chivalry essay prompts

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The Necessity of Chivalry

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Chivalry Is Not About Opening Doors, But Protecting Society’s Most Vulnerable From Attack

Modern society is in dispute over the value of  chivalry . Chivalry originally referred to the medieval knight’s code of honor but today references a range of – usually male – behaviors, from courtesy to overprotectiveness. Some see it as the mindset of elite warriors, glorifying violence and  demeaning women . Others see it as  necessary and desirable  to protect groups under attack.

As a  historian of literature  who studies chivalry, I stand with the latter group. Rather than fostering misogynistic attitudes or overprotective behaviors that insult women, chivalry has been a liberating force from ancient times onward. Across many cultures it arises to protect society’s most vulnerable.

Ancient Chivalry

The earliest chivalric incident I teach appears around 2100 B.C. in “Gilgamesh,” perhaps the oldest surviving epic poem. In it, the wild man  Enkidu , civilized by a woman, confronts the sexually abusive king Gilgamesh. Enkidu defeats Gilgamesh in hand-to-hand combat to end his custom of sleeping with every bride in his city on her wedding night, and wins that king’s friendship.

Jewish laws also influenced the chivalric customs of medieval leaders. Deuteronomy, the fifth book of the the Hebrew Bible, outlined  laws of war  around the 7th century B.C. that require protections for captive women, peace overtures to enemies and prohibitions against destroying fruit trees. It  inspired  the international law that nations are governed by today.

The Bible also features warrior women who emerge as chivalric figures. The prophetess Deborah, for example, accompanies an army into battle. In her  visionary song  she  praises Jael , the lone woman who assassinates a  predatory enemy general  on the run. Deborah even reproaches Sisera’s mother for raising her son to plunder and enslave women as “spoils of war.”

The Middle Ages

Early medieval knights  were essentially hired thugs of low social status. Their adoption of chivalry as a professional code of honor allowed some of them to achieve respect as gentlemen.

European literature soon featured knights and kings as protectors of women. In  Geoffrey of Monmouth ’s “ History of the Kings of Britain ” of 1138, King Arthur kills the  rapist giant  of Mont-Saint-Michel. A few decades later, the French poet  Chrétien de Troyes  portrays Sir Lancelot casting aside reputation, glory and  treasured warhorses  to save the kidnapped Queen Guinevere. Such popular tales of chivalry pressured aristocrats to adopt the chivalric code – to some extent.

By the later 14th and mid-15th centuries, English writers like Geoffrey Chaucer and Sir Thomas Malory depict the court of King Arthur as a bastion of justice for women, well beyond the norms of that day. In their most famous works, “ The Canterbury Tales ” and “ Le Morte d’Arthur ,” respectively, they wrote about women sentencing rapist knights to death or reeducation. In Malory’s version of the story, King Arthur’s knights take an  oath  that decries brutality toward women and demands they both aid women and “ strengthen them in their rights .”

Western chivalry rapidly became a liberating force for both men and women as knights intervened to protect civilians.

Chivalry Today

As in ancient times, chivalrous medieval women themselves  led armies and defended castles . One of the most famous, the peasant girl  Joan of Arc , was 18 when she led her countrymen against the English and saved French independence.

Their inspiration has fired up a long series of activists who carry chivalric ideals of social justice into the present day.  Suffragists in the 19th and early 20th centuries  – as well as Black Lives Matter protesters today – have identified with medieval knights destroying evil customs. “We have come together as, if you will, knights at the Round Table, and our King Arthur is justice,” said a  young protester in Fort Worth, Texas , after the police killing of George Floyd.

Just as  toxic masculinity  and aggressive misogyny persist, so does the original chivalric ideal of the warrior defending human life and  freedom against tyranny  and its thugs.

The principled medieval knight – and principled men and women of whatever rank – valued self control. They joined clerics of different faiths in opposing cruelty when law and bigotry gave victims little recourse.

Inequities  and  prejudices  have not disappeared since the days of King Arthur. I believe men and women of today need the  chivalric values  of mercy, justice and humility more than ever before.

This article by Jennifer Wollock originally appeared on The Conversation .

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63 Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay Topics & Examples

Looking for Sir Gawain and the Green Knight essay topics? A famous English chivalric romance of the 14th century that still remains popular is worth focusing on!

• ❓ Essay Questions
• 🏆 Best Essay Topics
• 📌 A+ Essay Examples
• 👍 Exciting Essay Topics

In your Sir Gawain and the Green Knight essay, you might want to focus on its symbolism or themes. Another option is to talk about the context of the romance. One more idea is to take a look at one of the modern adaptations of the literary piece. In this article, we’ve collected top Sir Gawain and the Green Knight essay examples, topics, and questions for research and discussion.

❓ Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay Questions

• Who is the author of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”? The main hypotheses.
• What are the features of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” verse form?
• What is the significance of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” in medieval literature?
• What are “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” themes?
• What is the color symbolism of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”?
• What is the genre of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”?

