Le Morte d'Arthur, written by Sir Thomas Malory, is a classic piece of literature that involves Arthurian romance. This renowned tale delves into a series of themes, each contributing to the novel’s progression and the characters’ development. Perhaps the most glaring themes in the book are the Code of Chivalry, the flaws of many “heroes,” and fate.
The Code of Chivalry, a crucial concept of the Arthurian legend in Le Morte d'Arthur, includes a complex set of ideals that define the behavior and judgments of knights within King Arthur's society. This code, the Code of Chivalry, offers moral guidance, instructing knights to exhibit honor, loyalty, and courage in their interactions with both peers and those they are to protect, such as their very own king. Knights are expected to stay loyal to their words, defend the weak, and promote justice while maintaining an unwavering commitment to their king and comrades. Unfortunately, the nature of the code causes personal dilemmas, putting personal desires against the greater good of others. While serving as goals for aspirating, the code's ideals also highlight the complexities of discovering and maintaining the balance between noble intentions and human limits. As such, knights like Sir Lancelot and Sir Gawain constantly fight internal conflicts as their ambition and free will challenge their obedience to the code. Utilizing the idea of the Code of Chivalry, Le Morte d'Arthur discusses the complex interactions between individual values and the societal norms and constraints that define them. This theme remains relevant today, as many struggle to find their unique selves in a monotonous world under the constant stress and competition of school and work.
The theme of flaws among heroes in Le Morte d'Arthur explores the vulnerabilities and weaknesses inherent in even the most valiant and noble characters, which in the context of the Arthurian society, the knights. These flaws remind us that profound defects can accompany those with superb abilities and virtues. Sir Lancelot, the knight described as the quintessential person of chivalry and skill, succumbs to adultery with his intense and unjustifiable love for Queen Guinevere. His moral error exposes his vulnerability to desire, leading him down a path of moral compromise and causing a chain of events that contributes to the downfall of Camelot. King Arthur, compassionately known for his wisdom and leadership, is held back by his idealistic vision and reluctance to address the internal conflicts among his knights. His tragic flaw lies in his blindness to the challenges within his kingdom, ultimately leading to the dissolution of his realm. These imperfections in characters who are otherwise living examples of perfection introduce a touch of realism to their character, prompting readers to see the universal, undisputed truth that no individual is immune to the temptations of their humanity or the natural greed of human nature. The interactions between these heroes' strengths and weaknesses show how ego, desire, and blindness can eventually result in events they swore to prevent. Similar to the idea discussed in the previous paragraph, the theme of flaws is relevant even to this day. With many reaching for the lofty or even impossible goal of perfection, few tend to understand the universal postulate regarding it.
All good things must end, and this was portrayed exactly in Le Morte d’Arthur. The idea of fate in the novel Introduces a certain element of mystery and the unknown to the story, thus grabbing the readers’ attention until the very last page. The author uses prophetic visions, dreams, and supernatural interventions throughout the narrative to create an intricate web of hints and predictions. In addition, the individual characters often grapple with their destiny, shadowed by their role in the kingdom. King Arthur's vision of the dragon and the boar, predicting the eventual downfall of his realm, further exemplifies his lack of determination, action, and blindness to his faults. Lancelot's attraction to Queen Guinevere, complete with its tragic consequences, which were attempts to cause Lancelot to reconsider his actions, reminds him that even the most successful and respected knights are trapped by forces outside their control. The theme of fate resonates deeply with readers, as many today constantly strive to improve their situation, only to be hindered by an outside force they cannot control.
Le Morte d'Arthur’s unification of seemingly different themes showcases the author’s impressive writing proficiency and the universal web that weaves everything together. The Code of Chivalry highlights the moral dilemmas characters face as they strive to adhere to the code while also maintaining personal beliefs and will. Flaws in heroes showcase how even the greatest of the great can succumb to their Achilles Heel. The theme of fate adds an element of mystery to the narrative while also introducing the concept of equilibrium between personal actions and external forces.
Comments