NOTE: Free essay sample provided on this page should be used for references or sample purposes only. The sample essay is available to anyone, so any direct quoting without mentioning the source will be considered plagiarism by schools, colleges and universities that use plagiarism detection software. To get a completely brand-new, plagiarism-free essay, please use our essay writing service.
One click instant price quote
Chivalry which flourished mostly in the 12 th and 13 th centuries was the code of the Knights of the Middle Ages. This code was a group of unwritten laws of bravery, loyalty, honesty, and courtly love. The knight was expected to follow these laws and in this devote his loyalty to a lord or king and to God. Knights were also expected to show respect and benevolence towards other knights.
The code also stressed that knights fought for glory and Christian purposes and not for personal profit. In Sir Gawain one can see chivalry at work. Gawain being loyal to King Arthur volunteers for the game against the Green Knight. In respect of the Green Knight, Gawain promises to meet the Green Knight in one years time to continue the game. On his journey Gawain stays at Bercilak s castle where he meets Bercilak s lady.
She starts to have a liking for Gawain and there for introduces the code of courtly love. But Gawain remains loyal and honest to Bercilak, for after each hunt Bercilak goes on, the two exchange there prizes and Gawain presents kisses each time. Gawain, although, does not present the magical sash given to him by the Lady after the last hunt. The tale of Gawain can also be considered to be a grail story, not in the sense of looking for a cup but in that of a journey for personal Christian purity. Unfortunately no one can be pure but can do there best to become pure.
The code of chivalry even continued into the Renaissance with Miguel De Cervantes Don Quixote. Actually Cevantes was making fun of the code of chivalry in his book. According to The Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces the stories written in the Middle Ages about chivalry delt with supernatural deeds of valor, implausible and complicated adventures, duels, and enchantments. The anthology went on to say that the literature of the Middle Ages had degenerated to what they consider a pulp fiction by the time of the Renaissance period.
The story of Don Quixote was of a man named Alonso Quijano that read stories of the old days of chivalry and knighthood so much that he started to create his own world of illusion as Don Quixote de la Mancha. This world was full of adventure and conquest of valor. Using the code of chivalry Don Quixote fought giants, armies, and visited castles, but in reality were mary windmills, sheep, and country inns. One could say Don Quixote was also on a vision quest, such as, Sir Gawain. But Don Quixote s quest, in reality was of false intentions; for Don Quixote was on a quest of goodness and truth in his world of illusions and imaginations.
Free research essays on topics related to: sir gawain, don quixote, middle ages, code of chivalry, green knight
Research essay sample on Code Of Chivalry Don Quixote
