The Chivalric Codes In

Jose Cisneros Per7 10/12/2010

The Chivalric Codes in “ Sir

Gawain and the Green  Knight” and “ Morte d’ Arthur” 

Regardless of the diverse written definitions of chivalry, the medieval knightly class was dexterous at the art of war, wa r, trained in battle armor, with horses, lances, swords and shields. Knights were taught to excel ex cel in the arms, to show courage, to be courtly, loyal and to swear off cowardice and to serve his king and county. But, what is chivalry? Chivalry can be depicted to the medieval establishment know as knighthood. Which was an elongated phase that a knight went through till worthy of becoming a knight. Usually though the definition of chivalry can be associated with the key ideals and virtues. With the chivalric influences such as the ideals and code of conduct that are represented in the  poems but, also show that not all knights up hold their chivalric code. As in the poem “Sir Gawain “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight ” translated by Brian Stone Gawain’s adherence to these virtues is tested throughout the poem, but the poem examines more than Gawain’s personal virtue; it asks whether that true ideal virtue can operate in a fallen test. What is really being tested in “Sir Gawain and the Green  Knight” might be the chivalric system itself symbolized in the Green Knights test. As Arthur’s court depends heavily on the code of chivalry, and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight criticizes the fact; that chivalry values appearance and virtues ideals over truth. Arthur is introduced to us as the “most courteous of all”, indicating that people are ranke d in this court according to their mastery of a certain code of behavior and good manners.

Jose Cisneros Per7 10/12/2010 When the Green Knight Challenges the court, he mocks them for being so afraid of his words,

Suggesting that words and appearances hold too much power over the company of there chivalric codes. The members of the court never reveal their true feelings, instead choosing to seem beautiful courteous, and fair-spoken. In the next poem “Morte d’ Arthur” by Sir Thomas Malory King Arthur  manifested his great chivalric duties when he was confronted by his illegitimate son, Mordred. He upholds his courage and showed the respected authority in the beginning of  the poem. Arthur’s’ companion Sir Bedievere also showed his true idealistic virtue when he went to the chapel and prayed so earnestly for his king. But, poem examines more than Arthur’s personal virtue; it also asks whether that his true virtue can trust the loyalty of  Sir Gawain in which he see in his dreams. As both poems showed chivalric codes and virtues they also demonstrated unknightly conduct. In the poem “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight ” promotes the ideals of the chivalric code and shows how men who are undeniably imperfect and destined to sin on there chivalric behalf. Some of these values contradict each other so that a virtuous Knight is always struggling to balance the demands of the chivalric code. As in the “Morte d’ Arthur” poem chivalry was broken in every aspect of the “Code of Chivalry”. Sir Bedievere one of Arthur’s knights was cheating Arthur’s act when he told Sir  Bedievere to throw Excalibur into the lake. Arthur also broke a code when he attacks his illegitimate son, Mordred from behind.

Jose Cisneros Per7 10/12/2010

So ask yourself right now. What is Chivalry? Let alone what isn’t Chivalry? With the chivalric influences such as the ideals and code of conduct that are represented in the  poems and how also they showed that not all knights up hold their chivalric code. Quote: “Chivalry is the most delicate form of contempt” – Albert Gu erard