Love, War, and Chastity

Though throughout the Knight’s Tale Arcite may not have seemed an evildoer, his desire for Emily is rather vicious. He is the one that started the conflict when he falls for Emily even though Palamon saw her first. As we see through the Temple of Mars, there is also much injustice depicted on the walls of the temple, for example, Caesar’s assassination. This injustice then broods more violence as Arcite and Palamon battle for Emily’s love. Arcite also prays to win in battle for Mars is the God of War. Desiring victory had its limitations; it did not entail love. In the end, Arcite got what he asked for. He wins the battle, but the gods decide that Palamon should have Emily. If Arcite wanted to win Emily’s hand, worshipping a God whose temple depicted death and sorrow was definitely the wrong idea.

I totally believe that love and war coexist. Love is essential for war, and war is essential for love. As seen through the Knight’s Tale, the love for Emily that Palamon and Arcite express causes a disagreement that leads to violence. Without the love they had for Emily, this war would never have occurred. In the end of the story, Palamon wins the hand of Emily only after battling Arcite and the gods pushing Arcite of his horse. This violence was necessary for Palamon to win his love. One has to remember that love and war are abstract, and therefore their meanings or purposes can be complementary.