Abstract

While medieval romance tales often provide an uncomplicated endorsement of the nobility and of aristocratic values, this article analyses how the way in which the romance genre functions in the Knight’s Tale suggests an awareness of the threat posed to the chivalric worldview by socio-economic changes in Chaucer’s society. The article argues that Chaucer employs some significant deviations from traditional romance conventions, and makes key adaptations to his tale from its main source, Boccaccio’s Teseida, in order to engage with a tension between a traditional communal feudal ideology and a newer more individualist and commercial outlook present in Chaucer’s society.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.