From The Knight’s Tale to A Knight’s Tale
What makes a modern adaptation or reinterpretation text scholastically and artistically valid in the realm of medievalism (defined here)? In working toward an answer, I am indebted to Louise D’Arcens and her 2008 article titled “Deconstruction and the Medieval Indefinite Article: The Undecidable Medievalism of Brian Helgeland’s A Knight’s Tale.” She points out the significance of Helgeland’s indefinite “A” as opposed to Chaucer’s definite “The” and explains, among other things, that the film’s “undecidable medievalism” places it in a different category from, say, Peter Jackson’s strict adaptation of Lord of the Rings. It is tempting, as a history buff or a Chaucerian or a medievalist, to watch, study, and criticise A Knight’s Tale as an adaptation of The Knight’s Tale, which almost necessarily leads one to view it as an American / capitalist / individualist / [insert any modern ideology with negative valence here] warping of the medieval period. But these judgments rely on the a priori notion that the film’s sole intention was to create a visual adaptation of a medieval story, a medieval sport, a medieval society. What I have gathered reading interviews with writer/director Brian Helgeland and watching the film as an admittedly childish (read: unassuming) medievalist leads me to reject that idea in favour of a more forgiving reading of the film as a medievalist text.
A Knight’s Tale is less a visual translation of and more a response to the modern that can be found in the medieval (or the medieval that can be found in the modern); it was first conceived by Brian Helgeland as a medieval sports film, and his inspiration for the film’s story stemmed from the fact that only nobles could compete in jousting tournaments (Reel 6 Interview). Based on this tidbit, the primary “source text” for A Knight’s Tale is not, in fact, The Knight’s Tale. The film is not an adaptation of Chaucer’s text at all (which is, by the way, a rendering of Boccaccio’s Teseida, not an original story, at least in the modern sense of the term). Its inspiration stems from Helgeland’s fascination with the medieval sport of jousting, and its construction is based more on an ideology of cultural transmission than a strictly historical or literary tradition. Helgeland explains Chaucer’s presence in the text, which clearly goes beyond the film’s title:
“One of the dangers of a period movie is that everything gets kind of put up on a pedestal and covered in varnish…I was an English major, and when we studied Chaucer he seemed like a guy who stepped out of a museum with dust all over him. But he had to be a more kind of out-there guy to write all that stuff. So having no idea, I’m hoping Paul [Bettany]’s version of Chaucer is closer to who Chaucer probably was…” (Contact Music)
Helgeland wanted Geoffrey “Geoff” Chaucer in his film to subvert the museum quality of the medieval period. And for those of you who are still hoping for faithful adaptation, Helgeland did intend for his film to take place during a six-month period of Chaucer’s life for which historians have no record, which means that a) he did do his research and b) our adaptation theory can be thrown out the window. The film’s setting and story is set in a fanciful medieval neverland, really. Helgeland gets off the hook.
Furthermore, Brian Helgeland’s interviews reveal that a dialogue with, rather than a translation of, the medieval period was in his head for the making of A Knight’s Tale. One interviewer remarks that “it seemed the movie was about youth and identity in some ways, and also questioning the powers that be” (Contact Music). I would argue that this film’s subversive questioning is what makes it so delightfully medieval. Even if you disagree, it is clear that Helgeland’s aim was to coax to the surface those medieval aspects of modern society, or to tease out the modern-seeming aspects of medieval society. In short, the film really is easier to appreciate if one’s critical viewing considers Helgeland’s vision for the film:
“We have computers and cell phones and cars, and all that. But they had all that too, they had horses, they wrote things down — I really believe that people have never changed, really. They laugh, they fall in love, they go to war, they never change” (Interview with Marty Mapes).
Of the people, By the people, For the people
Perhaps it’s the American in me that delighted in William, Watt, and Roland’s quest to stick it (jousting!) to the (noble)man. Don’t we all love an underdog story? The short answer: not if it gets too close to beloved literature and literary figures. The long answer: not when it propagates “the pervasive, and ostensibly insurmountable, chasm between the popular and the academic Chaucer” and “transform[s] a Boethian exploration of human happiness and divine justice into a predictable and vulgar myth of fulfilment” (Forni 254); and certainly not when it “refus[es] to acknowledge the nature and mannerisms of social customs and people in Europe at the time” (Jeffrey Badder). In defense of the first complaint, Kathleen Forni does make an astute observation. She argues that A Knight’s Tale denotes the modern reception of Chaucer as a figure for popular culture (as opposed to Shakespeare’s popularity with intellectuals) (Forni 262). While I agree that Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales lends itself well to the modern storyteller who might wish to create a comic, pop culture-y text set in the medieval period, I do not necessarily think that we should lament it. After all, even Shakespeare wrote for the masses–the foundlings occupying the standing space in theatres were part of the Bard’s carefully aimed double entendres and satire. And the modern conception of popular culture–having much to do with mass printing–does not really fit in Chaucer’s time. This brings me to Forni’s second point.
