Chivalry

Chivalry is the central theme of the novel, giving shape to the representation of war, Christianity and feudal society, while guiding relationships between nations and between men and women. Chivalry provides a way of life and a moral code, which is for the most part vague, although the novel does elucidate some of the rules. For instance, Eustace proves himself on the battlefield by taking du Guesclin prisoner, rather than letting his social inferiors kill him. For Eustace, the chivalric code is a matter of careful study and application, not innate or ambiguous morality. His books prepare him for his first expedition, while Gaston, who is himself “well learned in chivalry,” reprimands Leonard for not knowing the rules (26). Yonge idealizes the age of chivalry, suggesting that it ensured piety, fair play and pleasant manners amongst sincere knights. She presents the practice of taking captives (at least...