A Knights role in 14th century England centrally focused on strengthening their knightly skills in the use of horsemanship, weapons and medieval combat. There were strict codes of conduct, which dictated the life of a Knight during the middle Ages. The etiquette of a Knight’s behavior in battle and everyday life revolved around courtly manners, the code of chivalry, and courtly love. A Knight was obligated to pursue and uphold the beliefs of his religion, even above himself or his king.
It would appear courtly love of the medieval period was practiced in English courts from around the 1300's to the 1500's. Throughout this period of history many marriages were arranged, and love seemed to play no part in these arrangements. Successful marriages …show more content…
He is very much aware that the rules of courtly love suggest he is to flatter, flirt and charm Lady Bertilak, which he does so with great effect. Prior to this bedroom scene we are aware that Sir Gawain shows no difficulty in following the code of chivalry, but in this situation it would appear his moral, religious and social code are not quite fitting with each other. Aware of the predicament he is in, Gawain needs to adhere to the rules of courtly love, he needs to show loyalty to his host Lord Bertilak, and his religion insists he doesn’t desire his neighbours wife, so although Gawain is trying to adhere to all these rules, to maintain all of them seems out of the question. His realization of this seems apparent when he say’s to Lady Bertilak after she tells him he is free to have her all, and do with her what he will. “such gracious flattery, though in truth I’m now not such a noble knight” (Norton’s 212) Although Gawain manages to avoid Lady Bertilak’s advances with great graciousness and courtesy, when she up’s her game to suggest he can’t be Gawain
It would appear courtly love of the medieval period was practiced in English courts from around the 1300's to the 1500's. Throughout this period of history many marriages were arranged, and love seemed to play no part in these arrangements. Successful marriages …show more content…
He is very much aware that the rules of courtly love suggest he is to flatter, flirt and charm Lady Bertilak, which he does so with great effect. Prior to this bedroom scene we are aware that Sir Gawain shows no difficulty in following the code of chivalry, but in this situation it would appear his moral, religious and social code are not quite fitting with each other. Aware of the predicament he is in, Gawain needs to adhere to the rules of courtly love, he needs to show loyalty to his host Lord Bertilak, and his religion insists he doesn’t desire his neighbours wife, so although Gawain is trying to adhere to all these rules, to maintain all of them seems out of the question. His realization of this seems apparent when he say’s to Lady Bertilak after she tells him he is free to have her all, and do with her what he will. “such gracious flattery, though in truth I’m now not such a noble knight” (Norton’s 212) Although Gawain manages to avoid Lady Bertilak’s advances with great graciousness and courtesy, when she up’s her game to suggest he can’t be Gawain