Knights’ Chivalry In The Knight’s Tale Of Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales

(1)

Knights’ Chivalry in The Knight’s Tale of Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales

A THESIS

BY:

JEMARIO MESTIKA REG. NO. 090705028

SUPERVISOR CO-SUPERVISOR

Dra. Redita Lubis, Dip. Appl. Ling. M.Hum Mahmud Arief Albar, SS. MA NIP.19490423 197412 2 001 NIP. 19820904 200501 1 010

Submitted to Faculty of Cultural Studies University of Sumatra Utara Medan in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Sarjana Sastra from Department of English

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

FACULTY OF CULTURAL STUDIES UNIVERSITY OF SUMATERA UTARA MEDAN 2014

(2)

Approved by the Department of English, Faculty of Cultural Studies Univiersity of Sumatra Utara (USU) Medan as thesis for the Sarjana Sastra Examination.

Head, Secretary,

Dr. H. Muhizar Muchtar, MS Dr. Rahmatsyah Rangkuti, M.A. PhD

(3)

Accepted by the Board of Examiners in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Sarjana Sastra from the Department of English, Faculty of Cultural Studies University of Sumatra Utara.

The examination is held in the Faculty of Cultural Studies University of Sumatra Utara on Saturday, April 19, 2013.

The Dean of Faculty of Cultural Studies University of Sumatra Utara

Dr. H. Syahron Lubis, M.A. NIP 19511013 197603 1 001

Board of Examiners

Dr. H. Muhizar Muchtar, M.S. ……….

Dr. Rahmatsyah Rangkuti, M.A. PhD ……….

Dra. Redita Lubis, Dip. Appl. Ling. M.Hum ……….

Dra. Martha Pardede, M.S. ……….

(4)

AUTHOR’S DECLARATION

I, JEMARIO MESTIKA DECLARE THAT I AM THE SOLE AUTHOR OF THIS THESIS EXCEPT WHERE REFERENCE IS MADE IN THE TEXT OF THIS THESIS. THIS THESIS CONTAINS NO MATERIAL PUBLISHED ELSEWHERE OR EXTRACTED IN WHOLE OR IN PART FROM A THESIS BY WHICH I HAVE QUALIFIED FOR OR AWARDED ANOTHER DEGREE. NO OTHER PERSON’S WORK HAS BEEN USED WITHOUT DUE ACKNOWLEDMENTS IN THE MAIN TEXT OF THIS THESIS. THIS THESIS HAS NOT BEEN SUBMITTED FOR THE AWARD OF ANOTHER DEGREE IN ANY TERTIARY EDUCATION.

Signed:

(5)

COPYRIGHT DECLARATION

NAME : JEMARIO MESTIKA

TITTLE OF THESIS : KNIGHTS’ CHIVALRY IN THE KNIGHT’S

TALE OF GEOFFREY CHAUCER’S THE CANTERBURY TALES

QUALIFICATION : S-1/SARJANA SASTRA

DEPARTMENT : ENGLISH

I AM WILLING THAT MY THESIS SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR

REPRODUCTION AT DISCRETION OF THE LIBRARIAN OF

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH, FACULTY OF CULTURAL STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF SUMATRA UTARA ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT USERS ARE MADE AWARE OF THEIR OBLIGATION UNDER LAW OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA.

Signed: Date :

(6)

ACKNOWLEDMENT

the truth is i really can‟t stand by myself. thank you for my greatest friend, he

is jesus christ, because of his guidance, i got the light on my path. i can‟t said nothing but thank you for all of your blessing and your grace for me. i also would to

thank my parents, my pa j. gurusinga and my ma. br. tarigan for everything they‟ve

given to me. thank you too for my brother, j.gurusinga, and my two beautiful sister for their support and patience when we was on down. i also would to thanks bolang

tigan and nondong karo, without you, i can‟t move as far as today. bujur ras mejuah -juah man banta kerina, dibata singkekelengi kita.

i also would to say thanks to my supervisor, mdm. redita lubis, and my 2nd

supervisor mr. mahmud arief albar. thank you for your guiding me in writing the

thesis, and also your advice, your time and everything you‟ve given to me.

my thanks also goes to all of closest friends in kampus, alvin, daniel, kedan, chyma, petra, omi, melisa, yova, bang jo, and aprina. we are team :D thank you for

your time, and your patience too, when i‟m on my trance wkwkwkwkwk. it was very

nice when someone got trance (:I ) and there are friends as the audience (:you) :D

thank you too for all my friends, 09. it is amazing when we were trapped in a

trouble, and we solved it together. without you, i also can‟t move forward. thank you

too for my friends in 08010011. thanks for your advice, and for the laugh we‟ve made :D thank you too for you all 010 and 011 for being my friends, and the time

(7)

my special thanks also goes to all of the weird creature in warnet wkwkwkwkwk. thank you bang jun, leo, bang dolek, bang gon, pak ded, and all of you there. i am glad for being your friend :D

Medan, April 1014

(8)

ABSTRACT

Skripsi ini berjudul “KNIGHTS‟ CHIVALRY IN THE KNIGHT‟S TALE OF GEOFFREY CHAUCER‟S THE CANTERBURY TALES” membahas tentang

kekesatriaan yang dtunjukkan oleh para ksatria yang terdapat didalam The Knight‟s

Tale karya Geoffrey Chaucer, yaitu Theseus, Palamon, dan Arcita. Kekesatriaan

dapat diidentifikasi melalui tindakan-tindakan dan ucapan-ucapan kebajikan yang dilakukan oleh para ksatria. Tindakan kebajikan tersebut dapat digolongkan menjadi empat jenis, yaitu ksatria harus berani, ksatria harus sigap dalam membantu orang lemah, ksatria harus beriman atau taat kepada agama, dan ksatria harus terhormat. Tindakan kebajikan tersebut sangat dipelihara dan dijunjung tinggi oleh para ksatria yang ada didalam The Knight‟s Tale. Tindakan-tindakan tersebut diuraikan secara jelas dan lengkap, sehingga kemudian dapat disimpulkan bagaimana etika dan penerapan tindakan tersebut oleh para ksatria, yang terdapat didalam The Knights‟s Tale.

