Proposal

The Face Behind the Mask: Malory’s Paradoxical Use of Incognito Tournaments

I intend to perform a literary analysis of Malory Thomas’ Lancelot and Guinevere from Le Morte Darthur. The discussion will center around the three tournaments where Lancelot appears incognito, namely: the redemption joust, the Winchester tournament, and the Candlemas tournament. Even though Lancelot disguises himself in these events, there is still an intentional expression of identity. The aim of this paper will be to first explore the modes of expression that Lancelot wears, such as certain armor or tokens, and gauge their significance in the perception of his character. The detailed imagery of the tournaments offers some interesting suggestions Secondly, the paper will discuss the consequences of Lancelot’s incognito motif and what they suggest about his identity. The use of irony, dramatic and situational, prompts the readers to consider Lancelot’s character more closely. Third, the paper will propose a few larger roles that these incognito events play in the overall narrative.

In relation to the Sankgreal quest, this narrative seems to be rebuilding Lancelot’s reputation as the greatest knight. He wins every tournament that he is in, but at what cost? Gordon argues that the conflicting loyalties of the court can force a knight, like Lancelot, to go incognito (72). In all three events, Lancelot, in disguise, fights against various members of the court, essentially threatening King Arthur. Yet, King Arthur resolves to support the knight’s concealment, directly and indirectly, in order to endorse knightly values. This response proposes an interesting view on the role deception plays in King Arthur’s court. Lancelot’s affair with Guinevere also demonstrates conflicting values a knight faces—that is, love versus duty. While Malory certainly emphasizes Lancelot’s greatness as a knight, these incognito events captures the human tendency to be fixated on ideal chivalric values, like love and reputation.

As always comments are welcome!

Lancelot and Guinevere part 2

I want to zoom in on a particular scene, the last one, when Lancelot heals Sir Urry. After the miracle, Lancelot cries. How are we to read this especially in relation to the Sankgreal, since Lancelot was the only knight able to perform this task?. You can also answer this question by responding to this claim that some articles state: Lancelot is really amazed by the miracle, so he cries tears of joy.

Lancelot and Guinevere part 1

I have two questions for you all:

After the holy grail we know that Lancelot is really focused on being holy again. However, it takes only to literally the first page of the next story for him to forget. After this reading, does Malory intend for us to see Lancelot as a lover or sinner? Do they have have to be mutually exclusive? Use the text to support yourself.

Secondly, completely different question: Why did Lancelot disguise himself for the tournament (this when he dressed up as one of Barnard of Ascolat’s sons)? Maybe I missed it but was he trying to prove a point? What does this anonymity( something we’ve seen before: aka knight of the cart) imply about the theme of identity?

Extra Credit: Question for Midterm Exam

In the Knight of the Cart, there is an episode where Lancelot has to decide between sparing his opponent and giving a maiden his opponent’s head (242). He goes into this internal debate between which one is greater: generosity or compassion. It seems he cannot do one without forsaking the other. Having to make a choice between values, I’d argue is the greatest challenge that these knights face. Are there any other examples in the texts we have read where Arthurian values were contested against each other? What does this imply about Arthur’s ideal court?

 

Good luck studying y’all!