The Knight Vs The Squire in Canterbury Tales

Canterbury Tales, written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century, presents a diverse group of pilgrims traveling together to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury. Among these pilgrims are the Knight and the Squire, two characters who embody different aspects of medieval society. While the Knight represents the traditional chivalric values, the Squire stands as a contrast with his youthful exuberance and love for arts. This essay aims to analyze the differences between the Knight and the Squire, exploring their contrasting traits and examining their roles in society at the time. By examining their personalities, skills, and values, it becomes clear that the Squire's character diverges significantly from that of the Knight, highlighting the changing norms and priorities of medieval society.

The Knight: A Paragon of Chivalry

The Knight, as the epitome of chivalry, embodies the values and ideals of medieval knighthood. He is described as a man of great honor, courage, and loyalty, having fought in many battles and emerged victorious. Chaucer describes him as a "verray, parfit gentil knight," indicating his noble lineage and impeccable manners. The Knight's appearance is also noteworthy, as he is dressed in armor and carries a sword, symbolizing his readiness for battle at all times.

Furthermore, the Knight's values align with the chivalric code of conduct. He is portrayed as humble, modest, and respectful towards others. Chaucer notes that the Knight "lov'd chivalrie, trouthe, and honour, freedom and curteisie." This indicates that the Knight values truth, honor, freedom, and courtesy, all of which are essential qualities for a knight. He follows a strict moral code and adheres to principles of fairness and justice.

Unlike the Squire, who seeks recognition and admiration, the Knight does not display any desire for personal glory. His actions are driven by a sense of duty and loyalty to his king and country. The Knight's commitment to his responsibilities is evident in his vast experience and his participation in numerous battles. His selfless nature and dedication to his role as a knight set him apart from the Squire.

The Squire: A Contrast of Youthful Enthusiasm

The Squire, on the other hand, represents the younger generation and exhibits characteristics that deviate from the traditional knightly values. He is described as a "lad of fire," suggesting his youthful energy and enthusiasm. Unlike the Knight, the Squire is more concerned with courtly love, poetry, and music than with martial prowess. Chaucer writes that "singing he was or fluting all the day," portraying the Squire's love for the arts.

Moreover, the Squire's appearance reflects his interest in fashion and aesthetics. Chaucer describes his attire in vivid detail, indicating his fashionable and extravagant taste. The Squire's desire to impress others through his appearance is evident, as he takes great care in his grooming and attire. This focus on personal style and the pursuit of pleasure sets the Squire apart from the Knight, who prioritizes duty and honor over personal indulgence.

Furthermore, the Squire's attitude towards love contrasts with the Knight's devotion to chivalry. While the Knight exemplifies courtly love by demonstrating loyalty and respect towards women, the Squire's approach is more sensual and lighthearted. Chaucer writes that the Squire "coude songes make and wel endite," indicating his talent for composing love songs. This suggests that the Squire is more interested in the romantic aspects of love rather than its deeper meaning.

Implications of the Differences

The contrasting traits of the Knight and the Squire highlight the changing societal norms and priorities during the medieval period. The Knight's character represents the traditional values of chivalry, which emphasized honor, loyalty, and service to the king. In contrast, the Squire embodies the emerging values of courtly love and the pursuit of personal pleasure. This suggests a shift in focus from the collective welfare of society to individual desires and aspirations.

The differences between the Knight and the Squire also reflect the changing nature of warfare during the medieval period. While the Knight's experiences in battle have shaped his character and values, the Squire's lack of combat experience allows him to explore other interests such as art and music. This suggests that as society became more stable and peaceful, knights had less need for constant warfare, allowing the younger generation to pursue different ambitions.

In conclusion, the Knight and the Squire in "The Canterbury Tales" represent two different facets of medieval society. The Knight embodies the traditional values of chivalry, while the Squire showcases the changing norms and priorities of the younger generation. Through their contrasting traits and values, Chaucer highlights the evolution of medieval society and the emergence of new ideals. The Knight's adherence to duty and honor contrasts with the Squire's pursuit of pleasure and artistic expression, reflecting the shifting priorities of the time. By examining the differences between these two characters, we gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural changes that occurred during the medieval period.