🏆 Best Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay Topics

• Chivalry in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight – Examples & Quotes In the 14th century poem, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, the character of a knight Sir Gawain is a perfect example of the chivalric behavior of a Middle Age knight.
• “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Symbolism In the context of the “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”, the pentangle brings together the influence of “the five virtues, the five wounds of Christ, the five senses, the five joys of Mary the […]
• Gawain as a Hero Gawain is not aware of the plan but is wise enough to find his way out and by so doing he proves to be a hero again, as he is strong enough to avoid the […]
• The Symbolic Role of Green Color in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” The actual name of the character “Green Knight” is not provided, but throughout the poem, the person is described as “green” and thus the color green describe the person himself.
• Depiction of Heroism in “Beowulf”, “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” and “Le Morte D’Arthur” In Le Morte D’Arthur, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and Beowulf, the central characters in the tales appear to represent their own unique description of heroism.
• “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”: The Bedroom and Hunting Scenes Consequently, from this point on, the narrative splits into two parallel lines that show the reader the perspective of the lord and Gawain throughout the day.
• Knightly Virtue in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Poem Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is an epic poem where the protagonist illustrates knightly virtues through overcoming the trials sent to him by the Green Knight.
• Testing in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a chivalric novel written in the 14th century by an unknown author about the exploits of Sir Gawain, King Arthur’s nephew, showing the spirit of chivalry and faithfulness […]
• The Poem “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” by Simon Armitage The first aspect of this poem is the focus on the conduct of the male characters from the perspective of honor.
• “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”: Themes, Aspects, and Writing Style The poem “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” is a piece in which the plot is supported by Christian morality underpinning the chivalry of the characters and their occasional failure to comply with this notion.
• “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Christian Poem In the poem, Sir Gawain is visited by a green knight in the form of a mysterious warrior. Sir Gawain accepts the challenge and chops off the head of the knight in only one blow.
• The Knight Without Blemish and Without Reproach: The Color of Virtue Although there is no actual rhyme in the given piece, the way it is structured clearly shows that this is a poem; for instance, the line “At the head sat Bishop Baldwin as Arthur’s guest […]
• Sir Gawain and the Green Knight In the real sense, it is at the Green Knight’s abode that Gawain rests on his way to the chapel. This causes Gawain to flinch and he is reprimanded by the knight for that action.
• Magic and Christianity in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a story that comprises of the themes of Christianity and magic as they both play an important role in the story.

📌 A+ Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay Examples

• The Faith, Strength, and Loyalty of the Arthurian Knight Gawain in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• Women’s Indirect Power in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• The Theme of Courtly Love in “Beowulf,” “The Romance of Tristan,” “Troilus and Criseyde,” and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• Parallelism Between the Scenes of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• The Significance of the Color Green in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• Self-Realization and the Hero’s Quest in “Beowulf,” “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,” and “Everyman”
• The Pentangle in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• Ideas of Morality and Wealth During the Medieval Era in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• Women Courtly Love and the Creation Myth in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”: Warrior in the Primal Village
• “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” and Monty Python and the Holy Grail
• The Unnamed Wife in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• The Impossible Pentangle: Chivalry, Christianity, and Ethical Dualism in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• Religious Beliefs Observed in “Beowulf” and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• The Meaning and Symbolism of the Hunting Scenes in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• Medieval Values in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• Comparison of Knights in “Canterbury Tales” and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• The Roles of Women Portrayed in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• Romantic Tradition in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• Women’s Roles in “Epic of Gilgamesh,” “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight,” and “The Canterbury Tales”

👍 Exciting Essay Topics for Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

• The Influence of the Supernatural on Courtly Conduct, Christianity, and Chivalry in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• The Use of the Supernatural in “Beowulf” and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• The Character of Sir Gawain as a Coward in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” by Pearl Poet
• Virtue, Vice, and Valor in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• The Knightly Virtues of Courage, Courtesy, and Loyalty in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• The Ideal of Knighthood as Presented in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• The Relationship of Binary Opposition in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• The Contrast in the Characteristics of a Hero in “Beowulf” and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• Importance of the “Beheading Game” in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• Image of Virgin Mary in the Poem “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• Compare the Green Knight and Lord Bertilak in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• The Similarities and Differences Between Dante’s “Inferno” and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• The Presentation of Sin and Redemption in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• The Five Virtues of Chivalry Exemplified by the Pentangle in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• Comparison of “The Wife of Bath” and “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• Psychoanalytic Approach to “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• The Themes of Maturity and the Medieval Quest in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• Personification of Ideologies in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• The Effective Use of Sound, Alliteration, and Personification in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• The Noble Knight in the Poem “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• Free the Ambiguity of Chivalry and Temptation in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• Journey From Childhood to Adulthood in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
• The Imperfection of Mankind: The Chivalric Code in “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight”
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IvyPanda. (2024, May 31). 63 Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay Topics & Examples. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/sir-gawain-and-the-green-knight-essay-examples/

"63 Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay Topics & Examples." IvyPanda , 31 May 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/topic/sir-gawain-and-the-green-knight-essay-examples/.

