Reference no: EM133288547
Question: According to the beginning of the tale, how is Theseus's and Hippolyta's marriage ironic? What does this tell the reader about Theseus and the time in which he lives?
Summarize Arcita's argument for his love of Emily. How does he turn Palamon's words against himself? Cite specific words and phrases.
The Knight asks his audience a question at the end of Part I. Rephrase his question, provide your own answer, and support your reasoning.
Using the Knight's description of Arcita when he is leaving Athens, how might you characterize the idea of courtly love?
What does Theseus mean when he says of the two knights, "Thus has their lord, the God of Love, repaid/ Their services; these are his fees and wages!". How does he characterize the nature of love in this speech?
Theseus points out that Emily, "the cause of all these jolly pranks,/ Has no more reason to return them thanks/ Than I, and knows no more of this affair,/ By God, than does a cuckoo or a hare!" What point does his comment make about the role of the female in courtly love?
Part III begins with a lengthy description of the theater Theseus builds to host the joust. Why does Chaucer choose to have the Knight take so long detailing this impressive arena? What is the author saying about medieval feudal society?
How does Palamon's prayer to Venus differ from Arcita's prayer to Mars? What does Arcita never discuss? Why?
Determine the overall tone of the battle scene. What specific words from the text serve to characterize this scene? How might the Knight who tells this tale interpret the scene? Would Chaucer's characterization be different? Explain.
Summarize the results of the joust. How do they connect to Arcita's, Palamon's, and Emily's prayers to Mars, Venus, and Diana? In what way does the ending support the code of chivalry and the idea of courtly love?