The Manifestations of Chivalry in the Past and Present Society Essay Example for Free

The Manifestations of gallantry in the Past and Present Society EssayAndreas Capellanus, in his work The stratagem of Courtly Love, specifies the rules involve in courtly behave. One of the rules specifies the importance of an iodin-on-ones possession of good character. He states, advantageously character is the one real requirement for worthiness of passionateness (Capellanus 115). Within Capellanus text, a homosexualifestation of an individuals possession of good character, specifically a male individuals character, is his practice of chivalry.The Knights codification of Chivalry was thereby a moral system which went beyond rules of combat and introduced the concept of Chivalrous ask qualities idealized by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women. The ideals described in the Code of Chivalry were express by the oaths and vows that were sworn in the Knighthood ceremonies of the Middle Ages. These sacred oaths of combat were combined with the ideals of chivalry and with strict rules of etiquette and conduct. dauntless practice thereby entails the observation of elaborate precepts and formalities which serve to define aristocratic life in the heroism and probity of the past (Capellanus 116). An example of the workings of brave practice in the attainment of love is evident in Geoffrey of Monmouths account of King Arthurs actions and decisions during his lifetime. Geoffrey of Monmouth, in his book The History of the Kings of Britain, describes Arthur to be an individual of outstanding courage and generosity (whose) inborn goodness gave him such grace that he was love by almost all the people (212).He states that King Arthur developed such a ordinance of court note of handss in his household thatinspired peoples funding far away to imitate him (222). This code of courtliness which spread end-to-end the regions that reached Arthurs conquests were based on the fundamentals of chivalry which required an individual s display of strength, wealth and power. In the case of Arthur, the display of his strength was evident from his initial enthronement at Silchester where he was enthroned by a vast multitude of individuals who admired and revered him for his courage (Geoffrey 212-213).This was also evident when he fought and discomfited a numberless horde as he conquered the kingdom of Ireland (Geoffrey 221-222). The display of his wealth and power, on the some other hand, is evident as his counsel was sought by the different individuals from other kingdoms (Geoffrey 222-223). It is interesting to note that there are certain aspects of Geoffrey of Monmouths account which leads to the conception of King Arthur as a demi-god. An example of this after part be seen in his description of King Arthurs sole defeat of the numberless horde of Irishmen.It is of the essence(predicate) to note that the ideals of chivalry were initially relevant to society in the Middle Ages because these knights upheld a sta ndard of living which elevated society. The influential role the knights held during the Middle Ages was not achieved by chance but by education, faith, and by strictly following the rules of chivalry. In the later period of the Middle Ages, the depiction of chivalry as a noble characteristic became necessary however since the late Middle Ages was characterized by the nobilitys slack up decline in their possession of political power in the state.By creating and perceiving previous noble individuals in a chivalric manner, the members of aristocratic families thereby enabled the continuance of their power within the eyes of the commoners. The use of chivalric tales as well(p) as chivalric practices in order to achieve the publics fright is still prevalent in todays society as put up be seen in the portrayal of actors in chivalric ways. Consider for example the case of Tom Cruise who is portrayed as a chivalric hero in his movies. This image is continually applied to Cruise even in his real life.As a result of this, some individuals chose to act or imitate Cruises behaviors and style. The problem with the manifestations and the use of chivalry in todays society is thereby evident if one considers that as opposed to maintaining political power during the Middle Ages, chivalry is now used in line with the commodification of an individuals desires and actions. For example, if one wishes to act and look like Cruise, it is necessary to watch his movies as well as buy the different magazines which presents a detailed account of his life as well as the life of his family.This conception of chivalry in todays society merely shows how the market dictates and determines the lives of its consumers. separate manifestations of chivalry in todays society are closely related to etiquette and how a man treats a woman. Refraining from foul language, opening the door for a lady, and even killing a spider can be considered chivalrous acts. As society changes it incorporate con cepts such as chivalry into individuals lives.Chivalry still exists in todays society however its manifestations have changed if one compares it to the practice of chivalry in the past which merely shows that although social development enables the continuance of social practices, it does so in such a way that these practices become a far-cry from its original practice in the past. Works Cited Capellanus, Andreas. The Art of Courtly Love. Trans. Jan Ziolkowski. Columbia Columbia UP, 2007. Geoffrey of Monmouth. The History of the Kings of Britain. Trans. Lewis Thorpe. London Penguin Classics, 1966.