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IvyPanda . 2024. "63 Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay Topics & Examples." May 31, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/sir-gawain-and-the-green-knight-essay-examples/.

1. IvyPanda . "63 Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay Topics & Examples." May 31, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/sir-gawain-and-the-green-knight-essay-examples/.

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IvyPanda . "63 Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Essay Topics & Examples." May 31, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/sir-gawain-and-the-green-knight-essay-examples/.

How To Write A Chivalry Essay

Chivalry is not only about respecting women. It separates the men from the "boys". Chivalry shows that you possess qualities such as courage, honor, maturity, and loyalty for others -- not just toward the opposite sex. Many say that chivalry is dead, but if you use these tips, you will be far beyond that confused

Similarities Between Sir Gawain And Morte D Arthur

In two stories there is a code that knights follow. Chivalry is the code that they follow. The code says that a knight should be a brave warrior, a good christian, and selflessly fighting for justice. The knights are supposed to fight for their king and queen. In the stories Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and from Morte d’Arthur they show the idea about chivalry.

Examples Of Chivalry In Beowulf

Some say chivalry is dead , I don't think so. Chivalry is a code of conduct governing a knight's behavior. It's the combination of qualities expected of an ideal person, especially bravery, loyalty,and honor.

Chivalry In Sir Gawain's Marriage

Chivalry defined in the middle ages was a moral system which went beyond rules of combat and introduced the concept

The Medieval Code : Chivalry, And The Chivalric Code

When asked to think of the word “chivalry” and the chivalric code, what is the first thing which comes to mind? Many would visualize the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. Most people overlook that chivalry was a code of conduct, designed specifically for the hierarchical order of society and difficult lifestyle during medieval times. The code of conduct included many ideals such as courage, honor, and protecting the weak and was followed by the knights; it also helped control the warrior class by imposing such strict expectations, ensuring they won’t violently turn on those they are assigned to protect. Chivalry played a very important role in the medieval time period.

Chivalry in Arthurian Legend Essay

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Merriam-Webster's on-line dictionary defines chivalry as "the system, spirit, or customs of medieval knighthood." As Leon Gautier, author of Chivalry, defines this "system" and "spirit" of knighthood by identifying rules of chivalry, two of which are well illustrated in Lanval, "TheWife of Bath's Tale," and "The Wedding of Sir Gawain and Dame Ragnel:" "Thou shalt never lie, and shall remain faithful to thy pledged word," and "Thou shalt be generous, and give largess to everyone"(qtd. in Chivalry). All three stories seem to suggest the predominant theme of a knight living up to his word. This is shown by the fact that, in each story, the knight's oath is taken very seriously, is treated as a contract, and is

What is chivalry? Chivalry is qualities expected of an knight, that shows courage, honor, courtesy, and justice. While chivalry in the medieval era was institution of knighthood referring more to the codes of conduct, including courtly love. But, today chivalry isn't more to different from the middle ages we have a great deal of wealth and resources and freedom at our disposal, it's also considered a choice to do the right thing for the right reason and helping out others shows that side of chivalry. Chivalry still exist today in my opinion, why do i say that?

My Personal Code Of Chivalry

My personal code of chivalry is to stand up for those who can not stand up for themselves. Those who are less fortunate, mentally challenged, and or physically disabled. I was raised in a house where you respect and stand up for anyone in need. Being a bully was not tolerated in my house, being a friend to all was expected by my parents. My mom told me at a young age “everyone understands a smile”, whether they speak the same language, have a handicap, or are considered an outcast. A smile can go a long way, and make anyone feel included.

Le Morte d'Arthur Essay

     An act of chivalry is described as the qualifications or character of the ideal knight. Knights were expected to uphold this code of conduct. In the English literature Le Morte d?Arthur, French for ?The Death of Arthur?, by Sir Thomas Malory, the characters display acts of chivalry from beginning to end. Though the code of chivalry contains many qualities or acts, nevertheless bravery, loyalty, and courtly love are demonstrated more throughout this literature.

Why Is Chivalry So Alive

The Code of chivalry is still alive because many men put their country first and themselves second. For instance, for men fighting for the country who are in the military. It takes a lot of courage to go [into battle] knowing that you may not return home. They have families, friends, and even pets that they are leaving behind to fight for their country. That takes a lot of guts because I can not leave my love ones behind and go off to the war by myself.

The Contradiction of Chivalry and Courtly Love Essays

Two conflicting disciplines are prevalent throughout Arthurian Legend; that of chivalry and that of courtly love. The ideal of each clash throughout the medieval tales, and it is impossible to interfuse the two models for society. Chivalry is a masculine code, an aggressive discipline, whereas courtly love is based upon women - their needs, wants, and desires. The consistent problem if Lancelot and Guinevere’s adulterous relationship in different tellings of the affair relates back to the differences presented in chivalric code and courtly love ideals.

