When Arcita could not return to Athens to see Emily, “Had never any man so much torture … [and] Bereft he was of sleep and meat and drink, / That lean he grew and dry as shaft” (Chaucer 39). Courtly love “requires that the lover be hopelessly devoted to a lady” that he loves (Boucquey). Arcita shows this quality when he becomes malnourished because he may never see Emily again. Arcita and Palamon argue over who “loved her first” and loved her more (Chaucer 34). Having “a rival for the lady’s love” serves as another quality of courtly love (Boucquey). Arcita and Palamon both fall in love with the beautiful Emily, then duel to find out who wins the girl. Palomino wonders if “she’s woman or goddess” when raving about Emily (33). In the code of courtly love, men “elevate women to near-sacred status” (Boucquey). Palamon, struck by Emily’s beauty, cannot determine if she is celestial or
When Arcita could not return to Athens to see Emily, “Had never any man so much torture … [and] Bereft he was of sleep and meat and drink, / That lean he grew and dry as shaft” (Chaucer 39). Courtly love “requires that the lover be hopelessly devoted to a lady” that he loves (Boucquey). Arcita shows this quality when he becomes malnourished because he may never see Emily again. Arcita and Palamon argue over who “loved her first” and loved her more (Chaucer 34). Having “a rival for the lady’s love” serves as another quality of courtly love (Boucquey). Arcita and Palamon both fall in love with the beautiful Emily, then duel to find out who wins the girl. Palomino wonders if “she’s woman or goddess” when raving about Emily (33). In the code of courtly love, men “elevate women to near-sacred status” (Boucquey). Palamon, struck by Emily’s beauty, cannot determine if she is celestial or