Medieval Lit: Blog 1

Over the past couple of days, we have watched A Knight’s Tale: a drama/action/comedy film released in 2001. The production is heavily based off of “A Knight’s Tale” from Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. Although it is very clear that the piece replicates the story documented in Chaucer’s writing, it is also evident that the movie was created to match the cultural aspects of its generation: the early 2000s. This distinction between old and new can be paralleled with the terms medieval and contemporary. Furthermore, Chaucer’s writing is the apparatus by which we can classify features of the 2001 film.

Chaucer lived during the 14th century — thus his writing is very indicative of how England (and other parts of Europe) existed at that time. After reading the General Prologue, I know that Middle English — a language quite different than the English we speak today — was spoken. I also have a good sense of medieval cultural aspects, such as clothing and past-time activities. When applying this knowledge of the 14th century to the film, it is clear that the clothing, props and contextual themes can be defined as medieval. However, the language spoken is contemporary. The film score is also contemporary, as it consists of pop songs. The combination of medieval and contemporary elements characterizes this film as an adaptation of Chaucer’s “A Knight’s Tale” — and it also makes the piece quite enjoyable.

This fusion of time periods is clearly shown in the pub scene. William and his companions have traveled to Paris for a tournament. His accomplices sit in a medieval pub, drinking and eating historically accurate cuisine, while they forge a historically accurate jousting bet with a group of Frenchmen. However, the language and mannerisms used are quite casual, mirroring social tendencies of the 21st century rather than the eloquence Chaucer presents in his writing. But how can we know that people didn’t interact like this in medieval times? This juxtaposition of generations provokes an interesting consideration: maybe the connotations of human interaction have never changed. The evolution of language, technology and fashion certainly implies social adjustment, but maybe these adapted facets conceal a sturdy, unwavering foundation of human sociability.