Knighthood and Courtly Love in the Time of King Arthur Essay

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Chivalry was considered to be the code of behavior expected of a knight. It was the conduct, ideas, and ideals of the knightly class of the Middle Ages. It became standardized and referred to as chivalry, a term derived from the French word chevalier, meaning knight. The code urged the knight to be brave, courageous, honorable, true to his word, and loyal to his feudal overlord, and to defend his Church. A knight was truthful, honest, capable, educated, physically fit, noble, sincere, and subservient to the king. A serious violation of these vows could result in a knight being classed as an undignified knight, which was the ultimate insult because of all the hard work that was put into becoming a knight. It made it seem as if all of work

The Code Of Chivalry In Ancient Rome

Courtesy, generosity, valor, modesty, and many other characteristics were not only used to classify a knight, but are still used to distinguish a true gentleman. A chivalrous act performed towards a girl is something we do not see very often anymore. How often do you see a man opening the car door for his lady? It all started a thousand five hundred years ago when there was no such thing as chivalry being well known by all people. During these years the Roman Empire was the cultural and economic center of a good amount of people from around the world. Suddenly, for a few reasons pertaining to the era, Rome vanished.The tranquility began to be replaced with violence. Overlords began to put themselves out there, and be a part of the Roman landscape.

Don Quixote As A Hero

Chivalry, according to dictionary.com, is the sum of the ideal qualifications of a Knight, this includes: courtesy, generosity, valor, and dexterity in arms. Don Quixote believes that by bringing these qualities back into society, the world will once again obtain its beauty. On this journey, Don Quixote is accompanied by a peasant laborer, Sancho Panza, who Don Quixote refers to as his squire. Sancho, takes the roll of Don Quixote’s squire because of greed. Unlike the other characters in this novel, Sancho admires Don Quixote’s madness, even getting himself wrapped along in it at times.

Is Chivalry Alive Today Essay

Chivalry is the type of thing that would be great to have in our society but I don’t believe that it exists too much anymore in the world today. Let me break down here some of the chivalry rules compared with the actions of the people of the current world.

Similarities Between Courtly Love And Chivalry

era. .Chivalry is any behavior that fall under the knightly conduct code. Examples of this are

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Essay Samples on Chivalry

The concept of chivalry and stereotypical gentlemanship.

The time has come for chivalry and stereotypical gentlemanship to take their place in the graveyard next to all other gender norms that have been killed off in recent years. Why is it that just because some people are born as male, they are expected...

• Stereotypes

Christian Pacifism in the Middle Age Period

In the Middle Ages, through the system of feudalism, every emperor or king is honored as the liege of all his vassals, who in this time will be all the nobles and knights who fight for him. However, because most of them were devout to...

Depiction Of Courtly Knighthood In Anglo-Saxon And Medieval Literature

Through the course of history, there has been intrusions of tribes from different areas. Such invasions have affected the course of history, and it also impacted the literature realm. The various invasions have occurred during the early centuries and are known as the Anglo-Saxons. With...

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• Courtly Love

Chivalry and Courtly Love in Old Times vs Today: Analysis of the Film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail"

Courtly love and chivalry are two disciplines that portray an image or code of old times. Courtly love is based around women and “Forbidden Love”. Where men are polite and admire their love from a distance due to several circumstances. With courtly love, the pair...

Usage of Satire in the Miller’s Tale to Parody the Ideas of Courtly Love and Chivalry in the Knight’s Tale

Throughout Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales”, the ideas of courtly love and chivalry are present throughout many of the tales, however these ideas are only in part. In order to understand how these notions are only partially present, it is important to understand what exactly...

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Life in the Medieval Era Europe

Life in the Medieval Era wasn’t as glamorous as people made it seem to be. Peasants and serfs had lived a hard life while the kings, queens, and lords lived luxuriously out of the expense of others who were under them. Reading and writing were...

The Stire of Chivalry in Monthy Python and the Holy Grail

The perception pertaining to chivalry in the role of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is adequately performed within Monty Python and the Holy Grail. As discussed in the book regarding Gawain of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight this is obviously an honorable horseman...

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Best topics on Chivalry

1. The Concept of Chivalry and Stereotypical Gentlemanship

2. Christian Pacifism in the Middle Age Period

3. Depiction Of Courtly Knighthood In Anglo-Saxon And Medieval Literature

4. Chivalry and Courtly Love in Old Times vs Today: Analysis of the Film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”

5. Usage of Satire in the Miller’s Tale to Parody the Ideas of Courtly Love and Chivalry in the Knight’s Tale

6. Life in the Medieval Era Europe

7. The Stire of Chivalry in Monthy Python and the Holy Grail

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Chivalry by Neil Gaiman - Text Analysis Writing Prompt, Text Based Evidence Unit

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Introducing how to write a literary analysis essay citing text evidence for "Chivalry" by Neil Gaiman has never been easier! This in-depth text dependent analysis (TDA) writing prompt resource guides students through a step-by-step process of writing an opinion essay with textual evidence as support. It includes an argumentative writing graphic organizer , rubric, argumentative writing quiz , and an argumentative writing template .

