How Is Felicia Ackerman's Flawed Perception Of Knights

Sudiksha Talla Ms. Wallenberg AP Literature and Composition 1 March 2024 Knights, Damsels, and Deceptions: Chivalry's Secrets in Medieval Times In modern western society, chivalry is seen as “a highly romanticized and glamorized version of a knight” (Downie 1). Whether it be opening a door for a woman or offering her a jacket when it is cold, chivalry is represented in cliches and it is often followed by statements such as “and they say chivalry was dead” (Downie 1). Chivalry has drastically evolved from its medieval origins to contemporary times, adapting to societal norms and creating a much more romanticized and idealized perception of this code (Downie 1-2). Concerning the treatment of women, scholars have found a flawed perception of knights

Felicia Ackerman, professor of philosophy at Brown University, references Shannon E. French’s Code of the Warrior when discussing one of the main roles knights have in Malory’s world, which is to serve as policemen and guards who maintain harmony and stand for justice in society. in Ackerman 3). Yet, women tend to receive the short end of the stick when it comes to justice. Ackerman explored an instance in Thomas Marlory’s Le Morte D’Arthur when King Arthur rejected a woman time and time again; she sought revenge by wielding a sword at him (qtd. in Ackerman 4). After adhering to the guidance of others, Arthur beheaded the woman (qtd. in Ackerman 4). Rather than following the proper processes to establish justice, Arthur abandoned his role as a former knight and rather took matters into his own

Theseus selfishly leveraged his wife as a pawn in his political affairs, frequently resulting in harsh and unfair outcomes. By traversing the character of Theseus in the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, Bressin unearthed the self-serving attitude of Theseus, particularly evident in his treatment of Emelye and Hippolyta. Bressin revealed the detrimental effects of courtly love on women, as evidenced by the manipulation and unjust treatment they endured at the hands of knights and rulers. The progression of chivalry from medieval times to the current day reflects an anachronistic shift in societal expectations and perceptions. While chivalry today is romanticized and associated with polite physical gestures, its historical context revealed complexities between societal norms and gender dynamics. The treatment of women in medieval literature, as explored by scholars, sheds light on the disparities and injustices faced by women. From the skewed application of justice to the manipulation and objectification of women regarding courtly love, the flaws of knighthood were exposed. Through examining the responsibilities of knights, the code of chivalry, and courtly love, the idealized image of knights and other rulers of the time uncovered injustices perpetuated by the concept of chivalry and