The Squire: Beyond The Appearance
“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” (Aristotle) Although The Canterbury Tales is not the distinct type of art that Aristotle was referring to, his words still apply to the story, particularly when it comes to the Squire. (Chaucer, 199) Chaucer describes the Squire as “embroidered like a meadow bright, and full of freshest flowers, red and white” also pointing out that his hair had “locks as curly as if they had been pressed.” (83-94) This description serves to point out that the Squire is vain when it comes to his appearance and a stereotype is immediately placed on him. This was most likely done purposely by Chaucer because, although his descriptions …show more content…
After some probing, it can be seen that some of the Squire’s most significant traits are his amorousness, inexperience, chivalry, and skill. These traits all come together to make the Squire a very unique character with much more to him than what the story stereotypes him to be at first.
The first word that Chaucer uses when speaking about the Squire is “lover.” (82) As the story goes on and more about this character is discovered, it can be understood just how accurate this description really is. One of the Squire’s most prominent traits is his amorousness, better known as his disposal to love--particularly the sexual kind. In fact, it can be seen in the prologue that “he loved so hotly that till dawn grew pale, he slept as little as a nightingale” meaning that he literally chose love over sleep most nights. (Chaucer …show more content…
Even though when Chaucer first introduces him, the Squire is depicted as a vain man who is just concerned about his appearance, further inquiry into the story unveils all of the wonderful, hidden traits that make the Squire such an amazing character. Not only is he very skilled at what he does, he also manages to do it at a very young age. Compared to the other pilgrims, who have many more years of experience than him, the Squire’s capabilities to fight and tell stories are very impressive. He also manages to remain chivalrous and respectful throughout it all, showing that although he is not as experienced as his father, he definitely holds the potential to be a wonderful knight one day. He may be inexperienced, but it can be argued that the Squire is the most passionate character of all, especially when it comes to love. Everything he does gets one hundred percent of his attention, something that many people twice his age find hard to do. All things considered, the Squire turns out to have a wonderful personality that can be uncovered easily once you focus on the amazing traits that lie beyond his
“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” (Aristotle) Although The Canterbury Tales is not the distinct type of art that Aristotle was referring to, his words still apply to the story, particularly when it comes to the Squire. (Chaucer, 199) Chaucer describes the Squire as “embroidered like a meadow bright, and full of freshest flowers, red and white” also pointing out that his hair had “locks as curly as if they had been pressed.” (83-94) This description serves to point out that the Squire is vain when it comes to his appearance and a stereotype is immediately placed on him. This was most likely done purposely by Chaucer because, although his descriptions …show more content…
After some probing, it can be seen that some of the Squire’s most significant traits are his amorousness, inexperience, chivalry, and skill. These traits all come together to make the Squire a very unique character with much more to him than what the story stereotypes him to be at first.
The first word that Chaucer uses when speaking about the Squire is “lover.” (82) As the story goes on and more about this character is discovered, it can be understood just how accurate this description really is. One of the Squire’s most prominent traits is his amorousness, better known as his disposal to love--particularly the sexual kind. In fact, it can be seen in the prologue that “he loved so hotly that till dawn grew pale, he slept as little as a nightingale” meaning that he literally chose love over sleep most nights. (Chaucer …show more content…
Even though when Chaucer first introduces him, the Squire is depicted as a vain man who is just concerned about his appearance, further inquiry into the story unveils all of the wonderful, hidden traits that make the Squire such an amazing character. Not only is he very skilled at what he does, he also manages to do it at a very young age. Compared to the other pilgrims, who have many more years of experience than him, the Squire’s capabilities to fight and tell stories are very impressive. He also manages to remain chivalrous and respectful throughout it all, showing that although he is not as experienced as his father, he definitely holds the potential to be a wonderful knight one day. He may be inexperienced, but it can be argued that the Squire is the most passionate character of all, especially when it comes to love. Everything he does gets one hundred percent of his attention, something that many people twice his age find hard to do. All things considered, the Squire turns out to have a wonderful personality that can be uncovered easily once you focus on the amazing traits that lie beyond his