mily is nothing more than an object. The king gives no thought as to whether Emily desires to marry either knight, and seals her fate for her. This sheds light onto the esteem in which women were held during Chaucer's time. It is apparent that women were offered little respect as human beings, as decisions as weighty as who they will marry were chosen by other men. The question of whether Emily loved either knight is irrelevant to the king. She serves only as a fitting prize to be given to the most valiant knight.
             Eventually, Palamon wins Emily's hand in marriage and was reported to have lived his life
             Of bliss and splendor, happiness and health.
             And serves her with a gentle constancy,
             ...