Beowulf

How does the Code of Chivalry correlate to the ethics and morals of today?

I need a very long answer, as long as 4 Paragraphs if possible, Thank you.

The answer can be correlated to both The Wife of Bath's Tale or Beowulf as well.

Asked by
Last updated by Aslan
Answers 1
Add Yours
Best Answer

I'm not sure that Beowulf is the best example for your question. You might consider King Arthur or Sir Gawain and the Green Knight as literary sources. This is only a short answer space, but I can make a general comment. Medieval Chivalry has certain ethical criteria that point the way to manhood. Men are called to be: truthful, loyal, courteous to others, helpmates to women, supporters of justice, and defenders of the weak. I think these are traits loosely considered "good" today but with progressive undertones. Women, for example, are not always considered inferior or weak and needing a man's help. The other traits, like truthful, are subject to interpretation. Just look at what passes for "truth" in the chaotic world of politics today. I think traits of chivalry are a lot more subjective today than when Beowulf cut Grendel's arm off or Sir Gawain tried to pass the Green Knight's morality tests.