The Arthurian Legend, Will It Ever End?

For centuries people have been enchanted by the chivalry, the romances, the beauty, the heraldry, and the competition that is displayed in the Arthurian Legend. However, why has this legend endured over so many years? Is it the mystery? Can it be the merely utopian Camelot that has intrigued the minds of millions? Or has the Arthurian legend fully developed into a complete medieval romance? As we take a closer look at some Arthurian legend pieces these questions shall hopefully be answered.
"And all at once it seemed to be Spring, as his face shone, and that fair robe glistened with color, and Gawain walked, gracious, among waiting knights, and they thought, each of them, Christ had made no better man. Whatever his land, he seemed a matchless prince, meant to attack in the center of battle" (Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, 75, 865-74). This line from Sir Gawain and the Green Knight truly depicts all of the great characteristics of a medieval romance. This includes chivalry, knighthood, honor, fidelity, and beauty. The 1960's movie Camelot has also helped spread the Arthurian Legend with its lightheartedness, chivalry, and honor. Lancelot is depicted as a handsome, honorable, brilliant knight in shining armor. His destined love for Gwynevere and chivalric actions has made people over the centuries fall in love with him. The story has continued on through history because it is one that can be loved, one that can be remembered, and one that shall always easily be reiterated.
“Thomas, my idea of those knights was a sort of candle, like these ones here. I have carried it for many years with hand to shield it from the wind. It has flickered often. I am giving you the candle now-you won’t let it out? It will burn”(White, 637). King Arthur here is explaining to Thomas to continue on the legend of King Arthur and his knights. He wants Thomas to be safe away from the battle and to see everything that happens. Then, he shall go home grow into a man and continue to spread the word of what had happened. Literally, like how Arthur was figuratively speaking, the legend spread. The great epic battles and competition intrigued many, and the legend continued to broaden like a California wild fire. The stories have been retold and passed on from generation to generation because of this.
Critical love stories also have helped transmit the Arthurian legend. “Because Gwynevere is destined to love Sir Lancelot, and he her, and many disasters will result from their love. However, provide me with a royal escort and I will go to King Lodegreaunce and tell him that you are in love with Gwynevere and would like to marry her” (Malory, 57). The twisted and turned love stories within Arthurian Legend works have interested many people as well. These stories are essentially the first soap-operas! They have much drama and anticipation between man and woman, also displayed between Sir Gawain and the Lady of the castle! Temptation is a major key in the Arthurian pieces, and they have helped the legend endure many years.
In conclusion, the chivalry, romance and love, beauty, heraldry, and competition all combined together have played a major part in the continuation of the Arthurian Legend. This medieval romance intrigues everyone with its distinct characteristics and unparalleled plots. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Camelot, Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte D’Arthur, and T.H. White’s The Once and Future King all depict these characteristics. Millions have fallen in love with King Arthur, Camelot, and the knights of the Round Table, and millions will continue to adore this legend.

Medieval Romance

Medieval romance is truly depicted in Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte D'Arthur, T.H. White's The Once and Future King, and in the tales about Sir Gawain. Medieval romance is often characterized by idealizing chivalry, the centralization of a hero and knight male figure, and many times the ideal of a knight and his love for a woman is shown in medieval romantic pieces. Personally, I have been really enjoying the variety of medieval romantic pieces that we have been reading in class. They have been offering much more detail to many simple "fairy-tale" stories that we have been growing up listening to and learning about. However, there is much less comedy in Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte D'Arthur than in Shrek (haha). The work that I like the most is most definitely Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. It incorporates all of the medieval romantic characteristics that I discussed earlier, and it also brings competition, honor, and fidelity into play. The way that Sir Gawain will "stick his neck out" (literally and figuratively) for King Arthur shows a lot about who Sir Gawain is and what he believes in. For him to stand alone above the other knights also shows his prowess and commitment in being a knight and the best possible one he can be. "And all at once it seemed to be Spring, as his face shone, and that fair robe glistened with color, and Gawain walked, gracious, among waiting knights, and they thought, each of them, Christ had made no better man. Whatever his land, he seemed a matchless prince, meant to attack in the center of battle" (Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, 75, 865-74). This quote without a doubt ties together all of the characteristics of an honorable knight, and is a great description of Sir Gawain. I have really enjoyed the medieval romantic pieces thus far.

Bloody Boasting Beowulf

I do not feel that Beowulf in anyway is being selfish in his search and hunger for fame. I feel this way because in this time period, it was a different day and age, with a sense for fame. For example, people lived by their name, and the ultimate goal, glory, and honor in life would be to have their name go down in history. If he can "talk the talk, and walk the walk", there is no possible way of him being selfish. He knew his mission was to eliminate Grendel, and he had no other focus. "I am Beowulf. My errand is for Healfdane's great son to hear, your glorious Lord; if he chooses to receive us we will greet him, Salute the chief of the Danes and speak out our message" (Beowulf, 34, 342-347). This message was his mission. Beowulf knew if he completed this mission he would go down in history. With his name in glory and Hrothgar's people in safety, there was no selfish action bein taken by the great Beowulf.