(9)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Author‟s Declaration i

Acknowledment iii

Abstract v

Table of Contents vi

CHAPTER I : INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study……….... 1

1.2 Problems of the Study ……….……… 7

1.3 Objective of the Study……….……… 8

1.4 Scope of the Study…………...……… 8

1.5 Significance of the Study…….……… 8

CHAPTER II : REVIEW OF LITERATURE 2.1 Narrative Poetry………... 9

2.1.1 Characters in Poetry ………. 10

2.1.2 Theme and Subtheme ………... 11

2.1.3 Setting ……….………. 12

2.2 Chivalry……… 12

CHAPTER III : METHOD OF RESEARCH 3.1 Methodology of the Research ……… 14

3.2 Source of Data……… 14

3.3 Data Collecting………... 15

(10)

CHAPTER IV : FINDINGS AND DESCRIPTION

4.1 Courage……… 16

4.2 Readiness to Help the Weak……… 28

4.3 Religious……….. 32

4.4 Honor……… 45

CHAPTER V : CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION

5.1 Conclusion 53

5.2 Suggestion 55

REFERENCES 56

(11)

ABSTRACT

Skripsi ini berjudul “KNIGHTS‟ CHIVALRY IN THE KNIGHT‟S TALE OF GEOFFREY CHAUCER‟S THE CANTERBURY TALES” membahas tentang

kekesatriaan yang dtunjukkan oleh para ksatria yang terdapat didalam The Knight‟s

Tale karya Geoffrey Chaucer, yaitu Theseus, Palamon, dan Arcita. Kekesatriaan

(12)

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

1.1Background of the Study

Chivalry can be considered as an ancient norm, because it was only applied in the old and middle age of Britain. Chivalry consists of four commendable acts such as courage, religious, readiness to help the weak, and honorable. Those deeds appear in The Knight‟s Tale, one of twenty three tales in Geoffrey Chaucer‟s The

Canterbury Tales. Tale as we know is a kind of literary work.

„Literature‟ is a term from middle age, that are „lettre‟ in Frence or litera in Latin

which referred as written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit. Literature can be judged as a media to share an idea through words in oral or written form. The idea is built by beautiful words which would interest the reader, listener, or the spectator. Knowledge, understanding, illustration and stories are used to be transferred by it. Roberts & Jacobs in their books An Introduction to

Reading and Writing stated that literature refers to compositions that tell stories,

dramatize situation, express emotions, and analyze and advocate ideas (1995:1). The stories, situations, emotions, and ideas must be derived from real life, so generally

literature can be considered as the mirror of human‟s mind in a written or oral form.

Robert Eaglestone in his book Doing English stated that perhaps literature is

more like a verb, a „doing‟, than it is a noun or thing (2000:50). By the opinion above, it can be said that it is not too important to define what literature is, because it

(13)

more we try to define, the more we will lose the essential of literature. Therefore, generally literature can be considered as the mirror of human life to tell stories, dramatize situations, and express emotions in the most beautiful and artistic way, whether it is written or oral. Yet, not all written materials should be classified into literature. Literature must always be interesting; it must always have a structure and an aesthetic purpose, a total coherence and effect (Wellek and Warren, 1967:212). As result from those opinions, there is a conclusion that it is easier to understand literature is something which cannot be defined but something which can be

considered. Literature can be considered as “nothing at all” which has an aesthetic

purpose, a total coherence and effect when we wander in it.

There are three traditional genres of literature: lyric, epic or narrative poem, and drama (Wellek and Warren, 1977: 25). As time changes, the genres develop where lyric becomes poetry and epic or narrative poem becomes prose but drama still has its own name. Poetry today has various kinds in order to be classified easier.

The origin of the word is the Greek word, poiema; that is, “something made

or fashioned [in words]”. Poetry is written in verses which each verse has relational meaning to the other verse. Poetry is not just the creation of meaningful arrangement of words. Poetry also reflects idea towards something that poet thinks about. We must enter the imagination of the poet and try to feel what does the poem means, which only can be understood by understanding every word which are contained, so it can picture everything that we cannot see and also gives us, maybe much

information of poet‟s purposes. Robert and Jacobs in their book Literature: An

Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama state that poetry and poem describe a

(14)

variety of subjects. Because of the variety, it is not possible to make a single, comprehensive definition (1995: 547).

One type of poetry which was popular in the middle age is blank verse. Blank verse is type of poetry which use unrhymed iambic pentameter pattern. Kennedy in his book Literature: An Introduction of Fiction, Poetry, and Drama says that iambic pentameter is a line of five iambs, a meter especially familiar because it occurs in all blank verse (1991: 651). Iambic is the stress of a line which has one-two rhythm, where the stress is in the second. Pentameter is a scale for a line that has five feet which measured from the number of units which each unit has two syllables. In other words, iambic pentameter can be defined to be a line that has five feet, which each foot has two syllables, where the stress is on the second syllable.

Beneath are examples of what is called blank verse with iambic pentameter. The examples are taken from original spelling of The Knight‟s Tale lines 1587-1594.

5. And thogh that I no wepne have in this place→ And‟ thogh | That‟ I | no‟

(15)

8. Or thou ne shalt noght loven Emelye → Or „ thou | ne „ salt | noght „ lo | ven Emi | lye__

Eight lines above consist of five feet which from one foot to the other has two syllables to make a rhythmical form. A foot is ended by the symbol (|). So the first foot in the first line is I‟wol and the second foot is be deed. The stress in each foot is in the second syllable, which is marked with __. A syllable to another syllable is separated by („). From the unrhymed seven lines above is also a proof that The Canterbury Tales does not have a rhyme. A little analysis above prove that The Canterbury Tales are written in the form of blank verse, because it is unrhymed and formed in iambic pentameter which have five feet and the stress is on the second syllable. The Canterbury Tales is a narrative poem, because there is no feeling expression and thoughts of the author, but it contains tales that are combined by author into a book. Kennedy explained in his book that the narrative poem is a poem whose main goal is to tell a story (1977: 504).

The Canterbury Tales contains tales or stories from many tellers. Chaucer

packs all of the tales into a book named The Canterbury Tales. The tales are taken from the stories which were told by the tellers in a group of pilgrims which are going to see the tomb of Thomas à Becket in Canterbury. Each tale depicts the teller‟s attitude and life experiences. The pilgrims have different professions, that makes the tales which they tell is fitted to their profession. There are twenty three kinds of profession which have the tales in The Canterbury Tales, they are: Knight, Miller, Reeve, Cook, Man of Law, Friar, Nun, Physician, Pardoner, Prioress, Monk, Yeomen, Parson, Wife of Bath,

(16)

Summoner, Clerk, Merchant, Squire, Franklin, Shipman, Manciple, Sir Thopas, and Canon. Each pilgrim must tell a story in turn, in their way to Canterbury. One of those pilgrims is a knight and at his turn, he told the tale about knight. His tale is considered as The Knight‟s Tale which is taken as the source of material of the thesis. The Knight‟s Tale represents the knight‟s identity. The life of the knight who tells the story has a similarity to the life of knights in that tale.

