In Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales, the prologue describes a “Knight” who is traveling with a group of pilgrims on their way to Canterbury. The Knight is described as being stained from battle, but still a noble and honorable man. He is dressed in an old worn out suit of armor and his horse is described by Chaucer as being “grey”. This description gives the reader a sense of realism because it allows them to picture themselves traveling alongside this Knight and his companions.
The Knight’s attire is important because it helps readers identify with him as a character in the story. When readers first see him they can see that he has been through some battles, but he still has a good heart and wants to do good things for others. His clothing helps readers understand that he is not perfect and has had some struggles along his journey, but he still tries to do what is right. The stained attire of the knight also serves as an example of how people should always try their best in everything they do, no matter how difficult or challenging it may be at times or how hard it might be for them to even start doing something new or different for themselves in order to improve themselves as individuals overall mentally, spiritually, physically, emotionally.
