In a world that’s constantly evolving, one age-old concept stands as a timeless beacon of character and courtesy—chivalry. Opening doors for your loved ones, expressing gratitude, and showing respect to those around you are all hallmarks of modern chivalry. You can almost sense a knightly aura around those who exhibit utmost respect.
But, if that’s the case, then why does Hank Morgan stand so firmly against the idea of “chivalry” in “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court”? Well, the answer is that our modern understanding of the term doesn’t quite align with the historical reality.
Today, we are going to explore the idea of medieval chivalry and understand how and why it was established.
Chivalry Defined
To begin, for the modern individual, chivalry means being charming, respectful, and courteous, typically towards women. Merriam-Webster defines it as “knightly skill,” which aligns with the modern equivalent of being respectful and considerate.
However, the term “chivalry” originates from the Latin word “caballarius,” meaning horseman, which provides a clue to its usage in medieval times. Britannica states that chivalry referred to “the knightly class of feudal times,” which differs from the modern definition. It goes on to explain that chivalry “signified the tenure of land by knights’ service.” Similarly, Merriam-Webster offers a similar definition to Britannica’s, describing it as “gallant or distinguished gentlemen.”
Therefore, our definition can lean in two directions: either the ruling class of knights (as fitting Twain’s book) or the noble conduct of a person who acts respectfully.
Why it was Espoused and Venerated
Chivalry did not always exist, even during the era of knights, and it was primarily established (though mostly in literature) to counteract the aggressive tendencies of knights roaming the countryside. Knights were often given free rein to “plunder the villages where they did battle, looting, raping, and burning as they went.” The terrorized communities desperately needed a solution.
However, while some knights did embody values such as bravery, loyalty, and honor, this was not universally true (consider the romanticized exploits of King Arthur in various media). Throughout history, many knights were merely hired mercenaries, willing to commit acts of violence on behalf of their feudal lords.
As a result, chivalric ideals, like defending the weak and protecting the innocent, often took a back seat when greed and thirst for power prevailed. This reality contradicts the romanticized image that many of us hold of medieval knights. Jennifer Wollock, in “Chivalry Is Not About Opening Doors but Protecting Society’s Most Vulnerable from Attack,” argues that knights in literature depicting medieval times were often ruthless, only reformed by chivalrous codes, such as the Author’s oath to cease “brutality toward women” and empower them.
Similarly, consider Miguel de Cervantes’ “Don Quixote,” which chronicles a man’s quest while embodying chivalric ideals. Or, Sir Thomas Malory’s “Le Morte d’Arthur,” a book that Mark Twain was fond of before writing his Yankee novel, showcasing the chivalric ideals of King Arthur and his knights. Finally, think about “The Knight’s Tale” in Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales” and how love and honor envelop Palamon and Arcite in chivalric splendor.
Conclusion
Hence, it becomes evident why Hank Morgan was disinterested in chivalry, not because it was a “code of proper masculine behavior,” but because chivalry, in its archaic sense, was the very class of knights who mistreated him at the beginning of the novel (subjecting him to slavery and torture) and whom he eventually overcame using lassos, revolvers, and electric wires.
Beyond his personal reasons, Hank also recognizes the inherent injustice of the chivalric order that venerates noble blood while treating the poor no better than cattle. Hank initially calls for peaceful revolution, but seeing no alternative, resorts to harsh measures to quell the knights and their order.
Works Cited
“Chivalry.” Britannica. Web. https://www.britannica.com/topic/chivalry
Gershon, Livia. “Chivalry was established to keep thuggish, medieval knights in check.” History. Aug. 18, 2023. Web. https://www.history.com/news/chivalry-knights-middle-ages
Wollock, Jennifer. “Chivalry Is Not About Opening Doors but Protecting Society’s Most Vulnerable from Attack.” Texas A&M Today, 23 March 2021, https://today.tamu.edu/2021/03/23/chivalry-is-not-about-opening-doors-but-protecting-societys-most-vulnerable-from-attack/.
