Para1The Code of Honor, also known as chivalry, was an aspect of the feudal system during the medieval period, one especially associated knights. This system involved a code of religious, social, and ethical beliefs and behaviors that a knight was expected to exhibit. Although this concept was introduced in literature in the French epic poem, The Song of Roland (circa 1100 CE), starting in 12th and 13th centuries it became an essential aspect of English culture and society for the elite classes which persisted into the early modern period.

Para2Chivalry was firmly established during the 50-year reign of King Edward III from 1327–1377. Under feudal law, a knight was required to meet certain obligations in order to keep their status and land. Edward III, a notable military figure, encouraged the rise of chivalry as a means of glorifying martial values. The Hundred Years’ War, a long and complex conflict between Edward’s family, the Plantagenets, and a series of French kings, created a warlike society, and therefore military ethics grew as a central anchor to society. The chivalric order also encouraged patriotism and loyalty in both knights and citizens.

Para3The code itself and what it encompassed was never a set list of guidelines; however, acts of chivalry and what they represented was well-known to everyone in the elite classes during this time. Chivalry focused on a sense of bravery and honor in battle while also exhibiting devoutness, loyalty, and gallantry toward women. Earning knighthood became a deeply ritualized ceremony and identity involving both church and state. This status had evolved earlier as a particularly important aspect of the Crusades (1095–1291 CE), as the church sanctioned the knights to bear arms in the protection of the church.

Para4The importance of chivalry within the English society in the Middle Ages made it necessary for the king and the court to both monitor and judge a knight’s actions. This prompted the creation of the Court of Chivalry, which was presided over by the king, along with the Lord High Constable and Earl Marshal of England. These three powerful individuals could pass judgement on a knight outside of English common law, thus without a trial or jury. They could decide, based on a knight’s actions, whether the knight should keep their status and lands after being accused of a crime or dishonor. In the age of Edward III, this court was used regularly as a means of controlling the chivalric system. This court also awarded prizes based on admirable actions, with one of the most prestigious being the Order of the Garter. This award was established by Edward III and to this day is regarded as the one of the most prestigious awards in Britain. This Court of Chivalry still functions today, although it is rarely convened and deals mainly with issues regarding coats of arms. Men and women are now awarded the Order of the Garter for ceremonial purposes only based on a record of public service and only 24 individuals outside the royal family may hold the Order of the Garter at any given time.

Para5Many characters in early modern plays wrestle with the idea of honor. The question of honor in drama typically focuses on its definition and the conflict between physical versus moral prowess. This question is particularly prevalent in Shakespeare’s plays, with honor as a prevalent theme in Othello, Hamlet, The Winter’s Tale, Antony and Cleopatra, and Troilus and Cressida. In Henry IV, Part I, the theme of honor is mentioned throughout, from Hotspur to Falstaff. Falstaff famously questions the very meaning of honor in Act 5 Scene 1:

What is honor? A word. What is in that word honor? What is that honor? Air. A trim reckoning. Who hath it? He that died o' Wednesday. Doth he feel it? No. Doth he hear it? No. 'Tis insensible, then? Yea, to the dead. But will it not live with the living? No. Why? Detraction will not suffer it. Therefore, I’ll none of it. Honor is a mere scutcheon.(5.1.137–147)

Para6The question Falstaff asks is whether this idea of honor for soldiers is worth the pain and fear of what is required. In the end, he feels as though it is not. Falstaff’s feelings, while unpatriotic, give insight into the question of honor and what it meant in the early modern period.