Wisdom and chivalry : Chaucer's Knight's tale and medieval political theory

Bibliographic Information

Wisdom and chivalry : Chaucer's Knight's tale and medieval political theory

by Stephen H. Rigby

(Medieval and Renaissance authors and texts, v. 4)

Brill, 2009

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Includes bibliographical references and index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

The Knight's Tale is one of the most controversial of all the Canterbury Tales. Does Chaucer portray Theseus, the duke of Athens whose actions dominate the tale, as an ideal ruler, one who is noble, wise and chivalrous, or does the duke's behaviour reveal him to be immoral, self-seeking and tyrannical? This book (now in a corrected second printing) assesses the duke's conduct and thought in terms of the ideals set out in medieval mirrors for princes, particularly in Giles of Rome's De Regimine Principum. It argues that, when judged by the standards of these works, Theseus can be seen as a model prince in terms of his self-government ('ethics'), his rule of his household ('economics'), his governance of his realm ('politics) and his cosmography and philosophy.

Table of Contents

Preface Abbreviations in the Text and Notes Introduction the 'Knight's Tale' in Context Part 1 Ethics: The Good Rule of the Self 1. The 'Knight's Tale' as Ethics: the Aristotelian Virtues 2. The 'Knight's Tale' as Ethics: the Passions and the Ages of Man Part II Economics and Politics the Good Rule of Others 3. The 'Knight's Tale' as Economics: The Good Rule of the Household 4. The 'Knight's Tale' as Politics: The Good Rule of the Community Part III The First Mover and the Good Rule of the Cosmos 5. The 'Knight's Tale' as Cosmography: The Good Rule of the Universe Conclusion Chaucer: Literature, History and Ideology Bibliography Index

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