Arthurian Romances: Chretien De Troyes
Idea 1: Women in Romances
Masculinity and femininity were set-in-stone standards of society during this time period and played a large overall role in De Troyes works. The typical “damsel in distress” archetype that we all know and love today dominated the literary world during the first baby steps of this genre. The protection and courting of these types of women drives the majority, if not the entirety, of Arthurian romances. As in “The Knight of the Cart”, the first introduction of Lancelot, whom would later become a key component in the tales of King Arthur’s Court, the young and noble knight pursues an affair with the current Queen, and King Arthur’s wife, Guinevere. In previous centuries women were …show more content…
Rather than having independent characters who fought for military status, wealth, and prosperity and those things alone, De Troyes formed his characters around the idea that love conquers all. The influence of military prowess still exists in the legends, as all the knights still remain entering physical challenges and battles with one another, but the outcome has a different motive behind it. Usually men would fight each other for fame, if you will. Either in the form of wealth or militaristic promotion. In these poems however, the driving force behind the desire to fight initially is to protect/fight for a ladies’ honor. Compared to past tales, the winner of these challenges would eventually win female attention as a side status, not as the main reward. Here in “The Knight of the Cart” however, Lancelot succeeds any challenge that is brought before him all for the honor of his lover, the Queen. After completing these feats, he is showered with affection and is ultimately given offers of sexual favors from suitable women. In past works, the victor would take advantage of these situations and exploit the women and their offerings with no second thought; as it was the masculine custom to accept such rewards. This was not the end result with Lancelot though, as it is observed in one situation.
Idea 1: Women in Romances
Masculinity and femininity were set-in-stone standards of society during this time period and played a large overall role in De Troyes works. The typical “damsel in distress” archetype that we all know and love today dominated the literary world during the first baby steps of this genre. The protection and courting of these types of women drives the majority, if not the entirety, of Arthurian romances. As in “The Knight of the Cart”, the first introduction of Lancelot, whom would later become a key component in the tales of King Arthur’s Court, the young and noble knight pursues an affair with the current Queen, and King Arthur’s wife, Guinevere. In previous centuries women were …show more content…
Rather than having independent characters who fought for military status, wealth, and prosperity and those things alone, De Troyes formed his characters around the idea that love conquers all. The influence of military prowess still exists in the legends, as all the knights still remain entering physical challenges and battles with one another, but the outcome has a different motive behind it. Usually men would fight each other for fame, if you will. Either in the form of wealth or militaristic promotion. In these poems however, the driving force behind the desire to fight initially is to protect/fight for a ladies’ honor. Compared to past tales, the winner of these challenges would eventually win female attention as a side status, not as the main reward. Here in “The Knight of the Cart” however, Lancelot succeeds any challenge that is brought before him all for the honor of his lover, the Queen. After completing these feats, he is showered with affection and is ultimately given offers of sexual favors from suitable women. In past works, the victor would take advantage of these situations and exploit the women and their offerings with no second thought; as it was the masculine custom to accept such rewards. This was not the end result with Lancelot though, as it is observed in one situation.