In the 'Middle Ages', wealth was controlled by the knights and the clergy. Vendors, living on the outskirts of society, were condemned by the chapel because of their materialistic approach, often regarded as operating beyond your law. A section of researchers has referred to knights during this time period as "right arm" of the contemporary society while placing craftsmen and stores as the "left arm". Within this environment, Geoffrey Chaucer emerged among the most prolific poets in the literature. Chaucer's contribution to English poetry places him, according to many critics, as the "Daddy of English Literature". Chaucer's London was a city in which commerce was flourishing. The merchants achieved greater political representation and sociable status never witnessed before. London population was becoming more mobile experiencing increased competition between different sets of retailers and craftsmen etc. It had been the type of environment where Chaucer put in major part of his years as a child and adult practical life. Chaucer, kid of John Chaucer who was simply an importer of wine beverages, resided in the region home to many vendors including Italian wines merchants. His regular sessions to Italy also provided him a profound information into Italian practices and customs. Chaucer's acquaintance with Italian books and people proven an asset to produce a master masterpiece of design; the "Canterbury Stories" (Mair 115-135).
Chaucer was highly affected by an Italian copy writer Boccaccio. 'Teseida' by Boccaccio is regarded as the source of creativity for writing 'Canterbury Tales' as it "allows an understanding into the procedure for artistic invention and a point of view on how significantly Chaucer's poetry is anchored in traditions, whether Italian, People from france, classical- or English". Although several studies have searched for exact correspondences between Boccaccio's and Chaucer's variations, it is essential to identify that 'Teseida' serves only as a starting point which Chaucer elaborates while eventual difference between both works is "one of narrative method and imagination" (Klitgard 38-41).
The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories written by Chaucer in Middle English. Chaucer had written the reviews in overdue 14th century, a few of them in prose while usually in verse. The Canterbury Stories is the story of an organization comprising thirty people exploring as pilgrims to Canterbury. All these pilgrims have different societal backgrounds as they advised stories to the other person considering it the best usage of time spent on journey. 'The Knight's Tale' is the first and the longest story in 'Canterbury Tales'. Arcite and Palamon, the two knights, are friends and family of Ruler Coele of Thebes. Chaucer is exhibiting what sort of real camaraderie can convert into rivalries. It really is amazing to discover that emotions of love may also lead to hatred creating differences between two best friends. They are imprisoned by the 'Theseus'- the Duke of Athens and competitor of Ruler Coele. During imprisonment, both knights fell in love with Emily who is a sister-in-law of Theseus.
Even though Chaucer is using centuries-old theme with two men struggling over a woman, it's the demonstration style and poetic quality which captivates the audience. The occasions take a remarkable change when Arctic handles to escape going out of Athens. The energy of love, however, prevails which is his love for Emily that forces to return even becoming a webpage in her chamber. Palamon is also a victim of love just like Arctic. It really is his burning desire to have Emily that he also successfully flees. The play persists as both knights meet but start fighting and claiming Emily. The story reaches climax when Theseus apprehends both knights and decides to stay the problem in a traditional way by getting a competition between knights while arranging Emily as a prize for the success. It is at this time audience wonders how the tale will end and whether fate favors Arcite or Palamon. The role of gods is important in the tale deciding fate of three major people; Arcite, Palamon, and Emily. Palamon is praying to god Venus and Arcite begging mercy of god Mars. Emily prays to Diana but with different dreams and wishes. She is praying to Diana for letting her remain unmarried. In case this wish is not awarded she prays that man adoring her most should marry her. The gods Venus and Mars are also quarrelling on the results of these prayers. The dispute is finally settled by the sensible god Saturn deciding prudently. The god Saturn guarantees that everyone will get fair and deserving rewards. Consequence of contest is almost beyond the imagination of the audience. Although Arcite wins but dies accidently as he comes from equine. He allows Palamon to marry Emily before fatality. Chaucer is, therefore, tactful to create a mixed sense of sadness and delight showing loss of life of Arcite and Palamon marrying Emily (Geoffrey Chaucer). Chaucer, by displaying the conflicting views of gods, is bringing up the question about incompatibility of requests made by individuals asking God for opposing things. Since God cannot offer every or both opposing hopes, Chaucer leaves audience thinking concerning how God is justified in granting desires and wise to rule the world (The Knight: his Portrait and his Tale).
The tale is appropriate for the knight revealing to tale about two knights fighting with each other for love. As already mentioned pilgrims visiting in the convoy are from all sections of modern culture; knight belongs to privileged class. Knight is highest in get ranking and alert to customs in the elite section of the society. It really is, however, a coincidence that the knight is given the chance to tell the first tale "drawing the shortest lower in the Host's lottery". Chaucer mentions this happy coincidence within an indirect way as:
Were it by aventure, or kind, or cass,
The soothe is this, the chop fil to the Knyhght (I. 844-5) (Pearsall 110-120).