As I noted earlier, Brian Helgeland clearly did not have an adaptation of Chaucer’s Knight’s Tale in mind when he set out to write A Knight’s Tale. He had jousting, 70s rock, and the philosophy that a man can change his stars guiding his script. He was writing a tale about a knight, not the tale about the knight, as Louise D’Arcens articulates in her argument. He is not trying to recreate Chaucer’s “Boethian exploration of human happinessand divine justice,” so we certainly cannot hold his film to that standard. Consequently, I cannot agree with Forni’s judgment on A Knight’s Tale on the grounds that her arguments are supported by assumptions that simply cannot be applied to Helgeland’s film. Furthermore, she does not consider the film’s genre, or the fact that film is meant to be massively consumed and is closely bound up with “popular culture,” which she seems to think is a dismantling of Chaucer’s image as the classy father of English poetry. A Knight’s Tale is irreverent, maybe, but so is the Canterbury Tales. A Knight’s Tale is a comedy, a kind of modern tribute to the medieval sport of jousting. (All criticism I read about the film did allow that the cinematography of the actual jousting is phenomenal.) So why can we not appreciate A Knight’s Tale for what it is?
Our Obsession with Lineage: A Pristine Medieval Period
Brian Helgeland’s A Knight’s Tale subverts textual authority in a way that especially bother medievalists. Whether it is with Queen’s “We Will Rock You” or Jocelyn’s failure to conform to our ideas of a medieval noblewoman, Helgeland defies expectations anyone might draw from the title of the film, its inclusion of Geoffrey Chaucer, or its medieval setting. Is it, then, the feeling of being duped that upsets the likes of Jeffrey Badder and Kathleen Forni?
The former’s tone of disappointment as he describes the opening scene certainly points to the frustration of expectation:
“The crowd “does the wave” as at a modern baseball stadium, competitors pump their breastplates like football players, and the nobles, apparently fans of 1970’s rock-and-roll, sing along to the theme music; the guitar solo, in fact, is even timed to appear as though it comes from the trumpet players on the tournament grounds” (Jeffrey Badder).
The opening of A Knight’s Tale reminds me of scenes in Shrek where 90s pop music rules the fairytale land. No one seems to be bothered by it, perhaps because Shrek is acknowledged as a fairytale; it is animated. Although A Knight’s Tale does pull the rug out from under those of us who come in to the film expecting a historically accurate adaptation of Chaucer’s first Canterbury Tale, I would argue that the film is straightforward and honest about its fairytale quality from the beginning.
I am inclined also to view the medieval scholar’s discomfort with A Knight’s Tale as a manifestation of our obsession with tradition and lineage and of our tendency to view historical figures such as Chaucer and historical cultures as pristine and sacred (in that they should be preserved and studied rather than embodied, filtered, and transmitted in a modern hand). After all, the notions of textual tradition and authority have existed at least since Chaucer’s lifetime; in Troilus and Criseyde, for example, he probably invented a classical textual source for his story, crediting a “Lollius” whose name only appears in the Chaucer’s text. What’s more, Chaucer and other medieval writers freely borrowed, innovated, and plucked pieces from other texts while modern authors are governed by not only copyrights protecting intellectual property and reverence for the past, including its literary figures. This creates a standard for film adaptations that is creatively restrictive. While there is something to be said for strict adaptations, the strength of Brian Helgeland’s comic and epic tale is in its humour and its apparently modern view that “a man can change his stars.”
Conclusions
“If we are to truly grasp the significance of a medievalist text within the undecidability of medievalism, we need to accept, and not condemn, its partial truth, its blithe purloining, and most of all its fluctuating allegiances, which it directs promiscuously not only to the medieval past, but also to other…pasts, the present, and even the future” (D’Arcens 98).
Louise D’Arcens’s conclusion resonates with my experience watching A Knight’s Tale for the second time (the first time as a medievalist). It was marked by delight and recognition of unexpected medieval elements. I anticipated a quirky medieval-esque comedy, so I was pleasantly surprised whenever Helgeland dropped gems like the importance of pilgrimage (in Chaucer’s introductions of Will as Sir Ulrich). And although steeped in modern ideology, I recognised Helgeland’s construction of an estates satire within the template of Hollywood’s cathartic good vs. evil plotline: The priest, for example, is shushed by the fiery Jocelyn as tries to silence her in his cathedral. Geoff Chaucer calls attention to the class divide at tournaments and pokes fun at the noble class by addressing “everybody else here not sitting on a cushion” when he introduces Sir Ulrich. And unredeemable baddie Count Adhemar is thoroughly shown to be as ignoble in manner as Will is in blood.
