MD SG
As you read, pay attention to the tone. How would you describe Malory’s style?
Its structure is simple and informal, he uses the colloquial language of knights from when the story was published in dialogue and narratives throughout the work. Though the work is prose, the rhythm and diction used are thought to be similar to Malory’s own form of speech. Malory writes a fast-paced narrative, which keeps readers engaged and is shown in the book and chapter setup of the story.
Some of the major themes of this work are honor and worship; the nation and the nature of kingship; and male fellowship. Find examples of these themes in the excerpts that you read.
The theme of male fellowship is exemplified through the round table of knights, who are all equal and respect each other deeply. This theme is highlighted through caring displays of emotion, specifically saying “then Sir Bedivere wept for the death of his brother” (Chapter V). Male fellowship is also seen in battles and fighting, where Lords support each other and don’t leave the other to fend for themselves. - on opposite sides of the battle, but he followed his friendship (instead of biological)
Nation and Nature of Kingship: The Round Table symbolizes unity and Kingship because each knight had an equal voice at the table and mutual respect for one another. Something that directly contradicts the nature of kingship is Mordred's betrayal. Mordred seizes the throne and betrays Arthur, breaking apart the unity of the Kingdom. Another example is Arthur's departure to Avalon. He leaves as the “once and future king” (Chapter V). This symbolizes the idea that kingship is eternal and the hope of his return is what keeps the nation alive.
Nation and Nature of Kingship: “Whoso pulleth out this sword of this stone and anvil, is rightwise king born of all England” (Chapter V) This symbolizes the divine rights of kings. Kings were viewed and led with the authority granted by God (God-given strength).
An example of the major themes of honor and worship is "I am the weakest, I am aware, and in wit feeblest, / and would be least loss if I don't live, to tell you the truth. / Only because you are my uncle is this honor given to me" (354-356), emphasizing the importance of self-sacrifice and noble virtues, inherently highlighting a Knight’s commitment to courtly ideals and the chivalric code. He also gives off an aura of humbleness, as he says wholeheartedly in truth that he is not the strongest, reflecting the absence of hubris and the true ideals of a knight. Worship falls in the sense of faith and courtly love.
Is there an ethical difference between “good” knights and “bad” knights? What is it? Who is who?
Good knights value chivalric values tied with Christian values. They were loyal, honest, brave, respectful to women, and loyal to their lords. They were generous and focused more on giving to others rather than glory for themselves. Bad knights used their power for their own gain, using it to elevate their lifestyle. Lancelot was the ideal example of a perfect knight embracing chivalry (minus the infidelity). He saved Queen Guenvere from death and many knights stood by him because of how honorable he was, saying “and there he kept her as a noble knight should do; and many great lords and some kings sent Sir Lancelot many good knights, and many good knights drew unto Sir Lancelot.” (Book 20 Chapter VIII) Mordred was an example of a bad knight, as he tried to gain more power after he thought Arthur died. He betrayed him by going into battle and being responsible for Arthur’s death.
The Bishop of Canterbury says to Mordred after he laid a siege at the Tower of London, “Sir, what will ye do? Will ye first displease God and sithen shame yourself, and all knighthood?” (Book 21, Chapter I).
Who does Lancelot “smote” when he is trying to save Guinevere? Why is this significant?
Lancelot “smote[s]” Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris when he is trying to save Guinevere. This is significant because they were both unarmed and unaware of what was going on. They are both brothers of Sir Gawain, who was a prominent knight to King Arthur. Their death was particularly impactful on King Arthur.
Their death was also significant because it was a grave consequence of Guinevere and Lancelot’s affair, which contributed further to the end of the round table and the downfall of King Arthur.
“And so in this rushing and hurling, as Sir Lancelot thrang here and there, it misshapen him to slay Gaheris and Sir Gareth, the noble knight, for they were unarmed and unaware” (Chapter VIII Book XI)
Why is King Arthur so upset about Lancelot’s attack?
Loss of honorable round table that would never be built back up
Knights are permanently divided
- King Arthur is upset because Lancelot is in love with Queen Guinevere and kills the knights around them to save her. His best friend and his love both committed treason (Lancelot with stealing armor and Guinevere with giving the sword that would be used against her husband King Arthur) against him, the two people he loved. He also loses the knights that were loyal to him since they were all slain.
