American Films and Fourteenth Century Chaucer

Chaucer describes an ideal Knight, a "verray parfit, gentil knyght", who conscientiously follows all the social, moral, chivalric, and religious codes of conduct. Chaucer does not have any particular individual in mind but casts the Knight as an idealistic representative of his profession. Although the institution of chivalry had become immoral in the fourteenth century Chaucer withholds his criticism and instead gives the Knight with all the gentlemanly qualities that are in keeping with his character.
The Knight possesses all the traditional chivalric virtues of courtesy in speech, consideration for others, righteousness, generosity, helpfulness, and loyalty. He also loves truth, honour, freedom, and courtesy. Furthermore he is not only brave and worthy but he is also portrayed as wise. Although the Knight rides on a good horse, he is not showily dressed.
He has come straight from his expedition and is still wearing his armour. He wears a simple and coarse sleeveless tunic made out of cotton. This small detail serves to convey a certain degree of realism to the portrait and also serves to underline the Knight’s religious devotion and his eagerness to go on the journey. The Knight’s clothing highlights his integrity and honour. Chaucer also describes the Knight’s participation in several battles and campaigns. Majority of the Knight’s campaigns are religious in nature and are by and large crusades against the heathens.

The thunder of gunfire in the absence of light raised him from his sleep. He slowly sat up in vagrant rags and silently woke his starved family. They too sat up and listened to chaos created by the riot outside. The light from the fire they were stationed around made demonic shadows across their hollow-cheeked faces, but gave off limited heat. The man held his wife in his arms; they rolled over and went to sleep once more.
Blazing light pierced through the city like a gargantuan beast, vanquishing the distant horizon. Once again he was