What Is the Purpose of the Knight in Shiny Armor?
The knight in shining armor is an epic figure in literature whose imagery has permeated into society at many levels. The purpose of the knight in shiny armor is typically a clear one. They are the righter of wrongs, the saver of those who are in distress and the hero that regular people can admire.
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Origin of the Phrase
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The phrase, "knight in shining armor," was first found in literature in 1790 in a poem called "Amusement: A Poetical Essay" by Henry James Pye. The verse states, "No more the knight, in shining amour dress'd opposes to the pointed lance his breast." While it is entirely possible that this phrase was used prior to this point, this is the first appearance of it in literature. The figure of the knight in 18th century literature was idealized and symbolized the quest for virtue and honor at all costs.
Arthurian Legends
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The Arthurian legends of the Knights of the Round Table also play a large role in the purpose of the knight in shiny armor. These men, whether entirely fictional or based on some fact, were the heroes of their time. They stood for honor and everything that was good in society. The knights were those who opposed the evil doers and rescued the populace from their chains. Their figures took on a mythic role that remained centuries later in literature as well as in pop culture.
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Use in Literature and Poetry
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The knight in shining armor is frequently used in romance novels. While the lead male character may not actually be a "knight," he still stands for the same principles and often rescues the heroine from danger or death. This figure has been idealized for centuries and is often used as a literary device to assist the heroine or those in need. The romantic aspect cannot be overlooked in this type of literature as the knight in shining armor also is typically handsome and cast as a vision of the "perfect man."
Use in Present Times
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Over the centuries, the phrase's meaning has largely remained the same. If a politician is perceived as seeking office to right wrongs, he is often referred to as a knight in shining armor. Similarly, anyone in a position of power or those who rise to that position of power under the goals of seeking to undo the wrongs that have been done also are referred to as knights in shining armor. The use of this phrase as a literary and character device is still going strong, although it may be used as tongue in cheek by some authors, particularly those whose main characters are antiheroes.
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References
- Photo Credit Knight on Horse image by Humza Tarar from Fotolia.com
