M1 L10: Analyze the Tale and the Teller (Canterbury Tales)

Why do you think The Canterbury Tales begins with ‘The Knight’s Tale’?”

(RESPOND in 2-3 sentences)

In what ways do Palamon and Arcite seem like ideal knights?

(Respond in 2-3 sentences)

How do Palamon and Arcite fall short of the ideal?

(Respond in 2-3 sentences)

At the end of the story, the Knight describes the following:

“Palamon took off his gauntlets and crawled across the grass to Arcite’s side. ‘Friend,’ he said, touching his cousin’s cheek. ‘What have we done?’”

“Duke Theseus was there, and Emily too, though Palamon could not recognize her at first among the other women. They were all quite pretty . . . ”

“Take Emily’s hand, and forget every unhappiness. The wedding shall be tomorrow!’”

“‘Urgh, do I have to? His hair’s awfully thin already, and I don’t like his mouth.’ She had a voice like the teeth of a comb clicking.” (14)

What lesson might the Knight hope to teach his listeners with these details, descriptions, and dialogue?