Knights are men with courage, honor, justice, faith, skilled in using weapon, and appointed directly by king to be the guardian of the king and his kingdom. Knights also serve the church beside dedicate his life to their kingdom, and it proves that knights are devout. They uphold their behavior and deeds based on the norm of the knights, which known as chivalry. Chivalry that was brought by the knights as the norm of his life is also owned by the knights in that tale.

This Thesis analyze the knight‟s deeds toward chivalry from the character of The

Knight‟s Tale, they are Theseus, Palamon Arcita, which is pointed out in a love triangle between Palamon and arcita toward Theseus‟ sister. This tale is talking about Arcita and Palamon, Knights of Thebes which is sent to the prison by Theseus, a duke which conquer Thebes. Palamon and Arcita try to escape from the prison not for their

freedom, but because “love”. They fall in love for same maiden - the duke‟s sister, which conquer their city. It seems impossible that a prisoner can get a love from a

conqueror‟s sister. The knights, try to change the impossible thing become possible by their efforts in this tale. The knights, who are bounded by knighthood become rivalry each other to win their love. Love triangle is the theme of this tale. From the theme, subtheme becomes the subject that the writer wants to analyze in this thesis that is chivalry of the knights that contains four deeds namely courage, honor,

(17)

religious, and readiness to help the weak which really appear in The Knight‟s Tale by Geoffrey Chaucer.

Geoffrey Chaucer (1343 – 25 October 1400) was born in London, the son of a city wine-merchant. His life was active and his employments diverse. Chaucer writes five great literary works and a lot of poetry, beside of The Canterbury Tales. The five great literary works are: translation of Roman de la Rose (1360s), The book of

Duchess (1368), The House of Fame (1375), The Parliament of Fowls (1380),

Troilus & Criseyde (1381 – 1386), and The Legend of Good Women (1386-1387). He

begins his career at seventeenth as a page (boy who works for knight while training to be a knight himself, Oxford: 2000) and two years later he becomes a soldier. At twenty nine years old, he becomes a squire of Duke of Lancaster, John of Gaunt in France for an expedition. In age of thirtieth, he works as a diplomat in Italy and

France. In thirty first, he works as esquire of king‟s chamber. Chaucer according to

Emile in His book History of English Literature stated that Chaucer constantly uses English for his works in fourteenth century (Emile, 1945: 140, 135). Chaucer‟s choice to use English as the nature of his poems is a proof of his decision and of his sure judgment. Chaucer does not let his works to be tempted by Latin and France, which have influence English for three centuries. His works are the trial to pureeing

English, to clear English from the influence of Latin and France. The Chaucer‟s trial

was not easy, because using pure English without any Latin or France in a literary works is considered as a poor works in that time. According to Emile, Chaucer has ends the middle ages which are dominated by Latin and France for three centuries with his highly-skilled verses in his works. His deed has make middle-age English give its fragrance (Emile Legouis, 1945: 130, 153).

(18)

It would be nice if chivalry as appeared in Chaucer‟s The Knight‟s Tale can

arise again as human‟s nature of this twenty first century. In our country Indonesia,

these natures are already set down after forty years, the reign of our first president, Mr. Sukarno. After that era, most of leaders in Indonesia are proved that they have bad reputation because of corruption, bribing, no responsibility, and neglect the interest of people. Those are caused by they did not try to own the nature of knights. The nature of knights In The Knight‟s Tale is hard to find in common people nowadays. However, we would be glad because Mr. Jokowi the governor of DKI Jakarta has mirrored the natures of knights in The Knight‟s Tale. He has shown many acts which can be concluded as acts in loving his people. Oftentimes he blends with his people, seeing the real condition of his people. Others which have mirrored the

knight‟s nature are Mr. Munir, and Ms. Butet Manurung. These two people have

done the honorable deeds and have devoted their self to people who really need their help.

1.2 Problems of the Study

There are many tales that contained in The Canterbury Tales. Each tale is referenced to each character and also depicts their behavior and responsibility toward a problem. There are twenty three characters which told their stories which seems to heighten their profession in their surroundings. Knights are characters which have unique deeds as depicted in The Knight‟s Tale in The Canterbury Tales. The analysis will answer the following questions:

1. What kinds of chivalry act were done by the knights in The Knight‟s Tale? 2. How was chivalry expressed?

(19)

1.3Objective of the Study

After exploring those questions above, the writer tries to find out the answers of those questions, they are:

1. To identify the knight‟s chivalry, especially in the middle age. 2. To elaborate how the chivalry acts expressed by the knights. 1.4Scope of the Study

Through this thesis, the writer wants to analyze and describe the knights‟

chivalry which is found in The Knight‟s Tale of Geoffrey Chaucer‟s The Canterbury

Tales. Chivalry contains courage, readiness to help the weak, religious, and honor

which are reflected through Palamon, Arcita, and Theseus in The Knight‟s Tale.

1.5Significance of the Study

The significances of this analysis are as follow:

1. To enrich the literary study especially about the knight character as depict

in The Canterbury Tales.

2. To understand how the knight‟s expressed the chivalry through their deeds and behavior.

(20)

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

2.1 The Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is poetry which its purpose to tell story by using poetic devices like rhythm, rhyme, beautiful words, and sound tension. Narrative poem is the oldest type of poetry because it has been used before printing tool is found. Blank verse or unrhymed iambic pentameter is the most used in writing the narrative poem. People are used to use narrative poem as the media to share a story to entertain their self. The story which is shared orally then attached with rhythm and rhyme to make the story has a musical rhythm in order to make the story easier to remember.

Character, setting, and plot are the elements which are existed in a narrative poem. Those elements nowadays become an approach which is used in analyzing a

literary works, especially narrative poem. Kennedy said that “evidently the art of

narrative poetry invites the skills of a writer of fiction; the ability to draw characters and settings briefly, to engage attention, to shape a plot” (1991:504). Meanwhile other critics Robert & Jacobs presented a same concept evidently that the essence of fiction is a narration, to tell a story, events and actions (1995:49). Based on the statement from Kennedy and Roberts & Jacobs, there is a similarity between prose fiction and narrative poem that is to tell a story. Therefore, a narrative poem absolutely has all of the elements which is contain in a prose fiction like characters, settings, plot, theme, and others. The theory by Roberts & Jacobs above becomes a theory which will be used in analyzing “The Knight‟s Tale” to identify and elaborate the subtheme of the story that is the chivalry of knights. The subtheme can be identified by analyzing the characters, setting, and the theme of the story.

