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The Cantebury Tales- The Squire

 

            The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories in a frame story written by Geoffrey Chaucer between 1387 and 1400. It is the story of a group of thirty people who travel as pilgrims to Canterbury (England). The pilgrims, who come from all layers of society, tell stories to each other to kill time while they travel to Canterbury. Chaucer's intention was that each pilgrim should tell two tales on the way to Canterbury and two more on the way back. Unfortunately, his project was never finished, thus, the tales were never complete. One of the many tales is that of The Squire's Tale. The tale is an adventure with elements of fantasy similar to the Knight's Tale ¬ not surprising, for the Squire is the son of the Knight ¬ but with a less bombastic tone and elements of magic. The Squire personifies all the courtly chivalric qualities which his father does not expose. He is young and lusty, takes great care of his outward appearance and is always busy of staying in his lady's grace. He can sing and dance, compose songs and write poetry. He is a brilliant horseman. The Squire is a lusty bachelor' of twenty. He aspires to be a Knight and is a talented young man. He tells an incomplete tale concerning the gifts that a mysterious knight brings to the court of Tartary. The Squire's Tale begins at Sarai, in the land of Tartary. It is important that the reader places the Squire in the correct social ranking. The highest rank comprises of the Knight and his household, which includes the Squire. "A Knight there was, and what a worthy man- for "he is honored everywhere-. Being that the Knight is the Squire's father, it is evident that the Squire is worthy as well. Both the Knight and the Squire are representatives of the aristocrats or those who seek nobility. A squire learns his future duties as a knight by attending battles. The Squire is a striking contrast to his father. True, he has seen some military action, but it was to impress his lady not his lord god.


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