The Canterbury Tales | The Knight's Tale Summary & Analysis | Geoffrey Chaucer

Summary

The tale follows Theseus, the Duke of Athens, as he returns from war with his new wife, Hippolyta, and her sister Emily. He encounters grieving women whose husbands were killed by King Creon, prompting Theseus to conquer Thebes and avenge them. He takes two knights, Arcite and Palamon, as prisoners, both of whom fall in love with Emily. After a series of events involving escape, rivalry, and divine intervention, a grand battle is held for Emily’s hand. Though Arcite wins, fate takes a tragic turn, leading to Palamon marrying Emily in the end.

Takeaways

• ⚔️ Duke Theseus, a powerful conqueror, returns home with his wife Hippolyta and her sister Emily.
• 😢 Theseus encounters grieving women whose husbands were killed by King Creon, and they cannot retrieve their bodies.
• 💪 Angered, Theseus sets off to Thebes, kills Creon, captures the city, and returns the remains of the slain men to their wives.
• 🛡️ He takes two prisoners, Arcita and Palamon, cousins and sworn brothers, who both fall in love with Emily after seeing her through their cell window.
• 🚶 Arcita is released from prison and, though exiled, disguises himself as a servant in Emily's household, becoming one of Theseus' trusted men.
• 🏃 Palamon eventually escapes from prison and confronts Arcita, leading to a duel in the woods, which Theseus interrupts.
• 🤝 Theseus proposes a formal battle between Arcita and Palamon, with 100 knights each, for Emily's hand in marriage.
• 🙏 Palamon prays to Venus for love, Arcita prays to Mars for victory, and Emily prays to Diana to remain a virgin, though Diana tells her she must marry.
• ⚔️ Arcita wins the battle, but as he rides towards Emily, his horse suddenly dies, causing him to be fatally injured.
• ❤️ In the end, Theseus encourages Palamon and Emily to marry, ensuring a peaceful and happy conclusion, where love triumphs.

Q & A

Who is the Duke of Athens in the script?

The Duke of Athens is a mighty conqueror who returns home from a conquest with his new wife, Hippolyta, and her sister Emily.

Why is the Duke of Athens angered in the story?

The Duke of Athens is angered because he comes upon a crowd of grieving women whose husbands have been killed by King Creon and cannot retrieve the bodies.

Who are Palamon and Arcite?

Palamon and Arcite are cousins and sworn brothers who both fall in love with Emily when they see her through the bars of their prison window.

What does Arcite do after being released from prison?

After being released from prison and exiled, Arcite dresses like a poor worker to serve in Emily's household, becoming one of Theseus' most valued men.

How does Palamon escape from prison?

Palamon escapes from prison after spending several years there, and he goes into hiding in the woods.

What happens when Arcite and Palamon encounter each other in the woods?

When Arcite and Palamon encounter each other in the woods, Palamon recognizes Arcite and challenges him to a duel.

How does the Duke of Athens intervene in the duel between Arcite and Palamon?

The Duke of Athens intervenes in the duel when he comes upon the fighting men while hunting with Hippolyta and Emily, breaking up their fight.

What solution does the Duke of Athens propose to resolve the conflict between Arcite and Palamon?

The Duke of Athens proposes that Arcite and Palamon each bring one hundred knights and battle for Emily's hand in marriage.

What are the temples devoted to in the stadium built by the Duke of Athens?

The temples in the stadium are devoted to Venus, Mars, and Diana.

What does Emily pray to Diana for?

Emily prays to Diana that she may remain a virgin.

How does the contest between Arcite and Palamon end?

The contest ends with Palamon being wounded and unhorsed. The Duke of Athens declares Arcite the winner, but then a sudden turn of events leads to Palamon being chosen to marry Emily.

What is the final resolution of the story regarding the marriage of Emily?

In the end, the Duke of Athens tells Emily and Palamon to marry and live in contentment and love unbroken.