(21)

2.1.1 Characters in Poetry

Characters in poetry are not static; they also interact with their surroundings. Characters are able to express their minds, doing something, and also giving a response to what they feel. Roberts & Jacobs said “just as in fiction, poetic characters are defined by what they say, what they do, and how they react, and also by other characters say about them (1995:569). In poetry, there are three types of characters; speaker, listener, and participants major and minor. The type of character –speaker, listener, and participants can be described as above:

a. The Speaker or persona is the first type character in poetry. Persona derived

from an Etruscan-Latin word which mean “mask”. Persona has an important role in poetry because it plays double role, as the narrator and as the speaking characters in poetry. Persona becomes narrator when prologue section and becomes characters when the characters interacting with the surroundings or with their self. Roberts and Jacobs said “in prose fiction we also use

“speaker” or “persona” but we often prefer the word “narrator” because of the

obvious role of story teller. This distinction emphasizes the personal & psychological importance of poetic speaker. Sometimes, a speaker is distinct

character…” (1995:570).

b. The listener is the second type of character in poetry. Listener plays a role as

character who listen the speaker‟s speech in poetry. Oftentimes there are

dialogues between two characters, which both as the speaker and listener.

Speaker can be identified by the pronoun “I” and the listener can be identified by “you” which is said by the speaker. Roberts & Jacobs said “listener – a person, not the reader, whom a speaker addressed directly and who is

(22)

therefore “inside” the poem (1995:572)”. The reader of the poem must be

involved in that poetry, not as listener, but as the audience of the dialogue which existed in that poem.

c. The participants, major and minor are the third type of characters found in

narrative poetry. The participants are the characters which are involved in an event in poetry, but do not play a role as speaker or listener. Participants play a role as the complement to the speaker or listener in a dialogue in order to make a dramatic situation. Roberts & Jacobs stated “because poetry is dramatic, it often involves a third type of character – major and minor

participants… not all participants are human. Poets frequently include

description of the animal kingdom, such as swimmers (shark, large fish), flyers (orioles, nightingales), and walkers and runners (bears, deer, lambs,

and tiger) (1995:574,575)”.

2.1.2 Theme and Subtheme

Theme is the idea which becomes the main idea in a story. Theme is the basic of a story because the acts of the characters which are existed in a story are created to

support the theme. Roberts & Jacobs in their book said “stories embody values along

with ideas. This means that ideas are presented along with expression or implication that certain conditions and standards should be – or should not be - highly valued

(1995:406)”.

A theme can has several subthemes, because subthemes are generated from a theme. The idea which is contained in a theme becomes the primary source in generating the subthemes. Subthemes are more specific than the theme itself because theme contains the general idea meanwhile subthemes try to specialize the general

(23)

idea itself. By the descriptions above, can be concluded that subtheme is a descendant of a theme.

2.1.3 Setting

Setting is the condition or situation of time, place and culture which is existed in a story. In narrative poetry, setting is the media where the characters interact to make the story clearly. Setting shows us about where an event takes the places, when it happened, and how is the culture of the story. Setting in narrative poetry can be

identified by the speech of the persona. According to Roberts & Jacobs “when they

speak and act, they reflect the time, place, thought, social conventions, and general circumstances of their lives (1995:575)”.

2.2 Chivalry

Chivalry which was popular in the middle age of Britain derived from the word chivalrye. Chivalrye comes from old French word that is chevalery/chevalier.

Chevalier means horsemanship, the norm or attitude of the horseman. Chivalry

reflects a knight‟s attitude. According to online Oxford dictionary, chivalry means

The combination of qualities expected of an ideal knight, namely courage, honour, religious, and a readiness to help the weak.

Knights in middle age must have the ethics or norms in interact with their social. These norms are highly-uphold by the knights, because by keeping act in that

norms, automatically it will shows them as a knight and also higher their knight‟s

quality for their self. An ideal knight must uphold chivalry because it becomes the primary guidance or the ways how they live their life.

(24)

Some review of literature also used as the support materials to complete this thesis. First, a journal which tittled Sacrificial Desire in Chaucer‟s Knight Tale: The

Journal of Medieval and Early written by Louise Olga, explaining about the

sacrificial that are done by the characters in “The Knight‟s Tale” in acquiring something which they want. This journal also analyze about the role of destiny and lucky which also dominate the plot of the tale. Second, the whole material which is the whole text of The Knight‟s Tale in The Canterbury Tales, written by Chaucer in Middle Age formed in manuscript. The Canterbury Tales is translated then in modern English by A.S Kline and can be found in e book (2005). Third, History of

English Literature (1945) written by Emile Legouis. This book helps the writer to

know deeper about middle age‟s literary works, especially The Canterbury Tales. This book also helps the writer in collecting data and biography of Geoffrey Chaucer. Fourth, Old and Middle English (2010) edited by Elaine Trehare. This book discusses about the story and literary works in Old and Middle English era. This book also shows the example of literary works in the old version and the revision. This book helps the writer to understand deeply about the topic of this thesis.

(25)

CHAPTER III

METHOD OF RESEARCH

3.1 Methodology of the Research

An analysis is a scientific study in order to understand about something through to explanatory research. In doing this thesis, a particular method should be used in order to make sure of validity of this research. The methods applied in this

thesis are descriptive research. According to Best, “Descriptive research is just to

describe what is happening and exist. It contains descriptions, recordings, analysis,

and interpretation what is happening or exists” (1982:42). Every data which are

found will be described and interpreted descriptively.

Wellek and Warren in Theory of Literature state that the study of literature departed from reasonable interpretation and literary analysis itself (1977: 159). Then, intrinsic approach is used to describe and interpret the data that are found. Intrinsic approach contains the elements that focused only on the literary work itself. There are character, theme, and setting that are used in this thesis to analyze the intrinsic part of “The Knight‟s Tale” in The Canterbury Tales in order to identify the courage, readiness to help the weak, religious, and honorable deeds o the knights.

3.2 Source of Data

The data presented in this thesis are intended to identify courage, readiness to help the weak, religious, and honorable deeds of the knights. The data are formed in excerpt of lines which are contained in The Knight‟s Tale.

(26)

3.3 Data Collecting

The data which are used in this thesis are acquired by some processes as beneath:

a. Read the “The Knight‟s Tale” and understanding the tale

b. Select and determine the lines that show courageous, readiness to help the weak, religious, and honorable deeds.

c. Evaluate and prepare to report

3.4 Data Analysis

Analysis can be applied after all of the data which relate to the subject matter are selected and collected. Those data then interpreted descriptively to elaborate chivalry which is done by the knights in “The Knight‟s Tale”. After the data are presented, a conclusion can be deduced to complete this thesis.