All aspects of text evidence writing are covered in this resource: brainstorming ideas , developing a thesis statement , introducing supporting details , writing hooks and leads , and incorporating the 6 Traits of Writing ™. From the struggling writer to the advanced writer, this resource offers something for everyone.

The video, slide show, graphic organizer, worksheets, writing template, and rubric allow students to practice and develop their argumentative writing skills. The writing quiz reinforces guided note-taking techniques when used in conjunction with the instructional video. The detailed lesson plans make implementing argument writing easy for teachers .

This no-prep lesson is adaptable for in-class instruction, distance learning, or independent student work. The instructional video with writing tutorial and template can be presented as whole class instruction or assigned for students to complete at home.

All materials are available in both Google Drive™ and print formats, ensuring easy access for all students.

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This Citing Text Evidence Argumentative / Argument writing prompt lesson includes:

Entertaining Instructional Video with:

• Brainstorming ideas
• Prompt identification and comprehension
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• Rubric explanation
• How to Write an Argumentative Essay tutorial and writing template
• How to Write an Argumentative Essay writing quiz / guided note-taking

Detailed Lesson Plan with:

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Worksheets with:

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PowerPoint Presentation with:

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• World History Encyclopedia - Medieval Chivalry
• Ancient Origins - Medieval Chivalry Wasn’t Just Knights and Valor
• Digital Commons at Illinois Wesleyan University - Conflicting Perspectives: Chivalry in Twelfth-Century Historiography
• Ohio State University - Origins - Knighthood As It Was, Not As We Wish It Were

chivalry , the knightly class of feudal times . The primary sense of the term in Europe in the Middle Ages is “ knights ,” or “fully armed and mounted fighting men.” Thence the term came to mean the gallantry and honour expected of knights. Later the word came to be used in its general sense of “courtesy.”

(Read Sir Walter Scott’s 1824 Britannica essay on chivalry.)

In English law “chivalry” meant the tenure of land by knights’ service. The court of chivalry instituted by Edward III , with the lord high constable and earl marshal of England as joint judges, had summary jurisdiction in all cases of offenses of knights and generally as to military matters.

The concept of chivalry in the sense of “honourable and courteous conduct expected of a knight” was perhaps at its height in the 12th and 13th centuries and was strengthened by the Crusades , which led to the founding of the earliest orders of chivalry, the Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem (Hospitallers) and the Order of the Poor Knights of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon (Templars) , both originally devoted to the service of pilgrims to the Holy Land. In the 14th and 15th centuries the ideals of chivalry came to be associated increasingly with aristocratic display and public ceremony rather than service in the field.

Yvain, or the Knight With the Lion

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Discussion Questions

Why does Calogrenant set off a magical storm in Brocéliande? What are the results of this action?

What is chivalry, and how does it affect Yvain’s behavior? 

Yvain kills Esclados, then meets the slain man’s wife. Why does he fall in love with her, and why does she fall for him?

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Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

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King Arthur ’s court at Camelot is defined by a chivalrous code, in which fighting spirit, bravery and courtesy are vital to a man’s character and standing, and cowardice is looked down upon as a severe defect. The Green Knight 's challenge is thus a challenge not just to each individual knight but to the entire Arthurian chivalric code, and that code is shown to be hollow when none of the knights accept the challenge until Gawain , who identifies himself as the weakest of the knights, finally does. The terms of the Green Knight’s game then force Gawain to seek out the Green Knight somewhere in the wilderness of Britain. As such, the quest presents another test of both Gawain and the chivalric code outside the confines of Arthur's court. Over the course of this quest, it becomes clear that the highly-formalized and by-the-book set of rules for living inherent in the chivalric code of Camelot does not stand up in the wildness of the real world.

The chivalric code is full of glitter and symbolic decorations, just as Gawain is dressed for his challenge with diamonds and a shield representing the values he is supposed to embody. But these values are merely painted on, they are all surface, revealing the lack of certainty that the men beneath the armor actually hold in their chivalry—Gawain chooses to hide the green girdle from Bertilak rather than reveal it as promised, all because he fears for his life. Gawain’s trials also reveal how the chivalric codes are themselves contradictory: Gawain is faced with the need to be chivalric need to be honorable toward his host Bertilak while also showing the utmost courtesy and charm to Bertilak's wife , even as she seems intent on trying to seduce Gawain. Here the chivalric codes are set against each other.

