How Does Perceval Show Nobility

Any honorable knight in medieval times needed to prove their worth by displaying one of the most noble traits – chivalry towards women. In Perceval: The Story of the Grail, the main character Perceval attempts to prove his worth in this way, but his obliviousness makes this difficult. One knight marvels over Perceval’s cluelessness, saying, “as God is my witness, his wits are distinctly scattered.” Throughout the epic poem Perceval: The Story of the Grail, the naive Perceval attempts to treat women chivalrously, which consequently results in several mishaps, but on the whole proves his nobility. Before Perceval departs to pursue his dream of knighthood, his mother instructs him on how a knight should treat women. “Should you find a lady in need – anywhere, near or far – or a girl in need of protection, always offer your aid, if they ask it, for there’s no honor that isn’t built on that base.” Perceval’s mother very strongly emphasizes that in order to attain nobility and respect, a knight must treat women honorably. His mother goes on to explain the necessity of chivalry, saying that “a knight indifferent to a lady’s honor has lost his own. But serve ladies and girls, and honor will always be yours.” …show more content…
Upon departing on his adventure, he comes across an extravagant tent, where he finds a young lady alone. He attempts to follow his mother’s advice that “it’s proper to accept a ring,” but he fails spectacularly. ‘He suddenly saw the ring on her finger, the emerald glowing. “And my mother told me,” he said, “you’d be wearing a precious ring, and that’s all you’d give me, nothing else. I’d like that ring.”’ In an attempt at chivalry, Perceval inadvertently stole a ring from a helpless maiden, defeating the purpose of attempting politeness in the first place, and damaging her pride and honor in the