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Nathan Lim
Ms. Handrop
English IV AP
15 November 2016
Is Chivalry Just As Bad As Cupidity?
The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer contains two subtales: The Knights Tale
and The Millers Tale. The Knights Tale describes two cousins named Arcite and Palamon
who vow to follow the edicts of chivalry and fight for the hand of Emelye. The Millers Tale
illustrates John and his young, beautiful wife Alisoun as well as two gentlemen who desire the
same woman. Chaucer implies the outdated notion of chivalry and courtly love in The Knights
Tale and emphasizes in The Millers Tale how immoral it is to have deep greed for things
(people in this instance) in life that they do not deserve.
The first part of The Knights Tale details a few acts of chivalry not necessarily on
Palamon or Arcites part, but rather, on the importance of chivalry and its significance
throughout this tale. For example, Chaucers emphasis on chivalry is apparent when Theseus
condemns Palamon and Arcite to life in prison in the Athenian tower rather than killing them.
Contrary to what was stated in the thesis, Chaucers slight approval of chivalric ideals can be
found in this statement, And he raised them all up in his arms and comforted them kindly, and
swore an oath that, as he was a true knight, he would strive to take such vengeance upon the
tyrant Creon that all the people of Greece (29). However, Chaucers slight concern towards the
degradation of chivalry is established when both Palamon and Arcite become love struck by the
sight of Emelye from their prison cell. As exemplified by Palamon, Its no great honour, then, to
you to prove so false, to be a traitor too to me, that am your cousin and your brother, both deeply

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sworn and bound to one another, though we should die in torture for it, never to loose the bond
that only death can sever, and when in love neither to hinder other, nor in what else soever,
dearest brother (33). This statement unquestionably contradicts itself since both Palamon and
Arcite are in love with Emelye but must abide by the code of chivalry. Chaucer plays on clichd
moments such as these and furthers his implication of the deterioration of chivalry when Theseus
proposes that the two men each fight with one hundred men on their side, and the winner will
wind the hand of Emelye. Chaucer exhibits how unreasonable this resolve is; how could the two
individuals fight when they are brothers to begin with and must be selfless in attitude? At this
point in the tale, the ideals of chivalry are no longer maintained by either man; Chaucer tries to
point out how man becomes concerned only with his own well-being once desire plays a part in
these two mens courtly love for Emelye. While this tale does uphold chivalry compared to the
Millers Tale, it is ironic how both Palamon and Arcite eventually lead a life of greed similar to
characters in The Millers Tale, however, both Palamon and Arcite are still honorable to each
other when Arcite knew of his inevitable end.
On the other hand, The Millers Tale describes a vastly different set of circumstances.
While there are also two men who fall in love with the same woman, this tale does not describe
the courtly love and chivalrous ideals surrounding the knights tale, but rather, the deceit and
trickery of mans egocentricities and selfishness. Nicholas shows the egocentrism ricocheting at
this point in The Millers Tale, Unless I have my will of you Ill die of secret loveO,
darling do! (91). Similar antics such as these expressed by both men with Nicholas conveying
his lust and lack of respect for Alisoun and all women; Absolons jealousy for Nicholas, whom
Alisoun later falls in love with. Even with Nicholass genuine love for Alisoun, he goes so far as
to trick John, Alisouns husband, and even sleeps with Alisoun. By no means are these actions

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the least bit chivalric, but Chaucer exhibits how ruthless and selfless man can be as well as the
various point of views of Nicholas and Absolon. It seems, however, that while The Millers
Tale is the least honorable tale of the two discussed, it is the most truthful and satirizes realities
that were relatable in Chaucers time as well as today. While Chaucer plays on the nature of
relationships in his time, the way in which he goes about illustrating The Millers Tale is a bit
more satirical as expressed by Alisouns response to Absalon at her window, Then make
yourself ready, I am coming now (102). While The Millers Tale does include the struggle of
a Love Triangle and the downfall of a lover like The Knights Tale, the two tales vary on two
vast ethical levels and express Chaucers personal opinions.
The Knights Tale and The Millers Tale are definitely inversions of each other
regarding chivalry and courtly; however, these two tales are just two instances that can and have
occurred in society. The Host suggests at the introduction to The Knights Tale how others
should abide by the ideals knights follow, but Chaucer the author implies how absurd and dated
chivalry is. On the other hand, Chaucer depicts another extreme with The Millers Tale but
reveals the truth regarding how individuals can act towards women in society. Chaucer includes
satire in both these tales but also expresses his opinion on the matter of chivalry and cupidity at
the same time.

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Works Cited
Chaucer, Geoffrey, and Nevill Coghill. The Canterbury Tales. Harmondsworth: Penguin Books,
1977. Print.