Gawain navigates these impossible situations as best he can, but ultimately fails to adhere to the rules of the game he agreed upon with Bertilak (he does not reveal the girdle). Yet Bertilak/the Green Knight ultimately spares Gawain with no more than a nicked neck, while it was in his right to chop off Gawain’s head. Bertilak's honor does not depend on a formalized chivalric code that completely defines him. He and his men still have their rituals, but they put on less of a show. They have more individual strength, are more adaptable, and can therefore be more merciful when they feel the situation warrants it. In short, theirs is a way of being that better operates in the real world. The green girdle Gawain wears becomes a symbol of this different, less formulaic way of being.

Chivalry ThemeTracker

Chivalry Quotes in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

After Britain was built by this founding father, a bold race bred there, battle-happy men causing trouble and torment in turbulent times.

And I’ll tell it as it's told in the town where it trips from, the tongue; and as it has been inked in stories bold and strong, through letters, which, once linked, have lasted loud and long.

I should genuinely judge him to be a half-giant, or a most massive man, the mightiest of mortals. But handsome, too, like any horseman worth his horse, for despite the bulk and brawn of his body his stomach and waist were slender and sleek. In fact in all features he was finely formed it seemed.

Some stood and stared then stepped a little closer, drawn near to the knight to know his next move; they'd seen some sights, but this was something special, a miracle or magic, or so they imagined. Yet several of the lords were like statues in their seats, left speechless and rigid, not risking a response. The hall fell hushed, as if all who were present had slipped into sleep or some trancelike state.

I'm spoiling for no scrap, I swear. Besides, the bodies on these benches are just bum-fluffed bairns. If I'd ridden to your castle rigged out for a ruck these lightweight adolescents wouldn't last a minute. But it's Yuletine – a time of youthfulness, yes? So at Christmas in this court I lay down a challenge: if a person here present, within these premises, is big or bold or red blooded enough to strike me one stroke and be struck in return, I shall give him as a gift this gigantic cleaver and the axe shall be his to handle how he likes.

By Guenivere, Gawain now to his king inclines and says, "I stake my claim. This moment must be mine.

The handsome head tumbles onto the earth and the king's men kick it as it clatters past. Blood gutters brightly against his green gown, yet the man doesn't shudder or stagger or sink but trudges towards them on those tree-trunk legs and rummages around, reaches at their feet and cops hold of his head and hoists it high and strides to his steed, snatches the bridle, steps into the stirrup and swings into the saddle still gripping his head by a handful of hair.

So it suits this soldier in his spotless armor, fully faithful in five ways five times over. For Gawain was as good as the purest gold – devoid of vices but virtuous, loyal and kind, so bore that badge on both his shawl and shield alike. A prince who talked the truth. A notable. A knight.

He rides the path and prays, dismayed by his misdeeds, and signs Christ's cross and says, "be near me in my need." No sooner had he signed himself three times than he became aware, in those woods, of high walls in a moat, on a mound, bordered by the boughs of thick-trunked timber which trimmed the water. The most commanding castle a knight ever kept,

As the cry went up the wild creatures quaked. The deer in the dale, quivering with dread hurtled to high ground, but were headed off by the ring of beaters who bawled and roared. The stags of the herd with their high-branched heads and the broad-horned bucks were allowed to pass by, for the lord of the land had laid down a law that man should not maim the male in close season

Then the heads and necks of the hinds were hewn off, and the choice meat of the flanks chopped away from the chine, and a fee for the crows was cast into the copse. Then each side was skewered, stabbed through the ribs and heaved up high, hung by its hocks, and every person was paid with appropriate portions.

"And I will give it all to you, Gawain," said the master, "for according to our contract it is yours to claim." "Just so," said Gawain, "and I'll say the same, for whatever I've won within these walls such gains will be graciously given to you." So he held out his arms and hugged the lord and kissed him in the kindliest way he could.

for when tales of truthful knights are told in both title and text the topic they describe is how lords have laid down their lives for love, endured for many days love's dreadful ordeal then vented their feelings with avenging valor by bringing great bliss to a lady's bedroom – and you the most notable of all noble knights, whose fame goes before him ... yes, how can it follow that twice I have taken this seat at your side yet you have not spoken the smallest syllable which belongs to love or anything like it.

"As an honest soul I swear on my heart, you shall find the Green Chapel to finalize your affairs long before dawn on New Year's Day. So lie in your room and laze at your leisure while i ride my estate, and, as our terms dictate we'll trade our trophies when the hunt returns I have tested you twice and found you truthful. But think tomorrow third time throw best .

"Call yourself good Sir Gawain?" he goaded, "who faced down every foe in the field of battle but now flinches with fear at the foretaste of harm. Never have I known such a namby-pamby knight. Did I budge or even blink when you aimed the axe, or carp or quibble in King Arthur's castle?

But no wonder if a fool should fall for a female and be wiped of his wits by womanly guile – it's the way of the world. Adam fell for a woman and Solomon for several, and as for Samson, Delilah was his downfall, and afterwards David was bamboozled by Bathsheba and bore the grief.

