Analysis Of Lancelot: The Knight Of The Cart

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Aaron Fuller, "Lancelot: The Knight of the Cart." In the authorian romance "Lancelot: The Knight of the Cart" poet Chretien de Troyes depicts Lancelot as a perfect medieval hero. An epic tale of a knight who goes on a grand quest to save his beloved Queen from the evil grasps of a lustful villain. Lancelot risks life and limb just so he can reach his beloved, with love being the driving force of his determination. While everything stated leads the reader to believe Lancelot acts as the embodiment of a chivalrous knight, his constricted view for love is often detrimental to his well-being and knighthood. Lancelot's entire quest functions around his love for Guinevere with most of his decisions being made on the basis of reaching …show more content…

However, he commits a complete betrayal against his King and the crown. Lancelot's romantic feelings toward Guinevere leads to both committing adultery which is highlighted as a betrayal to the king. As Kay is blamed for sleeping with the Queen he states "if I ever lay with my lady! Indeed, I should rather be dead than ever do my lord such an ugly wrong, and may God never grant me better health" (Troyes 72) showing that the act of adultery is looked down upon. The poem never directly states the crime is punishable or taken as serious as the way people view it today, but Kay's defense against adulterous accusations imply that the act is looked down upon. Lancelot's actions were guided by love and passion leading him to commit an act of betrayal to the King. As a knight he serves the King, Lancelot committing any act of against calls into question his honor as a knight. Lord Gawain and Kay both showcase a sense of urgency to defend the Queen but not for fulfillment of love and acceptance; instead doing it for the honor of the King. Gawain never presents himself to be riding for self-gain or for the fondness of the Queen. He never claims or contemplates as to why he is saving the queen other than to fix the mistakes made by Arthur and Kay. Gawain's selfless attitude is demonstrated when he accepts the offer to fight Maleagant on the behalf of Lancelot,

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