Paul T. Thurston, "Artistic Ambivalence in Chaucer's Knight's Tale"

Thurston, Paul T. "Artistic Ambivalence in Chaucer's Knight's Tale." Gainesville: University of Florida Press. 1968.

Thurston in this book takes issue with what he believes is the common interpretation of The Knight's Tale as a great example of medieval romance. He believes this interpretation makes the tale one of courtly love and chivalry on a grand scale. Thurston wants to present a second interpretation for readers to consider, that of the tale being a work of satire. Thurston believes that the tale satires what he calls the "hallowed" traditions of chivalry and its foundations. He believes that this interpretation is for the more literal minded readers of Chaucer.

Thurston supports his point of view by examining passages from the tale and examining them for evidence of satire and humor. In particular, he looks at the errors in logic that occur throughout the text. For example, he looks at the speech of Palamon when Theseus finds Arcite and him fighting each other. Palamon calls his escape from Theseus' prison wicked, which is a quality opposite of that which would be appropriate. Palamon has fought against Theseus and he has called him his mortal enemy so therefore it is an error to describe his escape as wicked. Thurston believes this idealistic error on the part of Palamon hows him to be a fool, and therefore is both humorous and satirical. Throughout the book Thurston examines the tale for evidence of humor and satire such as this.

-Book available in the Knox College Library