Abstract This paper looks at the Arthurian legend, and how Sir Thomas Malory's book stands out from the rest, and has become the authority on the period. The author takes a look at Sir Thomas Malory's life and influences and gives an overview of the events surrounding the publication of his book on King Arthur. The sources that were used are detailed, as are excerpts from the book itself in order to support the author's thesis that this publication is the most accurate. This particular version is important since it was one of the first to be published in English, rather than French or Latin.
From the Paper "Malory's work ? for we shall side with the majority of scholars here in attributing it to this writer ? is a compilation and translation from old French sources (with additions from English sources and the compiler's own composition) of most of the tales about the semilegendary Arthur, king of the Britons, and his knights. The 21 books in Malory's work carry on the tradition of the medieval Arthurian romance, from French sources, in English prose of remarkable vividness and vitality. Malory loosely tied together stories of various knights of the Round Table, but most memorably of Arthur himself, of Galahad, and of the guilty love of Lancelot and Arthur's queen, Guinevere. Despite the great variety of incident and the complications of plot in his work, the dominant theme is the need to sacrifice individual desire for the sake of national unity and religious salvation, the latter of which is envisioned in terms of the dreamlike but intense mystical symbolism of the Holy Grail (Kennedy 119)."
Abstract This paper analyzes Sir Thomas Malory's "LeMorte d'Arthur" using common Freudian techniques, linking symbolism in the text with cultural and psychoanalytic symbolism. Particularly attentive to family relationships in the epic poem, the paper presents a fresh reading of the text itself in the context of established psychological literature.
Abstract King Mark of Cornwall, as depicted in Sir Thomas Malory's "LeMorte D'Arthur: The Book of King Arthur and of his Noble Knights of the Round Table", is a cowardly and generally unredeemed king. He repeatedly behaves in a cowardly and malicious way towards all of his subjects, including the nobles of his court and his knights. This paper examines the character of King Mark and shows how his negative traits contrast the positive ones of King Arthur.
From the Paper "Further, while King Arthur inspires others to believe in the ideal of Camelot, King Mark has no such inspiring qualities on his knights and followers. King Mark rules by deception and manipulation, and thus leaves little to inspire his followers. His leadership is in many ways the antithesis of King Arthur's: while King Arthur is inspiring and leads by example, King Mark is not inspiring and leads through manipulation and force."
Abstract This paper compares the development of the character of Sir Gawain, one of the most influential figures in Arthurian legend, in two texts from different time periods and different authors. The paper presents Sir Gawain in "LeMorte d'Arthur" and "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight". The paper considers the style and contexts of the two works and their effects on the portrayal of Sir Gawain, both in terms of his humanistic qualities and those of the ideal knight.
From the Paper "The importance of chivalry and the perfectionist edicts of knighthood are a central facet of the Arthurian Legend and the legends that stem from it. Such concepts are, in fact, what many claim to find as their original attraction to the subject matter. Reasons such as this lie behind the popularity of characters like Lancelot, Yvain, and even Arthur himself. When one delves deeper into the legend and mythology, however, it is impossible not to notice importance of the roles of other human traits, such as the capability to fall in love, and the conflict these traits invariably impose on the perfection of knighthood."
Abstract Sir Arthur Malory's "LeMorte D'Arthur" presents, in one volume, a cumulative and syncretic vision of knighthood. A knight has several roles, and his worth depends on how well he fulfills them. Malory's knights are primarily defined by martial success, although the knights of the Grail Quest have a separate set of standards to live up to because of the spiritual component of their quest. This paper describes the defining characteristics of a Malorian knight and addresses apparent inconsistencies in the text. The knights' characteristics are prowess in feats of arms, lack of caution, courtesy and devotion to the fellowship and, by extension, to the state. Relationships with women are usually conducted along the lines of courtly love. The ascendancy in Book VI of "pure" knights like Galahad does not indicate inconsistency on Malory's part, but rather a change in the Arthurian world, a need for a new kind of knight for a new kind of quest.
From the Paper "Many knights disobey some of the guidelines for knightly conduct, but the sympathetic ones usually have a reasonable excuse. Arthur orders young boys killed to avert the prophesy of his death but this is not strongly condemned. Tristram cannot ride to the aid of Lord Segwerdes' abducted wife until her husband has tried to free her or it will be too obvious that Tristram is having an affair with her. Lancelot shamefully rides in a cart because he is in a terrible rush to reach Guinevere. Tristram technically commits treason by cuckolding his king, but a chapter heading within the tale of Tristram de Lyones is entitled "Here Begynneth the Treson of Kinge Marke That He Ordayned Agayne Sir Trystram." Of all the knights, Sir Gareth is probably the one who lives most in accordance with the chivalric ideal."
Abstract In order to analyze people's fantasies, Sigmund Freud says that we can look at their creative writing, thereby seeing the wishes and desires that they have. By approaching an analysis of the character Sir Lancelot in Sir Thomas Malory's "LeMorte D'Arthur" in this way, this paper provides insight on what was important to men in that society. Lancelot is made the primary hero of the story. The paper shows, therefore, that Lancelot becomes the vehicle through which Malory and male readers can stop being "ashamed" of their fantasies and find a release of tension through the adoration Lancelot receives from women and the excellence of Lancelot's fighting skills.
