The Knight's Tale: A victory and a death

English

The Canterbury Tales: 'The Knight's Tale', Chaucer

Which animals were Palamon and Arcita compared to during the tournament?

'Sharp Spurs' and 'Helmets Hewn', are examples of which linguistic technique?

Who is the victor in the tournament to win Emily's hand?

Arcita prays to Saturn and makes a sacrifice, appeasing the god

Saturn summons fire, frightening Arcita's horse and he is thrown from the saddle and mortally wounded

Saturn summons fire, frightening Palamon's horse. Arcita seizes the advantage and defeats Palamon

Saturn summons the other gods to do battle with Arcita and Arcita is defeated

What happens to Arcita when Saturn intervenes?

Saturn gives Arcita the victory and makes Palamon forget about Emily

Saturn gives Arcita the victory but ultimately Palamon gets Emily

Saturn gives Palamon the victory but Emily falls in love with Arcita

Saturn takes Emily away so that neither knight may have her

How does Saturn appease both Mars and Venus?

She marries Arcita but he and Palamon repair their friendship

She marries Palamon but he and Arcita repair their friendship

She remains a maiden but must leave Athens forever

She remains a maiden but Palamon and Arcita remain enemies

In what ways are Emily's prayers only partially answered?

Which three gods are represented in Theseus' amphitheatre?

Theseus doesn't think they deserve to die with honour, in battle.

Theseus honours the women he is with and believes in courtly love.

Theseus wants to make their deaths a game.

Why does Theseus stop Palamon and Arcita from killing each other in the grove and decide to hold a tournament instead.

That each knight must fight to the death.

That each knight must fight with blunted weapons.

That each knight must try not to kill the other and when injured, they must withdraw.

What does Theseus decree before the tournament begins?

The rhythm seems to make the action seem comical.

The rhythm seems to make the action seem skilful and continuous.

What effect does the alliteration of 'sharp spurs' and 'helmets hewn' have?

That he is powerful and singleminded in seeking revenge.

What does the simile “No tigress ... Whose little whelp is stolen... Is cruel to the hunter as Arcite” imply about Arcita's actions?

That he is strong and desperate to kill Arcita.

What does the simile “Nor is there a lion, wild for want of food, That of his prey desires so much the blood As Palamon the death of Arcite,” imply about Palamon's actions?

The Knight's Tale: A victory and a death

Lesson outcome