Palamon and Arcite

Palamon and Arcite

Part of "Fables, Ancient and Modern", a modernized translation of one story from "The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer, "The Knight's Tale" written by John Dryden. The plot line is identical as Dryden was only translating from the Middle English of Chaucer's original text. John Dryden translated this story to a more modernized language style of his day. His version of the book is entitled Palamon and Arcita and is longer than the original text due to Dryden's poetic touches.

The central characters remain the same as in Chaucer's story. Palamon, possible cousin of Arcita, and at least "brother-in-arms" according to Dryden. Arcita, a knight of royal blood, although not fully explained in the text. Emily (Emelye or Emilye) the "princess" and stepdaughter of the king. And King Theseus (Duke of Athens).

The story is of two knights imprisoned by Theseus after being found unconscious after a battle. Theseus locks Palamon and Arcita in a dungeon where the two knights can see into a courtyard or garden. One day Palamon is looking through the bars of the dungeon and sees Emily. Falling in love instantly Palamon cries out. This causes Arcita to come to the aid of his friend and he asks Palamon what's wrong. Palamon exclaims his new found love for Emily. As Palamon is explaining to Arcita what he is feeling, Arcita sees Emily in the garden and turns to Palamon and tells him he (Arcita) saw Emily first, and by that right, Palamon cannot love her.

This starts the plot of the story in which the two knights endure different challenges to prove their love for Emily.


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