
In the Days of Chivalry: A Tale of the Times of the Black Prince
Written by Evelyn Everett-Green
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About this book
Reading guide
Themes, characters and key ideas in In the Days of Chivalry: A Tale of the Times of the Black Prince, written by Chaptra AI.
- about 8 hours
- intermediate
- adventurous
- historical
- heroic
Evelyn Everett-Green's "In the Days of Chivalry" is a late 19th-century historical novel set during the era of the Black Prince, following the journey of twin brothers, Gaston and Raymond De Brocas. Living as humble millers, the twins are secretly heirs to a noble lineage, driven by a fierce desire to reclaim their ancestral lands and honor from their family's antagonist, the Sieur de Navailles. Their yearning for adventure and justice is ignited by memories of their mother's words and a pivotal encounter with a scornful nobleman, propelling them from their obscure life into the uncertain world of medieval chivalry. The narrative promises an exploration of identity, familial duty, and the pursuit of destiny against a backdrop of historical conflict and personal ambition, as the brothers strive to restore their rightful inheritance in England.
“"Our blood calls to us from the very stones of Basildene, Raymond! It is a heritage not to be forgotten, though we grind flour today."”
Key themes
- Chivalry and Honor
- This theme is central to the novel, set in the 'Days of Chivalry.' It explores the ideals of knighthood, including courage, loyalty, justice, courtesy, and the protection of the weak. The twins' journey is a quest to embody these virtues, not just to claim a title, but to live up to the noble code, contrasting true honor with the empty pride of characters like the Sieur de Navailles.
- Identity and Legacy
- The core of the twins' internal conflict and external quest revolves around their true identity as De Brocas heirs, despite their peasant upbringing. The novel explores how one's heritage, past, and aspirations shape who they become, and the weight of a family legacy that demands reclamation. They must reconcile their present reality with their perceived noble past.
- Justice and Reclamation
- Driven by the injustice of the Sieur de Navailles' usurpation of their lands, the twins' quest is fundamentally about seeking justice. It explores the idea of rightful ownership, the restoration of order, and the punishment of wrongdoers. Their journey is not just for personal gain, but for the restoration of a moral balance that has been disrupted.
Worth discussing
How does the novel define 'chivalry' and 'nobility'? Are these definitions still relevant today?
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