relationship between artifices, conflicting chivalric code, and true honor is paradoxical in that none are inherently consequential of each other, though societal opinion at the time thought otherwise. Chaucer, paralleling the way he depicts conflicting definitions of civilization, also complicates the idea of honor as it relates to the chivalric code. When Theseus catches the two cousins fighting, he surprisingly takes pity on them despite their savage behavior. Although Theseus himself proudly wears shiny, untainted armor, he commends Palamon and Arcite on their tattered appearance, thus insinuating that they are to be respected for their actions. Theseus publicly announces his empathy, Holde, for Goddes sake that sit above, / Se how they blede! Be they noght wel arrayed? (1800-01). This compliment does not seem appropriate in that true honor and chivalry dont connote adornments of blood. Yet Theseus, who truly is wel arrayed, compliments the cousins because they are covered in it. The way in which Chaucer relates these contrary ideas conveys the hypocrisy he attributed to them. Moreover, his cynical comment on the chivalric code challenges its true comparability with virtue, honor, and the true importance of ornamentation.The use of artifice functions as much more than ornamentation in The Knights Tale. The respective roles ascribed by each costume produce behaviors inherent in each one. Unable to transcend these roles, Palamon and Arcite find themselves trapped by their own conformity. The final battle to take place between them reaffirms the means by which they are bound by chivalry. In traditional fighting ornamentation, Arcite and Palamon adorn their coats of armor, thus justifying their intentions to kill; yet are paradoxically said to be trapped in steel (2157). It is ironic that the artifices that allow them to fight are the ones that simultaneously prohibit them from doing so. Only after Arcite has been declare...