(27)

CHAPTER IV

FINDINGS AND DESCRIPTION

The main topic of this analysis is focused on acts of chivalry namely courage, readiness to help the weak and honorable deeds which are done by the knights. Each deed can be identified by the speech of persona either as the narrator or as the knights – Theseus, Palamon, and Arcita. There are four sections on this analysis based on the deed of the chivalry that are courage, readiness to help the weak, religious, and honor.

4. 1 Courage

Courage is an attitude that owned by knights. Knights are considered courageous because they are ready to risk their own to defend something that is precious to them. In Oxford dictionary, courage means ability to do something dangerous, or to face pain or opposition without showing fear.

Theseus is a duke and also can be categorized as a knight because in The Knight‟s Tale he was called as a great conqueror on the line 862. A conqueror must be a knight because a conqueror also takes a part in a war in conquering a domain. Theseus firstly shows his courage to fight against Creon. Creon is the king of Thebes and his behavior is inhumanely. He became the king of Thebes because he killed the previous king and all of the followers of that king. Theseus fights him because of

Creon‟s defamation towards the husband‟s body of the widows which seeking for

help to Theseus. One of those widows is the queen of the king which was killed by Creon. Theseus vows to avenge Creon. Creon did not bury or cremate the bodies, but

(28)

gave it to dogs to be eaten. This act can be seen from the widow‟s words which

appealed on him on lines 941-947:

He out of spite, and out of tyranny 941

To do the dead bodies villainy Of all our lords that have been slain, Has all the bodies in a heap lain,

And will not give his order and assent 945

For them to be buried or be burnt, But let dog eat them, out of spite. (Chaucer in Kline, 2005)

Line 954 that told by persona as narrator shows how Theseus feels towards the widows which ask for help to him. He feels very sorry to those widows because they are victims of abuse as showed by line 955. The widow that asks for help to Theseus was a respected figure in her social before Creon. The widow was the queen of king Capaneus which dead in Thebes when fought against Creon as shown in lines 931-933.

He thought that his own heart would break 954

At seeing such piteous victims of fate,

That had once been of such great estate.

…

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)

Because he feels so sorry to those widows he swears as being a true knight, will fight against the tyrant Creon. The oath of Theseus has shown us that he already shows his bravery to help the weak, even though he does not have an obligation to fight against Creon. This can be seen on lines 959 – 964:

And swore his oath, as being a true knight, 959

He would so vigorously apply his might To the tyrant Creon, vengeance on him wreak, That all the people of Greece would speak

(29)

Of how Theseus their Creon served, As one whose death was richly deserved (Chaucer in Kline, 2005)

Theseus has shown Creon how to treat the dead with dignity, although Theseus knew that he would risk his life to do this. However, Theseus still dare to carry out his plan to attacked Thebes, the city that inhabited by Creon. Without spending much time, Theseus prepares his army and hurried to Thebes, as described on lines 965-967:

And at once, with more little delay, 965

He rode forth, his banner did display. Towards Thebes, and all his host beside (Chaucer in Kline, 2005)

The explanation above is the first evidence of the courage of Theseus because he dares to do something big that is attacking the city for the request of something that can be considered as weak people that is the widows. Theseus‟ Oath to attack Thebes immediately is an act of courage, for Theseus did not know before, whether the widows‟ words is true or just propaganda to worsen relations between Theseus and Creon. His oath to attacked Thebes immediately can be viewed on lines 965-966. Theseus immediately flies his banner, and went to Thebes. It is a very brave act, where Theseus takes action to attack Thebes immediately without prior inquiry. The second proof of Theseus‟ courage is taking a direct action to attack Thebes without prior inquiry, because there is no line that explains Theseus conducts an investigation of the words of the widow who begged him. The description above is a proof the courage of Theseus verbally, courage shown orally that we can see from his oath.

Theseus attacks the city of Thebes which is inhabited by Creon. He attacks the city and evacuated residents of the city so that city residents do not become

(30)

victims of the attack. In this line of Theseus showed courage in carrying out his oath, avenge the old widows‟ revenge toward Creon, and Theseus kills Creon as manly knight. Line 986-988 shows how Theseus attacks Thebes. Theseus success in killing Creon as manly knight, as described by persona as narrator on lines 896-897:

With Creon, he that was of Thebes king, 896

He fought, and slew him like a manly knight (Chaucer in Kline, 2005)

Theseus kills and treats the bodies of Creon as manly knight, not like the tyrant Creon‟s way in treating the dead, in this case are the widows‟ husband's body who were killed in Thebes. This attitude is a kind of courageous deeds because Theseus has shown honorable deeds to the people of Greece, that is how to treat the bodies of the dead in the war, even though for the enemy‟s corpse.

Theseus does not attack people of Thebes when he assaults that City, but evacuated them before. It can be viewed on line 987. The assault has made the city were devastated. Theseus razes the wall of Thebes as described by persona as narrator on lines 989 – 990..

In open battle, and put the folk to flight 987

And by assault he won the city after,

And razed the walls, every spar and rafter; (Chaucer in Kline, 2005)

It is a non-verbal proof of the courage of Theseus which showed courage through action. The action that he did is a kind of courage act. He evacuates residents of the city first, and only attacked the king and his followers.

Arcita is a knight who was captured by Theseus, together with his cousin Palamon which is also a knight of Thebes. Arcita was released on parole by Theseus that he should not come back to Athens. If Arcita back to Athens, then he will be put

(31)

on death. Arcita which has already free from the prison decides to get back to Athens. Arcita‟s decision to go back to Athens shown on lines 1394-1398:

Now, truly, however much it pains my heart,‟ 1394 Quoth he, „to Athens right now will I fare.

Not even for dread of death will I despair But see my lady that I love and serve;

In her presence from death I shall not swerve.‟ (Chaucer in Kline, 2005)

Line 1394 is the heart voice of Arcita, because his heart was deeply hurt after being away from Athens. This is because he no longer can see the woman that he loves in Athens. The next line is Arcita‟s intention to get back to Athens. At that moment, when his heart was deeply hurt, he decided to return to Athens. He returned to Athens to heal his wounded heart because of loving a woman. Line 1395 indicates where Arcita can heal the wounded heart that is Athens.

Line 1396 is evidence which show the courage of Arcita, that he dares to sacrifice his life for something that he yearns that is healing his wounded heart. The longing is described on line 1397 that is seeing and serves the woman he loves. This is the only way that the heart can be healed. Line 1397 also indicates that if Arcita could see the woman he loves, then it will be a cure for his wounded heart. Line 1398 shows Arcita‟s will to get back to Athens, by stating that he would not cancel his intention for the sake of seeing the woman he loved, although death is the risk that must be faced. Lines above show the courageous deed of Arcita verbally that is through an internal communication with his self. He dares to back to Athens despite for risking her own life.

