I think the things that bother me about stories like this and during this time is this idea of "fighting for a womans love," and thats what Erec had to do for Enide. It bothers me for many reasons. A woman is not a physical prize, why are you fighting for a womans love? Just because you win doesnt mean shell love you. I just think its kind of stupid. It just adds to the idea that women are objects, not people. Men fight for them just for them to serve them forever. I dont like it, but I believe it is accurate for the time period.
One thing i can appreciate though, is Erec's love for Enide He will do anything for Enide, and to protect her. He ignores his duties as a knight (which is dumb, but kind of sweet at the same time).
Desiree, hey girl!
ReplyDeleteIf I'm reading your post right, I think you're reference to the knight in The Knight's Tale is spot on. Chaucer even states in The Canterbury Tales that the knight "loved chivalry, truth, and honor, freedom, and courtesy" (Chaucer 45-46). I think it would have been interesting if Erec was more like the Squire in CT. Meaning, a downright pretty boy who's down with the ladies. But for the sake of the story, I'm kind of glad he's not. He just seems like a bad ass knight, who's very male and has male ideals.
Dudes fight for a woman's love in today's society. I can't tell you how many schoolyard brawls have been fought over chicks. Even girls do it! If a woman thinks another woman is flirting with her man, then there are some that will fight each other. Take out their earrings, tie back their hair, remove the heels and all of a sudden it's WWE in front of a 7-11. And you're totally right. It IS dumb and so lame considering the men and women are not objects but it seems to be a phenomenon that doesn't seem to be ending anytime soon.
Great post!
I have problems with this too! Something tells me that if we are looking for long conversations where a mature man and woman appreciate the subtle nuances of one another, these books aren't it! It's interesting that you mention Chaucer though, because I feel the Wife of Bath is one of the more well-rounded female characters in medieval literature.
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