Le Morte D’Arthur

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Comparative Essay Many themes in popular literature today include a type of betrayal to others or themselves. In the story Le Morte D’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory, a noble knight by the name of Sir Bedivere is ordered to dispose of a sword and instead secretly hides it under a tree betraying his king. In “Genesis 3” Adam’s new companion named Eve becomes too curious about a forbidden tree when talking to a serpent and disobeys god and eats it. Sir Bedivere and Eve both betray others through their greed, temptation, and ignorance; however Sir Bedivere’s betrayal to King Arthur is far greater than Eve’s betrayal to god. Greed can often influence one’s judgement as a result; Sir Bedivere and Eve are overtaken by greed during their betrayal to their masters. Sir Bedivere is noble knight that serves his beloved King Arthur, and soon is faced with a decision between a treasure and his king. Sir Bedivere’s greed is portrayed when he, “hid [the] Excalibur under the tree” (Thomas 12). Shortly after, he is exposed to the king; King Arthur becomes appalled by his noble knight and asks why he would “betray me for the richness of my sword” (Thomas 23). It is evident Sir Bedivere greed overpowered his commitment and loyalty to the king. Eve a companion of Adam in “Genesis 3” portrays her greed when she learns about the tree in the center of the garden. She becomes curious and wants to learn its powers for “gaining wisdom” (“Genesis” 6), and “she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband” (“Genesis” 6). Eve disobeys God as she does not follow the specific instructions God gives her. The more she learns about the tree, the more Eve wants to take a fruit. In the end, greed is one of many things that convinces her to betray God.... ... middle of paper ... ...nd Eve both let ignorance drive their betrayal, however Sir Bedivere lack of knowledge hurt himself and the king. Eve on the other hand, had some discretion when talking to the serpent. While Sir Bedivere without thinking of the consequences, jumps on the opportunity, once again making the betrayal greater than Eve’s. Greed, temptation, and ignorance are all influences to each Sir Bedivere and Eve’s betrayal in Le Morte D’Arthur and “Genesis 3”. Both characters use these to influence to betray their masters on various levels. Throughout Le Morte D’Arthur, there is no question Sir Bedivere’s betrayal was an act of selfishness in contrast to Eve where she is simply curious about the tree in the center of the garden and is swayed by the serpent. Therefore, Sir Bedivere’s betrayal is represented at a higher level, whereas Eve’s was an act of innocent curiosity.

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