Book Cover Selection

The third book down in the list is without a doubt has the best cover! It depicts an eerie atmosphere that is present throughout the novel. The child's eyes in the picture (Ben), show how sinister and dark the story will turn out to be. It represents a sinister side of society because they do not accept Ben as an equal because he is different. "...and he grasped her hands and pulled himself up and stood grunting and roaring with triumph. Four months old. . .He was like an angry, hostile little troll". (Lessing, 56). This quote depicts those differences, as does the picture, in a brutal manner. The boy's crazed hair and blue skin also show his differences, something he will have to live with throughout his life. Maybe his differences in appearances and personality are due to a mental illness or physical disorder, or could he possibly be a hobgobline of some sort? This book cover arises this question, and it is a fantastic way to capture the reader's attention and especially there imagination.

Society's Happy Little Family

In today's day and age, society as a whole depicts the "picture-perfect" family as one that is extremely functional, affluent, and has not many complications or obstacles in their way. Society's perfect family is sought out to be something of premier status, of a higher ranking, and with a plethora of money and wealth. This family can donate thousands of dollars to schools and organizations for the benefit of the community, and can make a difference in society. This family has everything on a silver-platter. They don't have to worry about their bills and expenses because their net income is extremely high. They don't have to worry about working hard because everything in life is already given to them. This is society's "picture-perfect" family.

Personally, I believe the perfect family is a bit simpler. One, perhaps, that works hard for a living and builds strong character. They set good examples for each other and show the polite way to act. A family that has trust within one another and can depend on them for anything. This family has unconditional love for one another and will do whatever it takes for the benefit of an other. A perfect family doesn't have to be wealthy, they can be extremely impoverished, but a family is a group of people that love and care for each other, and if a family obtains all of these characteristics, then they are perfect.

Christoper Schildt- You Da Man!

Christopher Schildt, in Stephen Witty's article discussing Mary Shelley's "monster" in Frankenstein, depicts the true meaning of the novel, and he could not be any more right.



"Mary Shelley was not writing about the evils of science and progress," insists Christopher Schildt..."But Suffering and loss and pain, the feeling of being ostracized- that I think she knew very well. And I think people have always felt that, and so they can feel for the monster too....There's a bit of the creature in all of us." (Witty). Stephen Witty uses Schildt's quote to very critically define the overall meaning of Shelley's novel. This meaning discusses not about the problems of everyday life, but pain, anguish, and despair. That many people go through terrible things with nothing to fall back on, nothing to rely on, but only themselves and their thoughts and desires.

"I paused. This, I thought, was the moment of decision, which was to rob me of or bestow happiness on me forever. I struggled vainly for firmness sufficient to answer him, but the effort destroyed all my remaining strength; I sank on the chair and sobbed aloud." (Shelley, 123). In this quote, the creature is describing his inner struggle that he faces to De Lacey, the old blind man. This struggle consists of his lacking of comfort and compatibility with another being. He relies on his desire to seek companionship to help guide him in the right direction with relating to and conversing with man. Shelley elaborates on the dark side of mankind after the younger villagers return and chase the monster out because of his hideous appearance. They do not give him the time of day to show his courteousness, and to prove his innocence. Instead, they use stereotypical tactics to automatically portray the creature in a negative light. Now, alone, the creature seeks revenge.

Christopher Schildt concisely depicts the meaning of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. The struggles, difficulties, and tragedies that human beings go through are inevitable. From the beauties of life, can come a just as terrible facet on the other side. Many times people only have themselves to rely on, and they need to continue on with life with no matter what size obstacle is in the way.

Frankenstein! How Controversial!

Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley, is a nail biting novel that distinguishes a true line between moral and immoral principles of life. However, what seems to make this line fade?? Can "the creature" (aka Joe), really have an innocent, compelling, and grateful heart? Or is he a sanguine monster that is out for revenge!? The decision is up for debate!

“My heart beat quick; this was the hour and moment of trial, which would decide my hopes or realize my fears…and with renewed determination I approached the door of their cottage” (Shelley, 121). This quote truly depicts the creature’s inner struggle of loneliness. He needs a companion that shall spread an essence of normality in such an abnormal life. “If you consent, neither you nor any other human being shall ever see us again; I will go to the vast wilds of South America” (135). Here the creature is stating to Victor that he will cause no harm or give no threat to humankind if Victor concurs with his request. The creature and his “bride” will be left isolated in a place where they can be happy together without the harassment and pity from others.
Victor should make the creature a “companion”. It will facilitate the every-day-life of the creation, and Victor will be able to move on from his struggles to start new in his social life and career without stress. This is the best possible solution for Victor, for the creature, and for humankind. None will be harmed, and none will hold regrets!