"Regard," said Gawain, grabbing the girdle, "through this I suffered a scar to my skin – for my loss of faith I was physically defaced; what a coveting coward I became it would seem. I was tainted by untruth and this, its token, I will drape across my chest till the day I die.

Since fearless Brutus first set foot on these shores, once the siege and assault at Troy had ceased our coffers have been crammed with stories such as these. Now let our Lord, thorn-crowned, bring us to perfect peace. AMEN.

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Argumentative Essay On Chivalry

Show More Rough Draft #1 What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word “chivalry”? For myself, the image of knights riding their trusty steed to go save a damsel in distress. But it is no longer the medieval period, so this no longer applies. Especially now that women have fought for equality and are just as equal as men. A good reason as to why chivalry is considered dead by the majority of society. However, society blames the Millennial generation for the death of chivalry. But the men blame women for killing chivalry and the women blame the men. So whose fault is it actually? I believe everyone shares an equal part in the illusion that chivalry is dying out. But I do not think chivalry is actually dead, I believe it has simply …show more content… Every generation has their own idea of what chivalry is and in the current modern era I believe chivalry means doing something nice for someone without asking for anything in return. It is does not have to be as heroic as saving someone from a burning building or jumping in front of a bullet for someone. It is as simple as making someone else smile if you know that they are having a bad day. These things takes a little time and effort out of your own personal life to accomplish. That is why it is considered chivalrous of someone to do. These things happen on daily basis so why is chivalry considered …show more content… It is essential to take a step back sometimes and do what people did before the smartphones and talking computers. The men drove to the women’s house to pick them up and sometimes bringing flowers as well as asking her parents for permission to take her out. These are the simple things in life that people sometimes forget when they rely too much on the technology that they have. I cannot give a person the respect that they deserve via text. Especially if that person is my significant other (Ellen 1). Chivalry should not be exclusive to just dating, it should apply to everyday life as well. The world is not a kind place to everyone, which is why it is important that we treat everyone we meet with courtesy and respect. I remember back in grade school whenever everyone said the school creed every morning “...treat everyone with honesty, courtesy, and respect...” I do not have to know the person to be kind to them, because I would not want them to be anything but kind to me. In a sense, that is the essence of

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How to Pick a College Essay Topic, According to an Admission Expert

The personal essay is one of the most crucial parts of a college application. While your transcripts and test scores highlight your achievement, they’re ultimately just stats and figures.

That’s where the college essay comes in: It helps colleges determine who you are. You can let your personality shine through and also show off your biggest wins — and explain away any potential shortcomings.

Of course, not everyone loves to write. And even if you do, it’s not always easy to figure out what to say. After all, most college essay prompts are quite vague. Where do you even start?

We spoke with Dan Phan, the academic program manager for USC Bovard Scholars , to learn how to pick the perfect college essay topic.

What Should a College Essay Focus On?

First things first: You need to determine what your dream school is asking for. Some will ask for just one essay, which is in response to several possible prompts. Usually, these prompts have to do with your background, your ambitions, challenging or formative times in your life or your personal beliefs. Other schools, however, will require you to write a personal statement, in addition to answering several shorter supplementary essay questions.

So, different universities have different application requirements. However, the essay’s goal remains the same, regardless of the prompt or format.

“The main personal statement should be introspective and shed light on the student’s core values, experiences that shaped them and aspirations for the future. Who is this student? Where have they been

Where do they hope to go?” Phan said.

What are Some Examples of College Essay Themes?

Many people use the college essay to reflect on hurdles in their lives. These difficulties could be related to academics or personal struggles. The idea is to show how you handle adversity. Essays can also focus on a personal turning point, to illustrate your personal growth or how you adapt to change.

Other applicants focus on topics related to identity and diversity, diving into their cultural background or family history to explore how their heritage and upbringing have shaped them into who they are today.

Some students write about their passions, hobbies or community involvement, showing what they have to offer besides good grades. It’s also a way to paint a picture of how they could participate in campus culture. After all, the goal is for the university to want you to be there and bring your personal touch to campus!

Phan’s favorite college essay themes?

“I love reading stories about the movers and shakers of the world, young adults that I can envision in the college setting, wherever that may be, and making a big difference once there,” she said.

And while Phan sees plenty of stories about family, culture, personal obstacles and achievements, she’s also read some “beautifully written essays” that she “remembers vividly to this day.”

The topics of these essays were wide-ranging and, often, highly personal.

“Playing music with symbrachydactyly (a hand anomaly characterized by missing fingers),” Phan recalled. “Visiting the neighborhood wig shop after school to chat with cancer patients. Defying gender stereotypes. Living close to the state prison and getting involved in prison-to-school pipeline programs. Car rides listening to NPR. Peach dumplings. Natural hair. Treasure maps.”

