The Woman in Arthurian Legend
Sir Thomas Malory spent his twilight years weaving tangled webs of adventure, love, lust, and deceit. These stories hold their origins in the kingdom of Camelot, where the masculine figure of the Knight of the Round Table dominates. At the helm of this fraternity was King Arthur, as vassal of God. Galahad, Gaheris, Gareth, Lancelot, and Sir Bors are only a sampling of the great men that graced the seats around the great table. However, it would be careless to disregard the female characters within Arthurian Legend. Malory uses women in his tales to illustrate personal views, and the views that may have been held during the ancient times when Camelot stood proudly as a staple in the English countryside. A plethora or women tend to crop up in stories such as The Knight of the Cart, The Poisoned Apple, and The Fair Maid of Astolat. Two in particular, Lady Guinevere and Elaine prove to be particularly intriguing. With their part in their respective stories comes a new view on the feminine role in Arthurian Society. Guinevere is a symbol of temptation and power. Elaine brings with her the stereotype of young, naive girl seeking love. First, the character of Guinevere is as complex as they
Her personality could be described with words such as flighty, dramatic, emotional, and submissive. She was so blinded by her one sided love for this wandering knight that she keeps his sword in a tower while Lancelot takes part in a duel. In any case, women play varied, yet crucial roles in Arthurian Legend. When she sets her eyes on Lancelot, she falls in love instantly. Guinevere's strength sets an example that even young women today could follow, assuming they don't pursue a love affair and break the bonds of marriage. His attitude toward women proved to be both negative, demeaning, and at the same time, inspiring. This young maiden has fallen head over heels in love for a man that unfortunately does not return the sentiment. This point may be argued, but it is plausible to claim that Lady Guinevere was responsible for her relationship with Lancelot as she sought to be his lover. Her melodramatic existence is doomed if she is to lose sight of the man who brings her divine fulfillment. In recognition of her sincere hospitality, Lancelot grants Elaine anything that she wishes, but with one condition. This "fair maid of Astolat" symbolized the epitome of feminine naivete. Lancelot's charming ways and smooth dialogue do nothing to prove anything other than his mutual love for this sheltered girl and she is pushed further into the throws of emotion. Although we find that Guinevere regrets her torrid love affair with Lancelot, her intentions at the time of action were clear.
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