From the Paper "Guenivere's desire for Lancelot throughout Malory's story shows us how Lancelot is the figure of a daydream. Guenivere is the wife of the king. This attribute of Guenivere's places her on a pedestal. She is the most important woman in the territory controlled by King Arthur. Having an affair with a married woman such as Guenivere would make the person having the affair seem important. Guenivere's actions toward Lancelot characterize her as someone who is in desperate need of the hero's love. When Lancelot is trying to draw attention away from his interest in Guenivere, Guenivere says, "Sir Lancelot, I see and feel daily that they love beginneth to slacken, for ye have no joy to be in my presence, but ever ye are out of this court (403). It makes a male feel good to have an important woman want his "love" and not want the "love" to "slacken.""
Abstract This paper discusses the various sources on which Sir Thomas Mallory drew to create the version of the legend of King Arthur that is known today. The writer provides an overview of the historical background for the Arthurian legend and the evidence that exists for a historical Arthur. The writer explains the medieval traditions of courtly love and of chivalry that Mallory incorporated into his book and his legacy of the knightly ideal that was detailed by Chaucer in his "Canterbury Tales," and in the fourteenth-century poem "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight."
From the Paper "The account that did the most to establish Arthur as a prominent historical figure was The History of the Kings of Britain written in 1135 by Geoffrey of Monmouth, a Welsh monk, and the book provides a history of the earliest kings of Britain, some 99 in all, including King Coel, known to us today from the nursery rhyme as Old King Cole. About one-fifth of the book is devoted to Arthur, and Geoffrey provides the first organized version of the story. Many of the elements that would be part of the later tradition were missing, however. Arthur's court is not at Camelot but at a place called Caerlon-on-Usk, or City of Legions. Geoffrey contributed at least three new elements to the existing histories of Arthur--he supplied Arthur with a family tree, told of Arthur's association with Merlin, and described his burial at Avalon."
The purpose of this research is to examine 'Les Miserables' as a product of the sociocultural environment of the period in which it was first published in 1862.
Abstract The purpose of this research is to examine Les Miserables as a product of the sociocultural environment of the period in which it was first published in 1862. The writer discusses how 'Les Miserables' reflects Romantic and Enlightenment idealism.
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to examine Les Miserables as a product of the sociocultural environment of the period in which it was first published in 1862. The themes of social reform and the search for social justice that dominate Les Miserables have been widely discussed by critics for many years. Even during his lifetime, Victor Hugo was involved in various projects of social reform as both commentator and national legislator deputy in France. He used the post-Napoleonic social upheavals of revolution in ... "
This paper discusses the story of Sir Tristram, King of Lyonesse, as depicted in Sir Thomas Malory's ?LeMorteDarthur: The Book of King Arthur and of his Noble Knights of the Round Table?.
Abstract This paper explains that Sir Thomas Malory's tale of Sir Tristram, King of Lyonesse, is memorable and unique in its depth of detail, which includes descriptions of his life from his noble origins to his truly tragic death. The author points out that the most unique aspect of this story is likely his passionate, consuming, ill-fated love affair with Isoud. The paper compares Tristram's tale with the tales of other "Knights of the Round Table", such as Lancelot and Galahad.
From the Paper "Ultimately, the romances of both Sir Tristram and Isoud, and Lancelot and Guinevere are destined for tragedy. Lancelot and Guinevere suffer terribly for their love, and Tristram and Isoud also suffer. Sir Tristram, caught in his adulterous affair with Isoud, must leave his uncle's court in dishonor. He travels to King Howell's court in Brittany, where he fights bravely, and is offered the hand of the King's daughter in marriage (also named Isoud). Tristram pines terribly for his lover Isoud for the rest of his life, and eventually dies painfully and tragically in a heated battle. His lover Isoud commits suicide, and the two ill-fated lovers die without being reunited, as the formerly mighty kingdom of Lyonesse sinks into the sea, as a symbol of their lost love."
Abstract This paper discusses the spiritual development of the Lancelot character in "La MorteLe Roi Artu", from the 13th century. The author, referring to an English translation of the original French version, deals with a quote by the character Malory, who calls Lancelot the best of only sinful men of the world. In a similar romance from the French Vulgate Cycle (which Malory used as his main source), Lancelot develops spiritually.