(32)

Arcita moves back and live in Athens by disguise as foreigners, who works as a laborer on lines 1406 to 1409. With the disguise, Arcita could see the woman that he loves closer every day.

Live in Athens evermore unknown, 1406

And see his lady well nigh every day. And so at once he changed his array, And clad himself as does a labourer; (Chaucer in Kline, 2005)

Lines 1413 - 1419 are lines that prove that Arcita trully moved back to Athens. He works around the gates of the kingdom as porter at beginning as described on line 1415, before finally he works as Emily‟s Chamberlain that is those who take care of Emily‟s Chamber as described by persona as narrator on the lines 1418 to 1419:

To Athens is he gone the quickest way. 1418

And to the court he went upon a day,

And at the gate offered his services, 1415

To drudge and draw, whatever men thought best. And briefly of this matter to explain,

He started work for a chamberlain,

The which was dwelling there with Emily, 1419

(Chaucer in Kline, 2005)

Arcita works diligently for two years and made Emily‟s household well-organized as told by persona as narrator on lines 1426-1427. Arcita names himself Philostrate that we can see on line 1428, in order to make the disguise is not known by anyone. He does it for seeing the woman he loves that is Emily.

A year or two he laboured in this wise, 1426

Page of the chamber of Emily the bright, And Philostrate he named himself aright. (Chaucer in Kline, 2005)

(33)

Line above shows the courage of Arcita. This was done in order to keep seeing her woman Emily, sister of Duke Theseus. He returned to Athens, disguised, and named himself Philostrate, even he worked as a page chamber Emily.

The description above shows the courage deeds of Arcita. He is able to return to Athens in guise of strangers at first. Although through disguise, this action is a quite brave action because if he caught, he will lose his life because he has been tied to an agreement with Theseus before that he would not get back to Athens. Secondly, he also works as a chamberlain of Emily, which makes him closer to the risk of death. The risk of death is getting close because he deals directly with Emily who is the sister of Theseus. Caught in Athens already make him put on death, but in this action he not only live in Athens, but also works in the castle, as a page of Emily‟s Chamber. Arcita‟s acts are actual evidence of Arcita‟s courage which demonstrated directly by deeds.

Palamon is a knight of Thebes which also succeed escape from prison, like his cousin Arcita who is also a knight of Thebes. Arcita and Palamon involve in a conflict; they both love Emily, the sister of Duke Theseus. As a knight, Palamon also shows some chivalry which will be discussed.

Palamon shows courageous deed for the first time when he escaped from prison in Athens and he got a hide in a forest. When he was on his hide, he met his cousin Arcita, and Palamon shows courageous deed toward Arcita. He dares to kill Arcita because Arcita also love Emily, even though Arcita is bounded by knighthood to him. These lines prove that Palamon would risk his life for the love of Emily. Lines 1587-1593 are a proof of courageous deed of Palamon, which is showed through his words to Arcita.

(34)

You will be killed, or else kill me; 1587 You shall not have my lady Emily,

I alone will love her, no other so.

For I am Palamon, your, mortal foe, 1590

And though I have no weapon in this place, But out of prison am escaped by grace, I doubt not you will be slain by me, (Chaucer in Kline, 2005)

Lines above are Palamon‟s word which is addressed to Arcita. Line 1587 shows the courage of Palamon. He dares to kill Arcita, even though they still bounded by knighthood. In those lines Palamon also expresses his courage that he is ready to die if Arcita wanted to kill him. Both of Arcita and Palamon love Emily. This can be proved from the lines 1588-1589, for Palamon is not willing Arcita love Emily too. It is the source of conflict between Palamon and Arcita.

Line 1590 is a Palamon‟s statement towards Arcita, that Palamon has no longer regards him as his knighthood. Palamon has perceived Arcita as his enemies till his death. Palamon emphasizes again his desire to kills Arcita if Arcita did not stop for loving Emily as shown in lines 1591-1593, although Arcita has weapon at that moment but not Palamon.

The word kill is repeated twice on the line 1587 and on the line 1593 in another form that is slain. It can be deduced that from those nine lines, the dare to kill Arcita is emphasized by Palamon, even though Arcita is his cousin. Palamon has demonstrated an attitude of courage verbally, through his direct words to Arcita.

Courageous of Arcita and Palamon also contain in their duel on the next day after they met in the woods. They duel knightly with weapons and armor in the same place where the first time they met. Their courageous is described by persona as

(35)

narrator like as a hunter who was on hunting for lions or bears as described on lines 1638-1640:

Just like a hunter in the realms of Thrace, 1638

Who stands out in the open with a spear, When on a hunt for lion or for bear, (Chaucer in Kline, 2005)

Hunt for wild animals is an activity that need an enormous courage, because it would risk the life of the hunter. This duel is likened a hunter and a wild animal, both would risked their own life. The hunter could lose his life because of the

animal‟s ferocity, and the animals also could lose his life because of the skills of the hunter. The winner of the battle has the right to live, either the duel between Palamon and Arcita, who wins has the right to live and love Emily.

The life and death duel is emphasized again by persona as Palamon on line 1643 “Without fail he must die, or death for me;”, (Chaucer in Kline, 2005). The duel which is likened hunters and wild animals should be resolved at that time by fighting to the death.

They fight to the death, for the right to love Emily. This line has shown the courage deed of both knights, Palamon and Arcita which dare to risk their life for loving Emily. The duel is the only chance to determine who has the right to live and love Emily. Courageous deed of Arcita and Palamon on those lines is demonstrated through a duel. Their duel is a life and death fight, as described in the lines above. Both Palamon and Arcita are pictured as a bear or a lion hunter. Each considers their opponents as a game animal. Hunting for bear or lion is an activity that needs a big courage, because the hunting of wild animals is very risky. This duel is expressed like a wild animal hunts because each of them must not be survived. The description

(36)

is an attitude of courage shown by Palamon and Arcita actually through duel activity. They risk their life in a duel, as a solution for who has the right to love Emily.

Courageous deed of Arcita and Palamon can be seen again in a tournament that held by Theseus. Arcita‟s courage shown by persona as narrator in the lines 2581-2582 where Arcita leads hundred of knights who are ready to fight against Palamon‟s legion.

