In the book Dealing with Dragons by Patricia Wrede, Prince Therandil is not honoring the knight’s code. These three reasons show that he is not honoring the knight’s code. First, he doesn’t want to save Cimorene immediately, because it would look better if he defeated a dragon who already defeated many knights. Secondly, he is hesitant about saving Keredwel because everyone expects him to save Cimorene. Lastly, he is not honoring the code because he lies, when the jinn asks him to keep his secret.
First he tries to augment his slaying a dragon who has already defeated many knights. This goes against the knight’s code because he is working for himself. In the book Therandil says, “There’s not much glory in defeating a dragon that hasn’t already…show more content… In the text it states, “Therandil brightened preceptibly at this description but said ‘But everyone expects me to rescue you.’” This shows that if he were to come back the wrong princess he fears for how people might look a him. Also there is a quote that says, “Do what’s right even if it makes you a fool.” So if Therandil is only worried about what other people think about him, then he is not standing by the knight’s code.
Third, Therandil lies when the jinn asks him to keep his secret. This is against the code because, The Code clearly states, “His word speaks only truth.” This is one of the biggest points in The Code and when the following honesty the knight often disobeys other laws from The Code. Also, in the book it says, “‘But I can’t tell lie,’ The Jinn replies, ‘Then you shouldn’t have sworn an oath then.’” During this part in the book Therandil keeps the jinn’s secret but still lies even though he knew it was wrong.
On the other hand, I can see why someone would think that Therandil was obeying the code. Because he was sentimental and benign towards Cimorene and it seemed as if he was trying to obey the code. But he didn’t, in his hesitation to obey the code he completely failed, if he tried, it doesn’t mean he obeyed