From the Paper "In La Morte Le Roi Artu, Lancelot achieves contemptus mundi and his character develops a genuinely spiritual aspect. In Le Morte D'Arthur, which used The Le Morte Le Roi Artu as a source, Lancelot remains a static character unable to free himself from the material world. Both Lancelots begin their stories with comparable degrees of worldly attachment but only in La Morte Le Roi Artu does Lancelot find redemption. In La Morte Le Roi Artu, Lancelot undeniably commits adultery with Guinevere. This transgression gives him a definite depth of sinfulness from which to rise, whereas in Le Morte D'Arthur, Lancelot hovers ambiguously near adultery for the entirety of the book. In La Morte Le Roi Artu, Lancelot's sins are frequently mentioned by other characters, but as his character develops, these sins are mentioned less often and Lancelot is sometimes absolved of guilt. There is a similar contrast regarding Lancelot's involvement in wrongful quarrels: Lancelot's spiritual development is reflected in the causes for which he fights and in his reluctance to fight at all. During La Morte Le Roi Artu, Lancelot's focus shifts from the outer, courtly world, to an inner world of faith, conviction, and disregard for reputation. In Le Morte D'Arthur, however, Lancelot cannot fully turn from the outer world and no inner world opens up to him. Ultimately, Malory's story of Lancelot is wholly tragic, while La Morte Le Roi Artu allows for redemption."
Abstract Sir Thomas Malory lived an interesting life as an extortionist, rapist, etc. He wrote "LeMorte d'Arthur" while spending his time in prison from which he escaped. This paper recognizes the correlation between his writing and his lifestyle.
From the Paper "It is no accident that Sir Thomas Malory wrote about the life he lived. As a noble knight and landowner, he was more than fascinated with his own lifestyle. Overwhelmed by the events that occurred in his own era, Malory was not shy of trouble, and/or bravery. The story of King Arthur, Le Morte d"Arthur, was inspired from the very moments that unified his life. He grew up in a time period of castles, knights, feudalism and chivalry, which in turn makes for a brilliant tale of valiance and romance, all of which are included in the story. It is from this vast sea of expeditions and events in which Malory encountered and explored, that he conceived his story Le Morte d"Arthur."
Tags: arthur, king, knights, malory, morte, round, table, thomas
Abstract This paper looks at the life of one of the most renowned Victorian poets, Alfred, Lord Tennyson. The author discusses how his works reflected the moral and intellectual values of his time, Tennyson's inspirations, the mystical imagery in his poems, and his vast popularity. The paper examines two of Tennyson's most famous works, In Memoriam and Morte D'Arthur.
From the Paper "A true spokesperson for the middle-class Victorians, Alfred, Lord Tennyson reflected prevailing altitudes toward moral and religious concerns of individuals living in a universe redefined by scientific discoveries. A chief representative, and perhaps the most influential poet of the Victorian era in poetry, Tennyson uses his beliefs, personal experiences, and problems to write some of the greatest poetry ever written."
Abstract This paper examines the social constructs of comitatus and chivalry as seen in "Beowulf" and "Morte D'Arthur," respectively. What these constructs are and the fate of those who fail to live up to them are examined in this essay.
From the Paper "Throughout history, there have been different codes of ethics that are often more important to a society that the governing laws of the land. While laws are written standards that people are compelled to abide by for fear of punishment, these codes serve as guideline for how people should live their lives. Two such codes are comitatus as demonstrated in Beowulf and chivalry as depicted in Morte D'Arthur. When the characters in these stories live by the constructs of these social systems, the society flourishes. When characters stray from each social code, however, the entire society falls victim."
Tags: arthur, beowulf, chivalry, codes, comitatus, king, morte, social
Abstract The paper explores and compares two books on architecture, "Le Corbusier" by Kenneth Frampton and "Master Builders" by Peter Blake. The paper shows that both books discuss the life and works of architect Le Corbusier, although they differ in that Frampton's book focuses mainly on Le Corbusier while Blake studies equally the works of Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright.
From the Paper "According to Frampton, Corbusier was most likely the most famous and certainly the most controversial architect of the twentieth century. His impact on the urban fabric and the way all have lived has been enormous due to the richness and diversity of his work as well as his fervently expressed philosophy of architecture. Thus, the author weaved through his long and prolific life that was recurrent themes, his permanent drive towards new types of dwelling, from the early white villas to the U'it? d'Habitation at Marseille. Furthermore, he detailed his evolving concepts of urban form, which included the Plan Vision of 1925 along with its cruciform towers that were imposed on the city of Paris and finally his work at Chandigarh in India; and his belief in a new technocratic order (Barnes and Noble)."
Tags: Corbu, Modernist, Barcelona, Pavilion, Guggenheim, Museum, Ludwig, Mies, van, der, Rohe, Frank, Lloyd, Wright.
Abstract This paper presents an overview of Le Corbusier's contribution to modern architecture, as well as his role in the larger Modernist movement in contemporary art. The paper contends that the influences that affected Le Corbusier's style and vision in architecture were related to events in history as well as contemporary art and philosophy. In other words, Le Corbusier's architectural vision was part of the artistic movements and milieu of his era and this forms part of the understanding of his influence on architecture.
From the Paper "Le Corbusier was attracted to the visual arts from an early age. The earliest houses that he designed were similar in design to the vernacular architectural styles popular in the Alps. Later he expanded his artistic horizons and traveled to Europe where he was employed in the offices of the pioneer of reinforced concrete, Auguste Perret. Between October 1910 and March 1911 he worked for the renowned architect Peter Behrens near Berlin. All of these influences were to have an impact on the development of his style and architectural philosophy."
