Chaucer gives many descriptions of humanity in his
prologue. Three that come to mind when discussing the concept of masculinity are the
Knight, the Squire, and the Yeoman. We can see these styles of masculinity both in
analyzing the descriptions of these men.
The knight
embodies all that a medieval man should be. He follows the rules of chivalry and
courtly love while being noble and successful in
battle.
A
knight there was, and he a worthy man,
Who, from the moment that he first
began
To ride about the world, loved chivalry,
Truth, honour,
freedom and all courtesy.
The
speaker gives a lengthy list of the battles in which the knight has fought and is sure
to mentioned his modest appearance on the pilgrimage.
His
son, the Squire, represents the younger generation of man, the Renaissance man before
the Renaissance begins in England. He is a "pretty" long-haired youth, who writes
impassioned poetry, plays the flute and can dance.
Singing he was, or fluting, all the
day;
He was as fresh as is the month of May.
Short was his gown,
with sleeves both long and wide.
Well could be sit on horse, and fairly
ride.
He could make songs and words thereto indite,
Joust, and dance
too, as well as sketch and
write.
He is admired by
ladies for these traits but still maintains his respect and admiration for his father
and for the battles in which he has fought.
The Yeoman is
the servant to the Knight and the Squire. Not everybody is lucky to be born into
royalty, so the Yeoman embraces the virtues of hard work and pride. He is meticulous
about his arrows and unsurpassed in his level of
expertise.
Of
woodcraft knew he all the useful ways.
Upon his arm he bore a bracer
gay,
And at one side a sword and buckler, yea,
And at the other side
a dagger bright,
Well sheathed and sharp as spear point in the
light;
Along with this, he is
a loyal, God-fearing man.
Chaucer gives us three examples
of men to admire during the days of The Canterbury
Tales.
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