Introduction
"Chivalry is not just a fancy word with a neat meaning; it's a way of life. ", says Vaughn Ripley. The word chivalry has been derived from a late Latin word, "Cavalry" which means a horseman. "the religious and moral system of behaviour that the perfect knight was expected to follow", speaks the Oxford Dictionary in terms of the definition of Chivalry. The history of chivalry is as old as the history of battles. This quality was usually associated with soldiers of higher ranks as compared with a chivalrous person of today who is merely a person, showcasing no deeds of bravery but being courteous towards children and women. In Chaucer's time, the chivalric class was slowly but gradually began to deform in, which is illustrated through two characters, appeared one-by-one in the prologue, The Knight and his son, the Squire.
Chivalric Training
To rank in chivalric persons was not an easy task. An ideal soldier was expected to be physically fit as well as psychologically active. It required a special training, divided into several more drills.
PHYSICAL TRAINING: It deals with exercises of the body, its stamina and endurance. The physical strength which enables a person to repeat a hard physical activity for a long period of time as compared with normal people. While endurance is the ability to continue doing something painful or difficult for a long period of time without giving up. Both the qualities were necessary to curb the enemies.
MENTAL TRAINING: Despite awesome corporeal strength, it was essential for a soldier to be mentally alert and active. He required fearlessness in order to achieve the obligatory level of heroism.
MORAL TRAINING: The European soldiers had fought many battles with Muslims but got defeated. They pondered into the matter and discovered that the Muslims were winning over their ethical and moral training. The Chivalric Class during Medieval times was proud-some and callous. In order to reform the chivalric class, they were morally trained. The four pillars of Chivalry, truth, honour, courtesy and freedom, which are found in The Prologue were added as an aftermath of their confrontation with the Muslims.
The Knight
His Appearance and His Way of Living
We are not provided with much details about the appearance of The Knight except his clothing. He was endressed in the thick cotton coat on which the marks of his breast-plates were visible. This represents his simplicity of living. He did not care much about the worldly pursuits. All he cared about being fierce in battles and being modest in the street. He had never spoken ill words with someone (again exaggeration). He was a fearless soldier and a meek layman simultaneously. He was a true follower of the code of chivalry.
To ride abroad had followed chivalry,
Truth, honor, generousness and courtesy.
His Bravery
The Knight was renowned for his bravery in distant lands. He had taken part in fifteen severe battles. He made his mark when Alexandria was conquered for the first time. He chaired many meetings of other knights in Prussia (Germany). He killed many heathens by joining hands with other Christians. Wherever he went, victory kissed his feet. Although he had an active participant in wars, yet he never received any minor injury (Hyperbole Spoiler). He was truly "The Knight of All Knights. "
The Squire
Appearance and Code of Conduct
The Son of The Knight, he was twenty years of age. He had curly hair as if it was pressed heavily. He was neither too tall, nor too short-statured, but a heavy-bodied fellow. His face was as fresh as the month of May. His dress was made of red and white flowers which looked like a meadow. His coat was short but boasted long and white sleeves. He was as courteous as his father but not so brave.
Skills
He does not seem like a soldier but an artist. For he was proficient in singing, dancing, painting, writing poetry, playing with flute etc.
He knew the way to sit a horse and ride.
He could make songs and poems and recite,
Knew how to joust and dance, to draw and write.
He was also practising friendly battles in the battlefield. But there was a reason behind it.
A Nightingale
The Squire's acts of 'bravery' were only limited to his beloved, for he wanted to attain her white hand. He was so much absorbed in love that "he slept as little as a nightingale. " His beloved made him an artist than a soldier.
Conclusion
The Serious and Devoted Knight represents the climax of the chivalric class while The Nightingalious Squire is the depiction of the anti-climax of the chivalric class.
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