with special emphasis on courtly manners toward women. Thirteenth century stories that showed the ways a warrior should behave in romance became popular . Churchmen liked the idea of high standards and made the knighting ceremony a religious occasion with a church vigil and purifying bath. Books on the subject soon began to appear.

Many forms of chivalrous code can be found today, from The Cowboy's Code to the Rules of Courtly Love. These codes are stated with the hope that people will try and follow them to some degree; yet only the perfect could adhere to them all. Considering the fact that such perfection is impossible, the authors merely set out a guideline for honorable behavior. In the context of medieval times, a knight was expected to have faith in his beliefs; for faith was considered to give hope against the despair that human failings create.

I chose to use 'The Code of Chivalry' for my comparisons on literary characters great successes and failures. For my first example, I chose the brave and fearless Beowulf. According to the 19th code of chivalry, one mus

Don Quixote, if nothing else, must be praised for his valiant efforts to follow the laws of the great knights. After encountering a man beating a half naked youth, he informs him that "it is a caitiff's deed to attack one who cannot defend himself." This directly follows the code that one must "never use a weapon on an opponent not equal to the attack." Don Quixote also attempts to 'protect the innocent,' 'avenge the wronged,' and 'defend the weak and innocent.' Unfortunately, he fails miserably in aiding the poor boy; as he assumes that the man will keep his word in ceasing the horrid beating.

All in all, we were presented with many deeds, and misdeeds, of chivalry and honor. Lust, baudiness, and the will to have a little fun were all tempered with underlying wishes for respect, honor, and valor. Each character fit into his or her own particular scale of principles, lending entertainment and examples for all who are brave enough to read about them. Should you succeed in even a tiny measure then you will be well remembered for your quality and virtue.

t 'Destroy evil in all of its monstrous forms,' and also 'Exhibit courage in word and deed.'

Some common words found in the essay are:
Baths Tale, Don Quixote, Beowulf According, Quixote Falstaff, , Courtly Love, Green Knight, Sir Gawain, Code Chivalry', Henry IV, don quixote, green knight, sir gawain, code chivalry, courtly love, codes chivalry,
Approximate Word count = 781
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)