The basics of chivalry, courage and loyalty, are present in today's literature and films. Loyalty is present in the book The Count of Monte Cristo while bravery is present in the film National Treasure. The Count of Monte Cristo tells the story of a man unjustly imprisoned but who remains loyal to his family in his quest for revenge. National Treasure is about another man who acts courageously in his search for treasure. Chivalry was the code of conduct for knights in medieval Europe. Chivalry comes from the French word “chevalier” which means “knight”. This code of conduct for knights has its origins in feudalism, the socio-political system that governed medieval Europe. The nobility mainly constituted the chivalric order, but not all (Dickerman, 611-612). Feudal qualities included skill in arms, bravery in battle, courtesy toward rivals, and helpfulness to the lower classes. The main qualities were loyalty to a lord and the ability to protect that lord. Glory and honor were the highest qualities of a knight. Social skills were also required, such as conversation, dancing, and the ability to play a musical instrument (Dickerman, 611-612). The knights had a contradictory lifestyle. They were good Christians. However, the Church was against their idea of ​​courtly love. Moreover, the bravery, skill and helpfulness of chivalry were close to selfishness, brutality and prodigality (Dickerman, 611-612). The Count of Monte Cristo begins with a sailor named Edmond Dantès. Edmond has a best friend named Fernand who sails with him on the Pharoan (Dumas and Célestine, 1). The captain of the Pharoan falls ill. Edmond stops on an island where Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled. Bonaparte gives Edmond a note to give to a friend and to Edm...... middle of paper ......n who is unjustly imprisoned but remains loyal to his family in his quest for revenge. National Treasure is about another man who acts courageously in his search for treasure. Works Cited Dickerman, Edmund H., “Chivalry.” Encyclopedia Americana: International Edition.Vol. 6. Danbury, CN: Goiler Inc., 1993. Print. Dumas, Alexandre and Roger Celestine. The Count of Monte Cristo. Abridged. NewYork: New American Library, 2005. Print.National Treasure. Director: Jon Turtletaub. Interpreters. Nicholas Cage, Justin Bartha, Sean Bean and Diane Kruger. Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc., 2005. DVD. Ruined ends. “Synopsis of The Count of Monte Cristo.” May 20, 2010..The Internet Movie Database. “Synopsis of the national treasure. » May 24 2010..