The Knight's Tale

by Geoffrey Chaucer

Overview

A Knight's Tale is one of the stories in The Canterbury Tales, a collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 14th century. The tale is told by the Knight, a noble figure who has had many adventures and is renowned for his chivalry and martial prowess.

The story takes place in ancient Greece and centers around two young knights, Arcite and Palamon, who are both captured by the enemy while fighting in a war. They are imprisoned in a tower, but despite their captivity, they both fall in love with the same woman, Emelye, whom they see from their prison window. This sparks a fierce rivalry between the two.

The plot follows the knights' struggles as they attempt to win Emelye's love. After their release from prison, they agree to settle their dispute through a tournament. They each gather allies and prepare for a battle to the death, each hoping to win Emelye's hand.

The story explores themes of love, fate, and chivalric honor. It also touches on the idea of destiny, as both knights' efforts seem to be guided by forces beyond their control, whether through the intervention of the gods or sheer luck. Ultimately, Arcite wins the tournament but tragically dies from a fatal injury. In the end, Palamon marries Emelye, as it is revealed that fate has played a role in their outcomes.

Chaucer uses The Knight's Tale to explore the concept of love and the knightly virtues, while also engaging with ideas of fortune and the influence of the divine. The tale is rich in its presentation of medieval ideals, combining elements of romance, adventure, and tragedy.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940184553429
Publisher:	Geoffrey Chaucer
Publication date:	04/07/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	182 KB

About the Author

Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1343 – 1400) is often referred to as the "Father of English Literature." He was a poet, philosopher, civil servant, and diplomat during the late 14th century. Chaucer is best known for his work The Canterbury Tales, which is considered one of the greatest literary works in the English language.

Chaucer was born into a wealthy family in London, and his background gave him access to education and opportunities for travel. He worked as a civil servant, holding various positions such as a customs controller and a courtier. His career involved interactions with many prominent figures of the time, and he also served as a diplomat on several occasions, traveling to places such as France and Italy.

In terms of his literary contributions, Chaucer’s work is marked by his ability to blend different literary traditions. He was influenced by French, Italian, and Latin literature, especially the works of Dante, Petrarch, and Boccaccio, but he also made significant innovations in the English language and poetic form. One of his key achievements was popularizing the use of the vernacular—the everyday language of the people—in literature, rather than Latin, which was the traditional language of scholars and the Church.

Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories told by a group of pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket in Canterbury. Each pilgrim, from different walks of life, tells a tale, and through these stories, Chaucer provides a vivid portrait of medieval society. The tales address a wide range of themes, including love, morality, religion, and social class, and they are often characterized by humor, satire, and keen social commentary.

Editorial Reviews

The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer: A Goodreads review highlighting the unique tone of each character's tale and the richness of the collection, despite some stories being less engaging than others.

Goodreads - N/A