This essay examines how Chaucer, in his characterization and thematization of The Knight`s Tale, appropriates the multiple implications of what Baum called, the “small contrasts” between Palamon and Arcite. The earlier critics of the tale have devoted their critical efforts to either the denial or confirmation of the distinctive qualities of them as characters. A closer look at the words and action of the two knights, however, reveals that they are less individuals with stark contrasts than with shared qualities of humanity. They learn from their own experiences and their thoughtfulness govern their own behaviors. Their action even shows a logic of its own and maturity as Renaissance men. This becomes more obvious in the scenes preceding and following the death of Arcite. Thus, the lack of distinctive qualities or psychological depth in the tales` characters must not be equated with weakness of the work. With the “small contrasts” between the two rival lovers, Chaucer`s The Kinght`s Tale departs from an allegorical mode of story telling which is one of the characteristics of medieval narratives. (Keimyung University)