The Canterbury Tales: The Knight's Tale Strength and Skill Quotes Page 1
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| Quote #1 Of Atthenes he was lord and governour, |
This passage at the very start of "The Knight's Tale" establishes the rules of its world. One of those rules is that military skill – the ability to conquer another person in battle – is rewarded with marriage to a desirable and wealthy woman. This rule will hold fast at the end of the tale as well, but will be complicated by the intervention of Fate.
| Quote #2 [He] swoor his ooth, as he was trewe knyght, |
Here Theseus demonstrates one of the possible uses of military strength, which is the ability to avenge wrongs and uphold the rules of his society. It's an example of might making right, something in which Theseus wholly believes. His defeat of Creon will not only avenge the lamenting womens' loss, but will also shame Creon before everyone, so that people will know not to break the rules in the same way Creon did.
| Quote #3 He fil in office with a chamberleyn, |
Arcite's success as a servant at Theseus's court is dependent not only upon the strength with which he chops wood and hauls water, but also upon the a certain instinct he has that enables him to figure out which servants are the most powerful. This enables him to get in with one who works in Emily's household so that he can secure a position there.
