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Wroblewski
Andrew Wroblewski

Mr. Campbell

English 12

9 November 2021

Middle Ages

Many virtues were established during the Middle Ages. This was a time of great moral

development as demonstrated in the literature of the time. The Canterbury Tales and the stories

of King Arthur and the Knights of the round table promote the goodness that should be found in

humanity, such as trust, loyalty, and courage. Although some of the tales offer traits of greed,

manipulation, and lust, it is through these negative characteristics that a righteous lesson is

learned.

In The Pardoner’s Tale, greed is emphasized through the manipulation of the rioters on

each other. They initially make a pact to kill Death to avenge another’s death. However, when

the rioters found the coins, it compelled them to murder and commit other atrocities. They were

driven by greed. “No longer was it Death those fellows sought, For they were all so thrilled to

see the sight, The florins were so beautiful and bright…” (l. 165-167). The money took over their

thoughts and prompted them to act in greedy and nefarious ways. However, their actions don’t

bring them wealth, but they end up killing each other. “Thus these two murders received their

due, So did the treacherous young poisoner too… (l. 293-294). The Pardoner himself is an ironic

symbol of greed because he attempts to preach a tale that money is the root of all evil, yet he

tries to hustle his fellow travelers by selling them relics.The reader learns that greed leads to

one’s downfall. Trust and honesty are more significant virtues.

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In Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, loyalty is gained when Gawain takes Arthur's place

in the challenge from the Green Knight. The Green Knight challenges the knights to exchange

blows with him. The prize for this contest is his axe. Sir Gawain decides to take King Arthur’s

place in the challenge because he believes he is weaker and it wouldn’t matter if he dies. He

knows it will matter if his King dies. “Would you grant me the grace, said Gawain to the king, to

be gone from this bench and stand by you there… I am the weakest, well I know, and of wit

feeblest; and the loss of my life would be of least of any…” (l. 123 - 135).This display of loyalty

to his king is a noble gesture. Readers throughout time have learned the righteous virtue of

loyalty and its value in society. When loyalty is portrayed to others, a sense of dignity is

provided. The receiving individual understands their own worth and value. This virtue remains

important for the goodness in humanity.

Also included in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is the attribute of courage. Sir Gawain

displays his courage along with his loyalty when he decides to take the place of King Arthur,

knowing that he could be harmed or killed. The first time that the Green Knight pretends to strike

a blow on Gawain, Gawain flinches. However, the second time, Gawain doesn’t flinch. The

Green Knight is impressed with Gawain’s bravery and decides to spare him. Gawain displays

tremendous courage when actually appears at the Green Chapel to face his fate and take the

blow. “But go on, man, in God’s name and get to the point! Deliver me my destiny, and do it out

of hand, For I shall stand to the stroke and stir not an inch Till your ax has hit home -- on my

honor I swear it!” (l. 396-399). Sir Gawain’s demonstration of bravery is a time-honored action

that portrays the importance of integrity. Integrity is gained through having the courage to follow

through on what you know is good and right. All readers of this story gain a lesson in fortitude,

and remaining brave even in the face of adversity.

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Consequently, trust, loyalty, and courage are righteous virtues that have endured

throughout the ages. These morals provide a strong foundation for humanity to thrive and

provide citizens today with a guidepost to live a decent and ethical life.