The Noble Chivalric Code And The Middle Class - 1489 Words

From the Anglo-Norman time period through to the Renaissance the construction of class gradually changed from a strict feudalistic system to an up rise of the middle class that challenged the nobility authority. Intertwined in all the literary works of this time period, there was growing tension between the noble Chivalric Code and the middle class. There were six very different pieces written by six very different authors, who represented very different ideas of class division based on the timeframe in which they lived. From chivalry as a knight to ideals of the middle class, this theme is presented thoughout. Chivalry was an ambition, an alluring ideal to which young knights might aspire. â€Å"While Chivalry definitely existed, there was no exact â€Å"Code of Chivalry.† Like a lovely dream, it had many interpretations. Because of this, the definition of chivalry was, and continues to be, in a constant state of change (Leffert).† Marie De France wrote â€Å"Lanval†, a lay, in 12th century A.D., which was during the Anglo-Norman period. â€Å"The lais combined realistic and fairy-tale elements, and their author was skillful in the analysis of love problems and often showed a keen interest in contemporary life (Legge).† Feudalism, the exchange of land for food and money, was extremely prevalent duri ng the reign of Henry II. The way the French/English division of class operated heavily influenced De France as she wrote this piece. Therefore, the class division within Lanval reflects the classShow MoreRelatedThemes in Sir Gareth1078 Words   |  5 PagesSir Thomas Malory wrote Le Morte d’Arthur in the middle of the fifteenth century and it has now become a paradigmatic representation of Middle English Literature. 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