Chivalry · Chapter
V: The Story of the Housewife explained
In 1326, exiled Prince Edward of England and his mother Queen Ysabeau seek refuge at the court of Count William of Hainault.
What happens
In 1326, exiled Prince Edward of England and his mother Queen Ysabeau seek refuge at the court of Count William of Hainault. The Count's daughter Philippa boldly declares her love for Edward, leading to an alliance that will restore his throne. Years later, as Queen, Philippa leads the English army against the Scots when no man will, inspiring loyalty and victory. Her steadfast love and courage contrast with King Edward's neglect and infatuation with Catherine de Salisbury. John Copeland, secretly devoted to Philippa, confronts the King, forcing him to recognize his wife's worth.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Domnei (Lady-Service)
Philippa's unwavering love for Edward contrasts with his infatuation for Catherine; John Copeland's secret, selfless devotion to Philippa exemplifies troubadour love.
Power and Queenship
Philippa assumes military command when no man will, leading the army to victory and embodying queenly authority.
Sacrifice and Suffering
Philippa endures Edward's neglect and faces battle fearlessly; John Copeland risks death to speak truth to the King.
Illusion vs. Reality
Edward's romanticized love for Catherine is exposed as shallow compared to Philippa's genuine devotion and Copeland's hidden love.
Characters to notice
- Prince Edward
Exiled heir to England, woos Philippa of Hainault for political and personal gain.
- Queen Philippa
Daughter of Count William, later Queen of England; demonstrates courage and steadfast love, leading the army when no man will.
- Queen Ysabeau
Mother of Prince Edward, accompanies him in exile to Hainault.
- John Copeland
Loyal squire of Philippa, captures the King of Scotland and confronts King Edward about his neglect of the Queen.
- King Edward
Prince Edward grown to king; neglects Philippa for Catherine de Salisbury, but is ultimately shamed into recognizing her worth.
- Catherine de Salisbury
The King's mistress, referred to as 'the shrew of Salisbury' and 'the Cat'.
- Lord Hastings
Marquess of Hastings, initially feigns illness but is inspired by Philippa's courage to lead the army against the Scots.
- Jehan Kuypelant
Page who witnesses the embrace of Edward and Philippa in the garden, singing a song of Venus Melaenis.
Key passages
“Hail, King of England! ... Hail, Queen of England!”
Philippa and Edward exchange titles as they pledge their future marriage and reign.
This exchange marks the beginning of their alliance and Philippa's role as queen.
“I was about to lead your army, my friend, since there was no one else to do it, but I was hideously afraid. At bottom every woman is a coward.”
Philippa admits her fear to Hastings but asserts her willingness to lead despite it.
Highlights Philippa's courage and humility.
“You shall be hanged at dawn... I say to you, go home to your too-tedious wife, the source of all your glory! sit at her feet! and let her teach you what love is!”
John Copeland defies King Edward, urging him to honor Philippa.
Copeland's bold speech forces Edward to confront his neglect.
“As the fish have their life in the waters, so I have and always shall have mine in love.”
Copeland declares his lifelong devotion to love, referring to his secret adoration of Philippa.
Reveals Copeland's unrequited love and his ideal of chivalric service.