My viewing of the film was consquently enriched by my determination to watch it as a product of its time and as in dialogue with, rather than necessarily deriving from, a bygone time and culture that continues to intrigue modern society. As scholars and film-viewers, we can learn something from such a reading of Helgeland’s text: taking a break from the traditional criticism of medievalist texts is beneficial, for both academic inquiry and cinematic pleasure.
Good website! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes it is. I am wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your RSS which may do the trick? Have a great day! biology WhatsApp group links
Thanks very nice blog!
My homepage :: https://repositorijafa.unisayogya.ac.id/2025/09/18/%d1%8e%d1%80%d0%b8%d0%b4%d0%b8%d1%87%d0%b5%d1%81%d0%ba%d0%b0%d1%8f-%d0%ba%d0%be%d0%bd%d1%81%d1%83%d0%bb%d1%8c%d1%82%d0%b0%d1%86%d0%b8%d1%8f-%d0%bd%d0%b0-%d0%b1%d0%b5%d0%b7%d0%b2%d0%be%d0%b7%d0%bc/
Your writing showcases an impressive mastery of tone, structure, and flow, creating a smooth reading experience that captures attention while delivering meaningful insight with admirable consistency. https://link.space/@kopertoto4D
وايت ماء شرق الرياض As a leading Water Tanker Supplier in all over the Riyadh including North Riyadh, Al Rimal, Al Munsiyah, Qurtubah, Al Yarmouk, Gharnata and Al Qadisiyyah. We are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality water available. Our 24/7 services make it easy for you to find a Water Supply Tanker near you, at any time of the day or night. وايت ماء شمال و شرق الرياض
The overall clarity and delivery reveal your strong ability to connect with readers. https://mymxhealth.com/
Hmm is anyone else having problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Here is my web page vin88
I wish more authors of this type of content would take the time you did to research and write so well. I am very impressed with your vision and insight. domino88 livechat
ufabet app|w88 ฟรีเครดิต|fun88 มือถือ|fun88 ทางเข้า ล่าสุด|fun88 สมัคร|sbobet beer789|188bet tips|ole777|แอ พ 188bet|188bet bonus https://sbobetquan.com
w88.im|m88 com mobile|188bet มือ ถือ|fun88 ทางเข้า|ufabet เว็บหลัก|สมัคร sbobet|ole777 pantip https://ufabetju.com
瑞信娱乐,悟空体育,开云app下载,四季体育,开元棋牌,开云全站app,pg电子麻将胡了口诀 https://kaiyunzeng.com
hth·华体育登录官网,乐游体育,pg电子麻将胡了口诀,博澳体育,7c娱乐app官网最新版下载,澳门新葡京 https://ky88guang.com
My programmer is trying to persuade me to move to .net from PHP.
I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses.
But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on numerous websites Vocabulary for english
(vocabulary-for-english.com) about
a year and am concerned about switching to another platform.
I have heard great things about blogengine.net.
Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress content into it?
Any help would be really appreciated!
麻将胡了爆分视频,四喜娱乐,电子娱乐平台游戏,开云体育官方下载,AB娱乐,冠竞体育 https://ky88yi.com
There is noticeably big money to comprehend this. I assume you have made certain nice points in features also. https://gunfet.com/
This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks! https://mrgisby.com/
Useful information shared. I am very happy to read this article. thanks for giving us nice info. Fantastic walk-through. I appreciate this post. https://adjustingtoadulthood.com/
This article gives the light in which we can observe the reality. This is very nice one and gives in-depth information. Thanks for this nice article. https://east-german-shepherds.com/
I have been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or blog posts in this kind of space . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this web site. Studying this information So i am glad to show that I have a very excellent uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I such a lot unquestionably will make sure to do not disregard this website and give it a look regularly. onebetasia link
I have been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or blog posts in this kind of space . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this web site. Studying this information So i am glad to show that I have a very excellent uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I such a lot unquestionably will make sure to do not disregard this website and give it a look regularly. onetbetasia link
Great Information sharing .. I am very happy to read this article .. thanks for giving us go through info.Fantastic nice. I appreciate this post. https://www.leristrutturazioni.it/
Great Information sharing .. I am very happy to read this article .. thanks for giving us go through info.Fantastic nice. I appreciate this post. https://www.leristrutturazioni.it/
pg模拟器免费版,趣体育,巅峰国际pg下载入口,球探比分足球官网,博万体育,四季体育,华体育,开云app官网下载 https://kaiyunzong.com
HD Lifestyle Videos|Adult Entertainment Videos|Intimate Video Collection|Trusted Intimate Platform|Mature Content Streaming https://www.velvxx.com
Thank you for providing such thorough, informative articles. Your content is always relevant, engaging, and well-structured, making it incredibly easy to follow. I’ve gained so much valuable knowledge from your site, and I’m grateful for all the effort you put into producing such high-quality material.
