Comparing Malory And Mary Stewart

The Legends of Arthur are considered the most treasured pieces of collected literature. Many writers have been fascinated by the mythical Knight and his adventurous tales. Of those authors are two of the most recognized– Sir Thomas Malory and Mary Stewart. Though the dates of which they lived were separate (Malory -1400's; Stewart -1900's), their love and interest of the Legend must have been equally great. If you look, though, and read the two stories, one might find a way to compare and contrast the two. Both authors use a unique point of view that are surprisingly different from on another. Malory's view is presented to me as a distant relationship between the narrator and the story: ...the commoners arose with a tumultuous cry and demanded that Arthur should be made king. The nobles, knowing in their hearts that the commoners were right, all knelt before Arthur and begged forgiveness of having delayed his success for so long. Arthur

What Malory lacked in scenic setting details, he made up for it with action and characterization: Sometime later Merlin appeared before the king. "Sire," he said, "you know that you must provide for the upbringing of your child?.... ....Your child is destined for glory, and I want him brought to me for his baptism. I shall then give him into the care of foster parents who can be trusted not to reveal his identity before the proper time. Sir Ector would be suitable: he is extremely loyal, owns good estates, and his wife has just borne him a child. She could give her child into the care of another woman, and herself look after yours." (332)

This is a great example of Malory uses indirect characterization to show that Merlin was wise, and keen foresight, and was loyal to the king. Not only that, but characterization can also help explain the plot and the reader can predict what Merlin will do next, based on their judgement on Merlin's character from the last