Masculine and Feminine ideology in the Knight’s and Squire’s tales
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published 25/09/2008
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SummaryChaucer’s inclusion of a father-son relationship—represented by the Knight and the Squire—demands an analysis of their inherent connection, their individual characterizations and the themes they represent in their Tales. Each must consciously or subconsciously reveal information about one another or their relationship in their respective tales. Indeed, the differences in the personalities and values of each character are profound. “The Knight’s Tale” warns of the dire consequences in valuing courtly love above male bonds; the young, lovesick Squire ripe for falling into a hasty love must be the Knight’s intended audience—he seems to tell his tale primarily for his son’s edification. “The Knight’s Tale” places its focus on dominantly masculine themes—the undisputed importance of male friendship and loyalty, adherence to keeping one’s word—along with a male dominated plot and the cause of the fall of the all-important friendship being a woman. On the other hand, the Squire seems to exude more feminine attributes and values. The most coherent portion of his tale portrays the lament of a suicidal, lovelorn falcon and her relationship to the compassionate princess who has acquired the ability to communicate with birds through a magical ring. The Squire’s fascination with fantasy, romance, and the exotic—indeed all things outside of his own existence—characterize the Squire as holding classically feminine ideals and characteristics. The success of the female friendship also contrasts with the failure of the males’ in his father’s tale. The two tales reveal a conscious or unconscious battle between masculine and feminine-centered ideologies—between pragmatism and idealism—and at Chaucer’s decision to prematurely end the Squire’s tale, he seems to argue the masculine ideology as the superior.
Table of Contents
- Introduction.
- The main source of conflict in 'The Knight's Tale'.
- Admonishment of the superlative reverence of male friendships.
- The successful female friendship and bond created between Canacee and the falcon.
- The tales of the Squire and the Knight.
- Conclusion.
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