Lotto123
Wow, cool post. I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real hard work to make a great article… but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. https://www.lnrprecision.com/
I want to take a moment to thank you for the outstanding content on your website. Every article is filled with useful insights and practical advice that I can apply. I truly appreciate the level of effort you put into creating such high-quality material, and I always look forward to your latest posts.
789bet
It is my first visit to your blog, and I am very impressed with the articles that you serve. Give adequate knowledge for me. Thank you for sharing useful material. I will be back for the more great post. parlay bola
fun88 รีวอร์ด,เว็บพนันออนไลน์ เว็บตรง fun88,www ufabet,fun88 link,dafabet com mobile,m88 slot,w88club.com w88,w88มือถือ https://m88henshan.com
This content is written very well. Your use of formatting when making your points makes your observations very clear and easy to understand. Thank you. free 1xbet promo code
A part-time role focused on delivering relaxing Swedish massage sessions, ideal for therapists seeking skill development, flexible schedules, and stable opportunities within the therapeutic wellness field. 마사지알바
Thank you for providing such a wealth of knowledge on your website. The articles are always well-researched and full of useful information. I appreciate how clearly you explain complex topics and how you always include practical tips. Your website has become a go-to resource for me, and I’m so grateful for it.
789bet
The way you build excitement and tension in your writing reminds me of the fast-paced energy of PBA Games Today, where every play could be a game-changer.
4M Dental Implant Center
3918 Long Beach Blvd #200, Long Beach,
ϹА 90807, United Statеs
15622422075
oral x-ray
Your writing reflects a mature understanding of structure and pacing, guiding readers through the content with ease. Every idea is introduced thoughtfully, expanding the article’s coherence and showcasing your capability to communicate with clarity, precision, and meaningful organization. https://rryrry.com/
Сайлентблоки в автомобиле
Also visit my web-site :: сайлентблоки
蚂蚁体育,企鹅体育,顺元娱乐,红蓝体育,电子娱乐平台游戏 https://kaiyuntian.com
宝威体育|四季体育|完美体育|北单足球官网app|盛博体育|开云体育APP|浩瀚体育|开云全站app下载|AB娱乐|YY体育 https://kaiyuncan.com
开云官方app下载|金博体育|7c娱乐app官网最新版下载|欧皇体育|澳客app下载官网|Dou体育 https://kaiyuncan.com
www ole777 com|188bet โบนัส|สมัคร ufabet|สมัคร m88 ทาง เข้า|สล็อต m88|m dafabet com|ทางเข้า w88 https://leovegasole777.com
澳门威尼斯人|风暴体育|500体育|幻影体育|飞鲸体育 https://kaiyunniang.com
สมัคร sbobet|fun88 สมัคร|188bet th|w88 tipss|ole777 com|fun88 เข้าระบบ|www dafabet com|agent sbobet|w88 ทาง-เข้า|sbobet ทางเข้า https://fun88chazu.com
188bet mobile,ทางเข้าw88 ล่าสุด,ole777 login,m88,ole777 mobile,m88 เครดิต ฟรี,ufabet app,ole777 line,sbobet มือถือ777,ufabet net https://allbetole777.com
Greetings! I appreciate how much thought you put into your work. Are there other comparable blogs? https://mez.ink/kitab4djitu
Great things you’ve always shared with us. Just keep writing this kind of posts.The time which was wasted in traveling for tuition now it can be used for studies.Thanks High Pressure Homogenizer Manufacturer
Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem with your web site in internet explorer, could test this?
IE nonetheless is the marketplace chief and
a huge element of other people will leave out your great writing because of this
problem.
my site Promova english speaking practice (promova-english.com)
大发彩官网app下载安装,球探体育,飞鲸体育,开云体育官方网站,风暴体育,286pg电子游戏登录入口,ng官方下载,九游官网首页进入 https://kaiyundiu.com
I appreciate how 오피가이드 highlights the unique features of each massage service.
I always trust 오피가이드 for reliable massage recommendations.
Greetings, I believe your web site may be having internet
browser compatibility issues. When I take a look at your
site in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in Internet Explorer, it’s got some overlapping issues.
I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Besides that, wonderful site!
My blog; http://Woojooind.com/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=4323344
Awesome things here. I’m very satisfied to see your article.
Thanks so much and I am having a look ahead
to touch you. Will you kindly drop me a mail?
Feel free to surf to my web page – situs online slot777 com