- “Alas, my good knights be slain away from me: now within these two days I have lost forty knights, and also the noble fellowship of Sir Lancelot and his blood…” (Book XX, Chapter X)
How does Gawain view Lancelot’s actions?
Gawain is angry that Lancelot has killed the knights (especially his brothers Gareth and Gaheris) but acknowledges their role in their own deaths. However, he swears vengeance on Lancelot and seeks to destroy him, which eventually causes the fall of the Round Table.
“wit thou well, Sir Lancelot, I shall make war upon thee, and all the while that I may live be thine enemy!'” (Book XX Chapter XXII)
So after reading the whole section... why does war break out between Lancelot and Arthur? How does Arthur feel about this?
War breaks out between the two because Lancelot is in love with King Arthur's wife and the accusation of an affair that was placed on both of them. Arthur felt betrayed because both his wife and closest friend had an affair behind his back, although he did not care much as much for his wife but more about Lancelot. Additionally he felt conflicted because while Lancelot was his best soldier and a good friend he still betrayed him.
“Alas, my good knights be slain away from me: now within these two days I have lost
forty knights, and also the noble fellowship of Sir Lancelot and his blood, for now I may never hold them together no more with my worship.” (Book XX Chapter IX).
Discussion for “The Death of Arthur” and “The Deaths of Lancelot and Guinevere”
As you read pay attention to the tone. How would you describe Malory’s style? (you got this keira)
Mallory does not sugarcoat his prose. He is very forward with his wording and imagery. Yet in his conciseness he is able to convey profound meaning.
What do you think is the significance of Arthur’s dreams on the night before the battle?
Arthur’s dreams the night before the battle foreshadow his death (from his son) and the collapse of his kingdom. They also warn Arthur to avoid conflict, reflecting the belief in dreams as divine or supernatural intervention. Ultimately, the dream highlights the tragic inevitability of destiny.
Pit of snakes: Reflects being on the battlefield
“...God given me leave, for to warn you of your death; for an ye fight as to-morn with Sir Mordred, as ye both have assigned, doubt ye not ye must be slain, and the most part of your people on both parties.” (Book XXI, Chapter III).
When does Arthur fight Mordred? What does this tell us about Arthur’s character?
Arthur fights Mordred at the battle of Camlann.
This shows that Arthur has a profound sense of duty, honor and bravery, even when it means that he needs to fight his own son.
His choice to not send the wounded Sir. Lucan and Sir. Bedivere to fight Mordred because he knows they would have died shows his own bravery and chivalry in protecting his knights.
This also reflects Arthur’s status as one of the “Good Knights.”
“Then the king looked about him, and then was he ware, of all his host and of all his good knights, were left no more alive but two knights; that one was Sir Lucan the Butler, and his brother Sir Bedivere, and they were full sore wounded."(729)
Describe Arthur’s death, what kind of imagery is used?
Arthur made Bedivere keep going back to the water with his sword; eventually, Arthur was brought to the water’s edge and put into a barge
Bedivere continuing to have to go back and deal with the sword is similar to the way Peter denied Jesus three times - demonstrates his untrust and ignorance
He laid his head on the lap of one of three queens who received him there
He floated off and presumably died at peace with the queens
The imagery used shows how demanding Arthur is at first, as he does not want to die until his wishes are satiated. However, as he goes out onto the boat, the imagery softens and demonstrates the peace and acceptance Arthur feels. He doesn’t want to die, but he accepts the fact that his fate has been sealed.
Arthur is very calm about the whole situation but everyone around him is panicking and despairing which shows how important he was to so many people
Book XXI, Ch V
What is the significance of the image of Excalibur being received into the lake by the arm?
Excalibur was given to Arthur by the Lady of the Lake soon after becoming king.
It signified his worth and honor of the throne. When he dies and the lake takes the sword back, it symbolizes the closing of his honorable reign.
Shows return to supernatural source, as the sword was given to Arthur initially in a supernatural way.
It shows the end of Arthur’s story and reign as king, but also shows continuity through the return of the sword, potentially alluding to future leaders or heroes.
Sir Bedivere being requested to throw the sword into the lake was a test of loyalty and obedience from Arthur. He initially lies to Arthur twice, but eventually completes the task, showing the completion of Bedivere’s honor and devotion to Arthur.
