Launcelot Flaws

At first glance, Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte D'Arthur is a story of a kingdom falling into destruction. However, Malory continually highlights the exploits of Sir Launcelot, a man in an adulterous relationship. Though flawed, Launcelot becomes a hero, because in the end, he is both the “flower of knights” (Malory 6.4; vol. 1) and a “good man” (Malory 15.6; vol. 2) – the title Launcelot aspires to over the course of Malory’s text.

Throughout Le Morte D’Arthur, Launcelot attempts to hold to Christian values, but is brought down by his affair with Queen Guenever. While on the Quest of the Sangreal, Launcelot is not able to achieve the Sangreal, because “his privy thoughts [had been] set inwardly to the queen” (18.1; vol. 2). Even though he is allowed to see the Sangreal, Launcelot does not let go of his sin. He fails.

Launcelot is not unlike David and Abraham, men who “without us should not be made perfect” (King James Version Bible, Heb.

11.40). A number of figures in the Bible were flawed in some way. They were not meant to be celebrated for their perfection, but for their ability to overcome sin. Likewise, Launcelot continues to try to live a moral life.

In spite of his shortcomings, Launcelot is expected to obey the Pentecostal Oath. For Launcelot, the oath is problematic because the second mandate is “always to flee treason” (Malory 3.15; vol. 1). Launcelot is in a relationship with King Arthur's wife, and as a result, he is betraying the kingdom he strives to protect. Launcelot's wrongdoing creates a parallel between the Arthur’s kingdom and the kingdom of God. His failing as a knight (treason) corresponds with his failing as a Christian

(adultery).
Launcelot tries to hide failure from his king, earthly or spiritual. Arthur, his earthly king, ignores
Launcelot's adultery for most of the narrative, relying on his prowess as a knight. At the same time, Launcelot struggles with sin, and seeks God anyways, hoping that his “feats of arms” will be enough for him to be a “good” Christian (Malory 13.20; vol. 2).
Although his hero is flawed, Malory presents Launcelot as exemplary. He discusses the love of Launcelot and Guenever's time, noting that the couple should “first reserve the honour to God . . . and such love I call virtuous love” (18.25; vol. 2). Later, Malory describes Guenever as a “true lover” (18.25; vol. 2). If Guenever embodies “true” love, then Launcelot does, as well. Despite committing a sin, Launcelot proves that he is a good person by being a true lover.
Launcelot’s most public test of faith, the healing of Sir Urre, is a key moment in his journey to God. Urre, a wounded man, can only be cured by the “best knight of the world” (Malory 19.10; vol. 2). Arthur commands Launcelot to attempt a healing. Launcelot hesitates, possibly because of his relationship with Guenever, and says “I would not take upon me to touch that wounded knight” (Malory 19.12; vol. 2).
Through Launcelot’s hesitation, Malory reveals humanity in Launcelot’s character. While Launcelot would likely earn praise for helping Urre, he rejects this act because of his own flaws. This is reminiscent of the account when “Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of . . . God” (Gen. 3.8). Lancelot does not physically hide. However, by rejecting the task, he tries to keep his sin hidden.
While he would rather avoid healing Urre, Launcelot obeys his king. He begins by asking God for “power to heal this sick knight” (Malory 19.12; vol. 2). By asking God for assistance, Launcelot recognizes his shortcomings. In this revelation, honor becomes meaningless. God enables Launcelot to cure Urre, and Launcelot weeps “as he had been a child that had been beaten” (Malory 19.12; vol. 2).
Launcelot continues to wrestle with guilt due to his past. After the ruin of Arthur's kingdom, he
becomes a hermit. During this time, he is seen “grovelling on the tomb of King Arthur and Queen Guenever” (Malory 21.12; vol. 2). Though his “groveling” seems dramatic, Lancelot is bemoaning his sin and and the loss of people that “were peerless that ever was living” (Malory 21.11) – humbling himself before God to do so.
After Launcelot’s death, Malory solidifies his choice of Launcelot as a hero. Sir Ector refers to him as “a sinful man” (Malory 21.13; vol. 2) and “the goodliest person that ever came among press of knights” (Malory 21.13; vol. 2). This description may seem contradictory, but, according to Christian doctrine all men are sinful (Rom. 3.23) Ector's words highlight Launcelot's transformation over the course of the text – he turns to God for honor and glory, becoming a “good” Christian.
Launcelot, as Malory’s central figure, is an alternative to the traditional characterization of a Christian. Like any human, he is fighting a “deadly sin” (Malory 15.5; vol. 2), but he is still considered exemplary. Through his sin, Launcelot continues to build his faith through the healing of Sir Urre and adherence to the Pentecostal Oath. By focusing on Launcelot, Malory provides an example of the journey from sinner to “good man.”