Palamon and Arcite
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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Palamon and Arcite is part of "Fables, Ancient and Modern" written by John Dryden published in 1700. Palamon and Arcite is a modernized translation of one story, "The Knight's Tale" from "The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer. The plot line is identical as Dryden was only translating from the Middle English of Chaucer's original text. Dryden's version of the book is longer than the original text due to Dryden's poetic touches.
Characters
The central characters remain the same as in Chaucer's story. Palamon, possible cousin of Arcite, and at least "brother-in-arms" according to Dryden. Arcite, a knight of royal blood, although not fully explained in the text. Emily (Emelye or Emilye) the "princess" and stepdaughter or possibly niece of the king. And King Theseus (Duke of Athens).
Plot
The story is of two knights imprisoned by Theseus after being found unconscious after a battle. Theseus locks Palamon and Arcite 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 Arcite 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 Arcite what he is feeling, Arcite sees Emily in the garden and turns to Palamon and tells him he (Arcite) saw Emily first, and by that right, Palamon cannot love her.
Later a friend of Arcite convinces Theseus to free Arcite. Theseus frees Arcite but bans him from the land. Arcite later sneaks back as one of Theseus's servants. This starts the plot of the story in which the two knights endure different challenges to prove their love for Emily.
