Chaucer

Chaucer, who is the author of “The Knight’s Tale”, satirizes the ruling class to show the value of the working class. This satire shows the corruption of the ruling class in human nature. Chaucer basically makes a point to show a bigger meaning not just for the Middle Ages but also for any one and age to come. “His sleep, his mete, his drink is him biraft, That lene he wex, and drye as is a shaft. His eyen holwe, and grisly to biholde; His hewe falwe, and pale as asshen colde, And solitarie he was, and ever alone” (7-11). This quote from “The Knights Tale” shows the corruption of the class system. A wealthy knight like Arcite who is in the upper class falls in love with a woman, Emily, who he only sees from jail. When Thesius lets Arcite out of jail he is banned from Athens. Since Arcite is in love he decides to disguise himself as a servant to become closer to Emily. This was basically unheard of and ironic because someone who was in the highest class didn’t want to be in the low class. He was born into one class and people didn’t just change classes, especially not just for love. Chaucer is also satirizing to show everyone the value of the working class. “And ‘Philostrate’ he seide that he highte. But half so wel biloved a man as he” (75-76) – this describes how well known and well liked Arcite had become while being disguised as a servant. Also in this quote: “That Theseus wolde enhauncen his degree, And putten him in worshipful servyse,” (80-81), Thesius made Arcite his own assistant and paid him very well. Arcite became friends with these people while he was disguised. Enjoying his life as a servant, Chaucer satirizes the ruling class by showing Arcite as a servant and being more happy than he was when he was in the upper class, mainly because he sees Emily every day. Finally Chaucer satirizes human nature to show how humans should all be equal, or all have an equal opportunity to be either wealthy or poor in life. “ ‘The firste moevere of the cause