Chivalry

Definition

Chivalry is a code of conduct associated with the medieval institution of knighthood, emphasizing values such as bravery, honor, and respect for women. It not only dictated the behavior of knights in battle but also influenced their interactions in society, shaping ideals of courtly love and noble service. This concept plays a significant role in various literary works where characters embody or challenge these ideals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Chivalry originally developed as a code of conduct for knights in the feudal system and became formalized during the 12th century.
2. The ideals of chivalry are closely linked to the notion of courtly love, where knights would often perform noble deeds to win the favor of ladies.
3. Chivalric values not only pertain to battlefield courage but also include loyalty to one's lord, protection of the weak, and upholding justice.
4. Many literary works from the medieval period illustrate the conflict between chivalric ideals and human flaws, showcasing characters who struggle with their responsibilities.
5. The decline of chivalry can be attributed to changes in warfare technology and social structures by the end of the Middle Ages, leading to new forms of governance and societal norms.

Review Questions

• How do characters in specific works illustrate or challenge the ideals of chivalry?
  • In several literary works, characters often embody chivalric ideals through their actions and choices. For example, a knight may undertake perilous quests to demonstrate bravery or display acts of valor to protect those who cannot defend themselves. Conversely, characters might challenge these ideals by acting selfishly or failing to uphold their oaths, showcasing the tension between societal expectations and personal desires.
• Discuss how chivalry influences the themes of courtly love in literature.
  • Chivalry greatly influences themes of courtly love by framing romantic pursuits within a context of noble behavior and idealization. Knights often express their devotion through acts of valor and service to their beloved, creating a narrative where love becomes intertwined with duty. This connection elevates love to an almost sacred status while simultaneously complicating relationships as knights navigate their obligations versus their emotional desires.
• Evaluate the impact of chivalric values on societal norms and relationships during the medieval period.
  • Chivalric values significantly shaped societal norms and relationships in medieval times by establishing expectations for male behavior towards women, reinforcing notions of honor and duty within noble classes. The emphasis on bravery, loyalty, and protection fostered a framework where knights were not just warriors but also moral exemplars. However, this idealization often clashed with reality, revealing inequalities and contradictions within gender roles and class dynamics that ultimately influenced social structures well beyond the medieval era.

Related terms

Courtly Love: A medieval European literary conception of love that emphasizes nobility and chivalry, often characterized by an idealized and unattainable romantic pursuit.

Knighthood: The status, or rank, of being a knight, typically conferred by a monarch or other political leader, marking an individual as part of the warrior elite bound by the code of chivalry.

Heroic Code: A set of values that emphasize bravery, honor, and loyalty in battle, often seen in epic poetry and literature as guiding principles for noble characters.