And westward through the gates under Mars, 2581

Arcita and his hundred men of war, With banner red has entered at once, (Chaucer in Kline, 2005)

Courage of Arcita on the lines can be related to Mars, the god of war who is the god of Roman. Mars is the god of the formidable figure, haughty, and known has no mercy in war. The Romans believed if a warrior prays to Mars before fighting, then he will gain victory in the battle. The lines also explained that Arcita carrying the red banner. The color red is a symbol of burning courage. Courage of Arcita can be concluded as a strength knight, has no mercy in war, and have a burning courage, who dares to sacrifice their self for the sake of victory.

Palamon‟s courage also shown in this tournament by persona as narrator on the lines from 2589 to 2591. Palamon also leads a hundred of knights that will fight against the Arcita‟s legion.

And at the selfsame moment Palamon 2589

Beneath Venus eastward, to that place, 2590

With banner white and bold of face. (Chaucer in Kline, 2005)

Courage of Palamon on the line can be related to a Romans‟ goddess that is Venus. Venus is Romans‟ goddess of love which is known as a graceful goddess. The courage of Palamon refers to the dare to sacrifice his self for the sake of love.

(37)

The lines also explained that Palamon carrying a white flag. The white color is a symbol of purity and sincerity. The courage of Palamon can be concluded as a pure courage in maintaining love.

The lines shows the courage of Palamon and Arcita when the tournament is held. They face each other with their legions which are ready to fight. The lines prove the courage which is shown by Arcita and Palamon. They show the courage actually, that is a dare to fight knightly with their own legion, which must be risking their lives too.

When war begins, both Arcita and Palamon showed enormous courage. Arcita‟s courage in the battle described by Narrator is like a tiger of Gargaphia on lines 2626-2629:

No tiger in the vale of Gargaphia, 2626

When her whelp is stolen, when it‟s little, As Arcita on the hunt could be as cruel, (Chaucer in Kline, 2005)

Lines above illustrate the courage of Arcita. Arcita is described by the narrator as persona like a tigress that has lost her child which made the tigress is very ferocious. The Courage of Arcita has made himself having the nature as a tigress, which is very cruel and jealousy heart towards Palamon in the tournament.

Meanwhile, courage of Palamon on the battle is described by persona as narrator like an angry hunger Morocco lion on lines 2630-2633:

Nor in Morocco is so fell a lion, 2630

That hunted is, by hunger driven mad, Nor of his prey desirous of the blood As Palamon to slay Arcita now, his foe. (Chaucer in Kline, 2005)

(38)

In the battle, Palamon is described as an angry lion which driven by hungry. The courage of Palamon made his self has the same nature as the angry lions, which

thirst of his prey‟s blood. Palamon considers Arcita as his prey, so that his hunger will be satisfied if the blood flows from Arcita‟s body. Palamon becomes someone who is very thirst for the blood of his eternal enemy Arcita. The description is a metaphor of a form of courage that is belonged by Palamon and Arcita. Both of them no longer have fearless because the desire to be a person who has the right to have Emily.

Having analyzed all of the courageous deeds which have been done by Theseus, Palamon, and Arcita, then it is found that they keep their self in bravery. They do not have any fear to do something even though it would risk their own life. They are ready if they must sacrifice their life to acquire something that they want most. Theseus shows his courage to fight Creon, king of Thebes without showing his fear. His action in assaulting Thebes must be risk his life, because he also get in the war with his legion. Anytime he could lose his life in that battle but his courage gives victory to him. He also shows his courage not only by act, but also through his words. His oath to avenge Creon can be considered as a courageous deed, because he is not just saying his oath but also fulfill it to be real. Palamon and Arcita either show their courageous deeds through their words and their actions. The courageous deed that they show through their action that is Palamon and Arcita dare to duel each other knightly, full of weapons and armor. Their duel is an illegal activity but they still do not have any fear to hold the duel. Their courage in the duel is pictured by persona as cruel animals, which show their ferocity to their enemy. They also show their bravery through their words. Arcita shows it by his internal communication with his

(39)

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

Knight's 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

(40)

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)

(41)

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 husband's 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

(42)

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

(43)

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

Knight's 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

(44)

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

(45)

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. Palamon's 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)

(46)

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)

(47)

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,

(48)

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

(49)

also requests something if he did not allowed having Emily. Palamon is rather to die than not have her by his side. Palamon's 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 Knight's 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,

(50)

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

(51)

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; …

(52)

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 no 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.

(1)

REFERENCES

Eaglestone, Robert. 2000. Doing English. London: Taylor & Francis Group. Kennedy, William H. 1949. How to Analyze Fiction. Great Britain, London:

Macmillan Education, Ltd.

Kennedy, X.J. 1991. Literature: An Introduction of Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. New York: Harper Collins Publishers Inc.

Kline, A. S (ed.). 2005. Geoffrey Chaucer The Canterbury Tales, [e-book], retrieved from http://www.scribd.com/d oc/149990702/Chaucer-Canterbury-Tales#download, accessed on (May, 19th 2013)

Legouis, Emile; Cazamian, Louis.1945. History of English Literature. London: J.M. Dent and Sons Ltd.

Mann, Jill (ed.). 2005. Geoffrey Chaucer: The Canterbury Tales Original Spelling, Edited with an Introduction and Notes. London: Penguin Classics.

Roberts, Edgar V.; Jacobs, Henry E. 1995. Literature: An Introduction to Reading and Writing. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

Robertson, D.W, Jr. 1970. The Literature of Medieval England. New York: Mc Graw-Hill Book Company.

Whitla, William. 2010. The English Handbook, A Guide to Literary Studies.

Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Wellek, Rene and Warren, Austin. 1977. Theory of Literature. Orlando, Florida: Harcourt Brace Javanovich.

(2)

The Canterbury Tales. Retrieved from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Canterbury_ Tales (Accessed on October, 2013)

Summaries of The Canterbury Tales. Retrieved from:

http://www.novelguide.com/ thecanterburytales/summaries/chap2.html and http://www.gradesaver.com/the-canterbury-tales/study-guide/short-summary/ (Accessed on October, 2013)

(3)

APPENDICES

THE EVENTS OF THE KNIGHTS’ TALE

- Theseus, the king of Athens conquer Thebes and rest a night there.

- Theseus finds two knights of Thebes which are injured seriously lying side by side, Palamon and Arcita.

- Duke Theseus sent them to the prison and gives them no ransom.

- Palamon from the prison is seeing Emily, Theseus‟s sister is playing in the garden.

- Palamon is humming because of Emily‟s beauty.

- The humming is heard by Arcita and it makes Arcita also wants to see what is seen by Palamon.

- Arcita falling in love to Emily.

- They quarrel because they love the same woman.

- Then they are conscious that they cannot love Emily because they are condemned in the prison till the end of their live.

