Morality and Consequences
Walberg ,John
Lianas
English 201
September 18, 2012
Morality and its Consequences’
Middle-English poems written during various points throughout the twelfth, fourteenth, and fifteenth centuries often involve King Arthur. The works are called Arthurian accounts and Arthurian romance; they place emphasis on the Arthurian Court or Chivalry. Two Poems, Marie de Franc’s “Lanval” and The Perl Poet’s “Sir Gawain and The Green Knight”, written between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries tell different accounts concerning two cavilers who are part of King Arthur’s Round Table. “Sir Gawain and The Green Knight” tells about good Sir Gawain of Arthur’s Knights, and his actions throughout the challenge he faces and the self-defeat he suffers. Marie de Franc’s “Lanval” tells about how Sir Lanval of King Arthur’s Knights also undergoes his challenge of keeping a secret and is ultimately rewarded. The comparison of the two poems will show that a belief in with a strong will to uphold morals will benefit those who possess them and be a trouble for those who do not uphold those ethics. As the leader is called in to question before his court by The Green Knight, King Arthur is the first to address the contender, “fellow, in faith you have found fair welcome; I am the head of this hostelry, [come and join us, and after tell us your intent]”. {cite 119line 253} The Green Knight refuses the king’s invitation, questions Arthur’s reputation because he doubts the rumors, and presents a challenge; cut off my head, in one year and one day I will come back and return the feat, Arthur accepts. Observing, as the king is about to commit himself to death on this day a year and a day from now, Sir Gawain objects and takes Arthurs place. Sir Gawain, sworn to the Knights Code, is holding true to his oath to protect the king; One year later Sir Gawain sets out to find The Green Knight and fulfill his promise and keep true to his word. While searching for The Green Knight, Sir
Lianas
English 201
September 18, 2012
Morality and its Consequences’
Middle-English poems written during various points throughout the twelfth, fourteenth, and fifteenth centuries often involve King Arthur. The works are called Arthurian accounts and Arthurian romance; they place emphasis on the Arthurian Court or Chivalry. Two Poems, Marie de Franc’s “Lanval” and The Perl Poet’s “Sir Gawain and The Green Knight”, written between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries tell different accounts concerning two cavilers who are part of King Arthur’s Round Table. “Sir Gawain and The Green Knight” tells about good Sir Gawain of Arthur’s Knights, and his actions throughout the challenge he faces and the self-defeat he suffers. Marie de Franc’s “Lanval” tells about how Sir Lanval of King Arthur’s Knights also undergoes his challenge of keeping a secret and is ultimately rewarded. The comparison of the two poems will show that a belief in with a strong will to uphold morals will benefit those who possess them and be a trouble for those who do not uphold those ethics. As the leader is called in to question before his court by The Green Knight, King Arthur is the first to address the contender, “fellow, in faith you have found fair welcome; I am the head of this hostelry, [come and join us, and after tell us your intent]”. {cite 119line 253} The Green Knight refuses the king’s invitation, questions Arthur’s reputation because he doubts the rumors, and presents a challenge; cut off my head, in one year and one day I will come back and return the feat, Arthur accepts. Observing, as the king is about to commit himself to death on this day a year and a day from now, Sir Gawain objects and takes Arthurs place. Sir Gawain, sworn to the Knights Code, is holding true to his oath to protect the king; One year later Sir Gawain sets out to find The Green Knight and fulfill his promise and keep true to his word. While searching for The Green Knight, Sir
Citations: 1) Leffert, Carleigh, "The chivalric Gawain" (2007). Graduate School Theses and Dissertations. http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/2257 2) David and Simpson. “The Middle Ages” The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Ed. Stephen Greenbaltt. New York: 500 Fifth Avenue, 2006. 98-165. 3) David, Alfred. On- De Franc, Marie. “ Lanval” 12th century. The Norton Anthology of English Literature. 99-111. 4) Barrof, Marie. On- “Sir Gawain and The Green Knight”14th -15th century. The Norton Anthology of English Literature. 113-165.