The retrieval of the sword by the arm shows the cycle of nature, and of life and death. It shows the enduring nature of Arthur and his story, as well as the perseverance of hope in a difficult situation
What does it say on Arthur’s tomb? What does it mean?shane and alex
Arthur's tomb has Latin inscription: "Hic jacet Arthurus, Rex quondam, Rexque futurus", which translates to "Here lies Arthur,who was once king and once will be again".This famous epitaph captures something really interesting about King Arthurs legacy which is the belief held by many that Arthur isn't truly dead, but will return one day when Britain needs him most. As the text mentions: "Yet some men say in many parts of England that King Arthur is not dead, but had by the will of our Lord Jesu into another place; and men say that he shall come again..."(Ch VII) . This aspect of King Arthur's legacy as the “once and future king” and as a pillar of hope that he will come again, is why he is described as having "changed his life" rather than definitively dying.
Where does Guinevere die? Where is she buried? Why?
Guinevere died at Amesbury Abbey, where she had become a nun. She was buried alongside King Arthur at Glastonbury. She was buried there to fulfill her wish to be united with him in death as an act of atonement for her sins, and her devotion to him.
Lancelot took her body to Glastonbury
How does Lancelot die?
After Queen Guinevere dies he is consumed by grief but also inspired by how she lived the end of her life as a nun in a convent. He then decides to become a monk but due to his left over grief he actually stops eating and drinking completely. He spends his days praying and fasting which causes his body to become extremely weak. He dies. The end.
What do people say about him after he dies?
Lancelot is described as the greatest knight that upholds the ideals of chivalry. They honor him for his chivalry and bravery, despite his flaws. This reflects the legacy of knights who embody both greatness and imperfection. “Sir Lancelot, flower of all noble knights that ever I heard of or saw by my days.” (Book 21 Chapter 2) Flower meaning the very best knight that Arthur has ever seen. Everyone mourned him very much said that he was the very best knight.
“it you well my heart was never so heavy as it is now, and much more I am sorrier for my good knights' loss than for the loss of my fair queen; for queens I might have enow, but such fellowship of good knights shall never be together in no company” (Book 9 Chapter 9).
King Arthur's sadness and sorrow for the loss of his knights, valuing the value of them as a person and their bravery above all else. This reflects knights, like Lancelots, great honor.
How does religion relate to the deaths of Guinevere and Lancelot? Why do you think Malory does that?
Guinevere died after six years in a convent and Lancelot gets a vision of Guiniveres death
Lancelot joined the priesthood
Vision repeated 3 times (reference to the Trinity)
Guinevere died soon before Lancelot could reach her
“In heaven, mayhap, but not on earth," said Lancelot. "So give me the rites of the church, and after my death, I beg you to take my body to Joyous Gard, for there I have vowed that I would be buried." << before Lancelot’s death
According to research:
Lancelot was a good knight besides his love for Guinevere, King Arthur’s wife. He was courtier, strong warrior, but not strong Christian. He realizes that he needs to repent but still loves Guinevere. By the end, he sees Guinevere and King Arthur buried together and finally goes through penance. He recognizes the sin of his desire for Guinevere. He eats and drinks very little, giving his life over to prayer and seeking forgiveness and salvation in heaven. The penance comes from God→ example of public penance
Lancelot reaches eternal salvation through penance, so the character of Lancelot also becomes a devout Christian→ the key aspect that Lancelot was missing in his chance of achieving perfect knighthood. Most human-like character
"'Truly,' said Sir Launcelot, 'I trust I do not displease God, for he knoweth mine intent. For my sorrow was not, nor is not, for any rejoicing of sin, but my sorrow may never have end. For when I remember of her beauty, and of her noblesse, that was both with her king and with her, so when I saw his corpse and her corpse so lie together, truly mine heart would not serve to sustain my careful body. Also when I remember me how by my default, and mine orgule and my pride, that they were both laid full low, that were peerless that ever was living of Christian people, wit you well,' said Sir Launcelot, 'this remembered, of their kindness and mine unkindness, sank to mine heart, that I might not sustain myself'" (527).
Does this to prove their relationship is uncorupt and pure