- Duke Pirithous, the old friend of Theseus is the friend of Arcita also. - Duke Pirithous asks for Arcita freedom to Theseus.

- Theseus frees Arcita, and Arcita must go away from Athens and could not get back there anymore.

- Palamon is alone in the prison, but still can seeing the lady. - Arcita is free, but cannot see the lady forever.

- After years, Arcita met Mercury, one of the gods of Roman in his dream, and order him to get back in to Athens.

- Arcita gets back and disguise, name his self as Pirithous in order to be unidentified by the people of Athens.

- Arcita works as the page chamber of Emily, lives there and it makes he is able to see Emily.

- After five years works, Thesesus likes him very much and makes him become his squire.

(4)

- In the May of seventh yea at the third night, Palamon is help by his friend and escapes from the prison.

- He hides in a grove near Athens in the day, and continue his escaping at night.

- Arcita, in a morning comes to that grove looking for woodbine leaves to makes a garland.

- Arcita sighs about his feeling to Emily, and also about his profession that is being the squire of Theseus.

- Palamon is angry because hearing Arcita‟s words and reveals himself. They involve in quarrel because of the right for loving Emily.

- They decide to dead and alive duel on the next day, the winner can love Emily.

- When in the duel, Theseus found them and stops the duel.

- Theseus does not wants his realm is disturbed by an illegal duel so he asks information from them why they dueled.

- Palamon tells Theseus that his squire Arcita (Philostrate) is the man which he has chased away from Athens, and he also tells that he is the prisoner who has escaped from the prison.

- Palamon also tells that both of them are falling in love with Emily that becomes the reason why they are dueled.

- Theseus gives them the dead punishment but Emily and the queen ask for his mercy because both Palamon and Arcita dare to die because of loving Emily. - Theseus asks them vows to help him keep his realm from any disturbance like

the duel which they done.

- Theseus by his wisdom makes a tournament between them. The winner can have Emily.

- Theseus builds a theater as the battlefield for the tournament between Palamon and Arcita.

- The theater is attached by altars of the Roman god, that is Venus, Mars, Diana in order to invoke them to control the tournament.

- In the tournament, Palamon accompany Lycurgus, king of Thrace and Arcita accompany Emetreus, king of Inde.

(5)

- In the nights before the tournament, Palamon, Arcita, and Emily prays to the god they believed.

- Palamon invoke Venus to makes him to be the only man who can love Emily alone.

- Palamon also asks Venus to let Arcita slay him, if he could not have the right to love Emily.

- The statue of Venus shocks, as the sign of acceptance of the prayer.

- Emily prays to Diana, goddess of chastity to give him the real man who really loves her.

- Emily also asks Diana to make Palamon and Arcita become friendly again. - The fire in the altars burned, as the sign of the acceptance of the prayer. - Arcita prays to Mars, the god of war for the glory and victory of the

tournament.

- The statue of Mars said “victory”, as the sign of the acceptance of the prayer. - All of the prayers were accepted by each god.

- There are quarrel between Mars and Venus.

- But Saturn, the highest god gives the solution in order to justify the prayer. - Saturn decides that Palamon would has Emily by his side, while Arcita would

win the tournament.

- When Arcita celebrates his victory after the tournament, there are an earthquake.

- That earthquake were made by Pluto, for the command from Saturn.

- That earthquake makes Arcita falling down from his horse and badly wounded.

- His head hit the ground and makes him dying. - Arcita consider that he would not longer be alive.

- Arcita decide to gives the right of Emily to Palamon because Palamon were his cousin and his knighthood.

- Arcita said those things to Emily, and pass away in the hug of Emily. - Theseus treats Arcita body as the real knights.

- Palamon comes there with his broken heart.

(6)

- After a years, Palamon come back to Athens to visit Arcita‟s grave.

- Emily‟s heart also broke, because a man who really loves her died because of that love.

- Theseus then decides to mix the sorrow of Emily and Palamon to be an excellent happiness.

Knights’ Chivalry In The Knight’s Tale Of Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales

CHAPTER III

METHOD OF RESEARCH

Parts

Dokumen yang terkait

Anna’s Personality Through Sigmund’s Freud Theory In Jodi Picoult’s My Sister’s Keeper

THE QUINTESSENTIAL – FEATURES OF THE GOTHIC TALE IN POE’S THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER

THE ANXIETY OF WILLIAM THATCHER IN BRIAN HELGELEND’S MOVIE A KNIGHT’S TALE: A PSYCHOANALYTIC APPROACH.

THE INFERIORITY FEELING OF WILLIAM THATCHER IN BRIAN HELGELEND’S MOVIE A KNIGHT’S TALE: AN INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOLOGICAL APPROACH.

CLA CLASS STRUGGLE IN THE KNIGHT’S TALE MOVIE DIRECTED BY BRIAN HELGELAND: A MARXIST APPROACH.

INTRODUCTION CLASS STRUGGLE IN THE KNIGHT’S TALE MOVIE DIRECTED BY BRIAN HELGELAND: A MARXIST APPROACH.

The Tales of an Internet Newbie

Lobster Tales In Choosing The Best

Knights’ Chivalry In The Knight’s Tale Of Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales

THE CANTERBURY TALES BY TRANSLATED BY NEVILL COGHILL

Dukungan

Links

Knights’ Chivalry In The Knight’s Tale Of Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales

CHAPTER III

METHOD OF RESEARCH

Parts

Dokumen yang terkait

Anna’s Personality Through Sigmund’s Freud Theory In Jodi Picoult’s My Sister’s Keeper

THE QUINTESSENTIAL – FEATURES OF THE GOTHIC TALE IN POE’S THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER

THE ANXIETY OF WILLIAM THATCHER IN BRIAN HELGELEND’S MOVIE A KNIGHT’S TALE: A PSYCHOANALYTIC APPROACH.

THE INFERIORITY FEELING OF WILLIAM THATCHER IN BRIAN HELGELEND’S MOVIE A KNIGHT’S TALE: AN INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOLOGICAL APPROACH.

CLA CLASS STRUGGLE IN THE KNIGHT’S TALE MOVIE DIRECTED BY BRIAN HELGELAND: A MARXIST APPROACH.

INTRODUCTION CLASS STRUGGLE IN THE KNIGHT’S TALE MOVIE DIRECTED BY BRIAN HELGELAND: A MARXIST APPROACH.

The Tales of an Internet Newbie

Lobster Tales In Choosing The Best

Knights’ Chivalry In The Knight’s Tale Of Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales

THE CANTERBURY TALES BY TRANSLATED BY NEVILL COGHILL

Dokumen yang Anda mencari sudah siap untuk unduhkan