ared. In fact, Chaucer goes so far as to describe him as "A verray, parfit, gentil knight". Such a description allows the reader to envision the character as a image perfection which further establishes a standard of comparison. This "blueprint" is also evident in the order of the tales themselves as the Knight is allowed, through Chaucer's creation, to tell the first tale. In both instances the Knight is given priority to set a standard. Given that Chaucer wrote "Canterbury Tales" during a time when aristocracy would have been seen as the ruling class and therefore, the superior class, the emphasis placed on the Knight probably reflected societies tendency to view the nobilities in this light.
             Societies emphasis on superiority is also reflected in the character of the Knight. Chaucer mentions a large number of battle victories the Knight has to his name including victories in Alisandre, Pruce, Lettou, Ruce, Gernade, Algezir, Belmarye, Lyeis and Satalye (179). The reason for such an extensive account of the battles was to provide proof to his audience of the Knight's worthiness. Chaucer also continues to give accounts of the Knight's heroism in combat, mentioning that, "At mortal batailes hadde he been fifteene, And foughten for our faith at Tramissene In listes thries, and ay slain his fo." (179). The fact that the majority of the information given on the Knight is battle accounts shows the high value that people of the 14th century would have placed on battle as measure of nobility. These battle victories are representative of the condescending and prestigious qualities the upper class was believed to have had. By emphasizing the numerous victories of the Knight, Chaucer attempts to show the reader some of the qualities associated with the elite which revolved around superiority and eminence.
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