So, don’t be afraid to get creative. While your college essay should express who you are, there are many different ways to do so.

How Do You Choose a College Essay Topic?

When faced with vague prompts and open-ended suggestions, it can be hard to think of one story that summarizes who you are. Unfortunately, you can’t write about everything that makes you unique. Instead, narrow it down to a specific thesis.

Phan recommends that students think about the top four things a stranger would need to know to get acquainted with them.

“I encourage students to be vulnerable, to build connections and to think about some of their most formative or meaningful experiences, whether that involves family, identity, culture, extracurricular activities or interests,” Phan said.

Ask yourself what your strengths are. What are the skills and qualities that separate you from others? Then, consider the stories in your life that illustrate these traits.

Maybe you’re proud of your resilience. What’s a time in your life that it was tested? Or perhaps you have a passion for improving your community. What led you to that? What are some times you’ve demonstrated that dedication?

Once you consider what you want the essay to reveal about you, it’s easier to determine what examples in your life illustrate that.

“The most compelling essays are not only well written but have rich details that humanize the student’s experiences,” Phan said.

What Not to Write in Your College Essay

While you have plenty of options for your college essay, there are also some topics you don’t want to write about. For example, Phan advises applicants to avoid writing about grades or academic performance. Your transcript already covers that.

Another common pitfall? Not writing about yourself.

“Sometimes, students make the mistake of bringing in another person like a family member, friend or leader they admire, and the essay ceases to be about the student but rather about how incredible the other person is — which completely misses the point,” Phan explained.

Similarly, keep in mind that you’re writing about yourself now. That means you should be discussing who you are as a prospective college student, not who you were in kindergarten. While stories from your youth may help explain who you’ve become, the focus should always be on personal growth and development.

Some essay topics are so overused that they’ve become clichéd, such as teenage heartbreak, mission trip experiences or winning a sports game, Phan said: “Considering how admissions committees may be reading tens of thousands of applications each application cycle, admissions readers want to read unique college essays with fresh perspectives and angularity.”

Should Someone Proofread Your College Essay?

Applying for college is a process with many steps, and most students ask for help confirming they’ve done each part correctly. The same goes for your college essay!

Once you’ve selected the topic, it’s normal to ask for feedback to ensure you’re on the right track. Your college counselor or a teacher would be the right people to ask.

Similarly, it’s a good idea to ask them for help refining the essay once it’s done. They can help you deliver your thesis in the most compelling way possible. Remember, even the most talented writers need a copy editor to check that their work is free of misspellings and grammatical errors.

However, don’t have too many people read your essay.

“I’ve seen essays become so disjointed because there were too many voices in the essays,” Phan said. “Additionally, working with multiple people can pull students in different directions, resulting in a bit of Frankenstein of an essay and the student’s original voice being completely lost.”

So, trust your gut! With enough preparation, hard work and proofreading, you can write a solid college essay that makes you stand out to potential schools.

Learn more about USC Summer and Online Pre-College Programs today.

Author: Becca van Sambeck

Home — Essay Samples — History — Chivalry — Code Of Chivalry: The Bridles Of Medieval Europe

Code of Chivalry: The Bridles of Medieval Europe

• Categories: Chivalry Middle Ages

About this sample

Words: 1153 |

Published: May 14, 2021

Words: 1153 | Pages: 3 | 6 min read

Works Cited

• Walter, Katie L. 'Peril, flight and the sad man: medieval theories of the body in battle.' Essays and Studies, vol. 67, 2014, p. 21+. Literature Resource Center. Accessed 21 Nov. 2019
• Adams, Jeremy duQuesnay. 'Modern Views of Medieval Chivalry, 1884-1984.' Classical and Medieval Literature Criticism, edited by Lawrence J. Trudeau, vol. 154, Gale, 2013. Literature Resource Center. Originally published in The Study of Chivalry, edited by Howell Chickering and Thomas H. Seiler, Medieval Inst., Western Michigan U, 1988, pp. 41-89. Accessed 18 Nov. 2019
• Musto, Ronald G. 'Just Wars and Evil Empires: Erasmus and the Turks.' Literature Criticism from 1400 to 1800, edited by Lawrence J. Trudeau, vol. 231, Gale, 2014. Literature Resource Center. Originally published in Renaissance Society and Culture, edited by John Monfasani and Ronald G. Musto, Italica, 1991, pp. 197-216. Accessed 18 Nov. 2019

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In Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote, the major motifs portrayed throughout the novel are honorable chivalry and the delusional perception of which Don Quixote views the world as enchanted. On several accounts throughout the [...]

The Code of Chivalry is a set of moral and social rules that knights were expected to uphold in medieval Europe. The concept of chivalry is often associated with honor, courage, loyalty, and gallantry, and it played a [...]

In this essay, we take a look at how the writers of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and First Knight use chivalry and courtly love, as well as taking a look at how one can use satire to easily ridicule the story of King [...]

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