protects the people who are in war. This is an expectation of Theseus that Mars would gives Universitas Sumatera Utara courage to the knights who will participate in the tournament. Altar of Mars is finally used by Arcita to invoke the power and shrewdness in using weapon in the battle. Theseus built the altar for Diana at the north side and decorates the altar with alabaster and red coral, as a sign that Theseus also worships to goddess Diana. Alabaster is a symbol of purity, because Diana is the Roman Goddess who protects the virgins. Red coral is a symbol of majesty, because red coral is a stone that is very hard get. Theseus wants Diana to keep his sister, so that his sister could find a person who truly loved her. Dianas altar eventually used by Emily to request that no more hostile between Palamon and Arcita after the tournament ended, although anyone who becomes the winner. Emily also requested Diana to choose one of the men, Arcita and Palamon, who really loves her. Theseus shows his religious deeds also when he came to Thebes to fight Creon. He brings white flag with image of Mars, the god of war of Roman. It can be found on lines 975 - 976: The image of red Mars, with spear and shield 975 So shone on his white banner, his penown renown, Chaucer in Kline, 2005 Theseus brings flags with the image of Mars to his way with his legion to Thebes. Mars on that banner is protected by shield and bringing spears. Shield is a symbol of protection while spear is a weapon that symbolizing power. That is a sign that Theseus wants he is given protection and power by Mars. As a believer knight, he believes that Mars would give him strength and power so his purpose to come to Thebes may get the best result by the will of Mars. Universitas Sumatera Utara Some descriptions above is a proof that Theseus is a believers, have such great belief to the gods and goddess that will influence the tournament. From the lines above, it can be deduced that Theseus is a person who believes in the god of the Roman ‟s belief. Those actions show that Theseus was a religious and faithful knight to the Roman gods and goddesses. From the analysis, it can be deduced that all of the knights show their religiousness toward the gods. Palamon, as has been described shows his religiousness to Venus verbally, by his words in form of a prayer. He invokes to Venus to let him to have Emily. While he prays, he also performs the other forms of religious deed that is promising to sacrifice his self, humbling his self before Venus, exalts her, and wants to die as a devout follower of Venus if Venus granted his request; it is to having Emily whether he is the winner or the loser of the tournament. Arcita shows his religiousness to Mars verbally and orally. His prayer to Mars is his religious form verbally, because he shows his beliefs by his words through the prayer. He invokes to be given strength and power in order to gain victory in the tournament, so he can have his lady Emily. Same as Palamon, he also promises to make a sacrifice, humbles his self to Mars, exalting Mars, and willing to be the devout follower of Mars if his request is granted by Mars.. Theseus also shows religious deeds. His acts in completing the theater of the tournament with altar of the gods are a form of religiousness. He believes that the gods will keep those tournament will be held humanely as he wish. Theseus also shows his religious deed while he attacks Thebes. He brings flags with Mars image in it, in order to makes Mars would bless the war which will be faced by Theseus. Universitas Sumatera Utara

4.4 Honor