Q: –Does virtue have an otherworldly aspect to it in the readings? How so or not? Are there any lessons about virtue for the reader (and maybe not always the characters)?
Palamoun from “The Knight’s Tale” of The Canterbury Tales is a character who has virtue which eventually leads to his bond to Emelye. A man who nobly acknowledges and leverages his loyalty to Emelye, Palamoun goes to fight in order to gain her confidence in him. Palamoun is described as honoring the guidelines of his dealings; being brought to the stake during the joust, following Theseus’ order to fight on in the name of the Lord’s will, and even suffering through prison to later escape. Additionally, Palamoun is a key figure whose emotion and desire is on display throughout the tale. With this in mind, there is a connection between how Palamoun conducts himself and having strong morals. Perhaps not morals in the way it is understood today, but in a spiritual worldliness, Palamoun is wholly committed to being persistent and obeying what is dealt to him.
Anthony was raised in the name of faith and religion by his parents who he was obedient and careful of. Anthony was disciplined and cared for the poor, which would bring him to be beloved by others. As he grew older, his interest wasn’t to garner attention, but diligently work on his craft. Anthony’s habits allowed him to eagerly deny the devil of sin when he thrust himself into a severe method of living which required separating himself from the vanity of life and submitting to God’s healing comfort. The first paragraph of Section 20 of The Life of Anthony defines Anthony’s being and outlines the overarching question. On page 9, St. Athanasius writes citing The Bible, “‘No man, having put his hand to the plough, and turning back, is fit for the kingdom of heaven’ And this turning back is nothing else but to feel regret, and to be once more worldly-minded.” Anthony is a man who had left the world behind in pursuit of a greater moral purpose that didn’t require the approval or onlooking of others.
Keeping the above individuals in mind, the lesson of patient virtue [for the reader] separate from the characters is aided by Medieval Philosophy. Medieval Philosophy describes God’s incarnation in Jesus Christ as a means of courting humans to come to know Him. Therefore, the very image of God needed to be made onto the face of Jesus so that His life was proof of God’s message in human form. Jesus was known to be a man of virtue and deep moral conviction for His steadfast compassion and will for others to partake in God’s knowledge. Therefore, Jesus the human had to suffer struggles, overcome challenges, and share love for others in a way that was exemplary and deeper than tangible, but spiritual. In that sense, humans could understand everything beyond their own world, but pursue a life that may be pleasing to an all-knowing God.
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