A Comparison Of Valor And Nobility In The Canterbury Tales
As we map out our journeys across the Earth one must ponder life's moral ambiguities and it's based upon this analysis is where we get our values.. This decides our life altering choices' and so which values should loved and praised as well as scorned with hatred by the people? I hope to induce a solid foundation upon which we can conclusively agree that valor and nobility are much greater than their self-serving counterparts.
In the Canterbury Tales there's no better example of valor than the Knight. A man renowned for his valor during battle and noble graces. These traits were noted by the great Chaucer, "He’d seen some service with the cavalry In Flanders and Artois and Picardy And had done valiantly in little space" (Lines: 86-88) and
"To ride abroad had followed chivalry, Truth, honor, generousness, and courtesy" (Lines: 45-46). These traits are essential in making up a civilization. Without courageous protectors civilization is sure to fail. Likewise, if the people lack a common set of high morals civilization will also fail. As without security and a united people there's nothing from keeping civilization from ripping at the seams.
However the monk is much different from the noble and valorous knight. He doesn't fulfill his duty as a religious head. He spends most of his days hunting and is corrupted by his vast monetary riches, these aren't traits desirable as they're strictly self serving as noted by Chaucer "Who rode the country; hunting was his sport." (Line: 170) and "With fine gray fur, the finest in the land,And on his hood, to fasten it at his chin. He had a wrought-gold, cunningly fashioned pin" (Lines: 198 - 201).
To conclude, these traits deserved to be praised and scorned for their various affects on society. However I'm not an innocent party in these traits. I certainly do, do things for money or for my self interest. And they serve a great role in determining how I go about my day. However my morality and valor prevent me from just doing whatever may be best for myself.
In the Canterbury Tales there's no better example of valor than the Knight. A man renowned for his valor during battle and noble graces. These traits were noted by the great Chaucer, "He’d seen some service with the cavalry In Flanders and Artois and Picardy And had done valiantly in little space" (Lines: 86-88) and
"To ride abroad had followed chivalry, Truth, honor, generousness, and courtesy" (Lines: 45-46). These traits are essential in making up a civilization. Without courageous protectors civilization is sure to fail. Likewise, if the people lack a common set of high morals civilization will also fail. As without security and a united people there's nothing from keeping civilization from ripping at the seams.
However the monk is much different from the noble and valorous knight. He doesn't fulfill his duty as a religious head. He spends most of his days hunting and is corrupted by his vast monetary riches, these aren't traits desirable as they're strictly self serving as noted by Chaucer "Who rode the country; hunting was his sport." (Line: 170) and "With fine gray fur, the finest in the land,And on his hood, to fasten it at his chin. He had a wrought-gold, cunningly fashioned pin" (Lines: 198 - 201).
To conclude, these traits deserved to be praised and scorned for their various affects on society. However I'm not an innocent party in these traits. I certainly do, do things for money or for my self interest. And they serve a great role in determining how I go about my day. However my morality and valor prevent me from just doing whatever may be best for myself.