The Canterbury Tales, a main source of my personal definition of nobility, demonstrates true nobility through representation of its various characters. Within the story, characters …show more content…
This ballad in its entirety maintains a tragic undertone, but the tragedy within it helps to highlight the noble attributes that Sir Patrick Spens, the subject, exhibited. In order to honor the commands of his king, Sir Patrick Spens subjected himself to great risk amidst a dangerous, winter sea voyage. Through his actions, he not only honored and respected authority, but he displayed apparent bravery and selflessness, as well. Like Beaumains from Morte d’Aurthur, Sir Patrick Spens influences my idea of nobility, because he was willing to put his own needs and safety aside in order to escort a Scottish princess to her necessary location. Sir Patrick Spens died on his voyage, but this detail of the ballad only amplifies his noble character, because it clearly shows how his devotion to his task and king meant more to him than his personal safety and needs. Attributes of selflessness and bravery derived from Sir Patrick Spen’s character impacted my ideas towards true