The Role of The Fall of The Round Table as a Social Commentary

The Role of The Fall of The Round Table as a Social Commentary

The fall of the Round Table, as depicted in Sir Thomas Malory's "Le Morte d'Arthur," serves as a profound commentary on the complexities of loyalty within the societal and political landscape of 15th-century England. Malory portrays the nature of knightly loyalties as inherently destructive, reflecting the turmoil of his contemporary society. The Round Table, once a symbol of unity and chivalric ideals, becomes a battleground for conflicting allegiances, mirroring the chaos of the War of the Roses.

Destructive Loyalties and Personal Motivations

Malory's retelling of the Arthurian legend diverges significantly from earlier interpretations, providing a grittier, more realistic narrative. The characters are not merely noble knights; they are driven by complex motivations such as greed, lust, and revenge. This complexity is evident as friends betray friends, brothers kill brothers, and lovers turn against one another. The atmosphere is charged with a sense of impending tragedy, a reflection of the societal strife of Malory's time. The War of the Roses, characterized by civil war between the Houses of Lancaster and York, created an environment where loyalties were constantly tested, and betrayal was rampant.

Malory uses the fall of the Round Table to illustrate the destructive consequences of these conflicting loyalties. The knights, who are expected to uphold chivalric values, find themselves ensnared in a web of personal desires and political machinations. This conflict is poignantly captured in the stories of Sir Lancelot and Queen Guinevere, whose love affair ultimately leads to the disintegration of the Round Table.

Lancelot's Dilemma: Loyalty to Love vs. Honor

In "The Book of Sir Launcelot and Queen Guinevere," Lancelot's loyalty to his love for Guinevere disrupts his knightly duties. After returning from the quest for the Holy Grail, Lancelot reflects on how his affair with Guinevere hindered his spiritual journey. He acknowledges that had he not been preoccupied with thoughts of her, he could have achieved greatness akin to that of his fellow knights. This internal conflict highlights the tension between personal desire and the expectation of honor that knights must uphold.

Moreover, Lancelot's predicament illustrates the broader theme of loyalty within the Round Table. His love for Guinevere puts him at odds with his duties as a knight, forcing him to make a painful choice between his feelings and his honor. This departure from earlier depictions of unwavering loyalty showcases a more nuanced understanding of human relationships, reflecting the complexities faced by individuals in Malory's society.

The King and His Knights: Loyalty Redefined

Traditionally, loyalty to the king has been a cornerstone of knightly virtue. However, in Malory's narrative, this loyalty is put into question. The dynamics between King Arthur and his knights shift, as they begin to hold him accountable for the actions of his wife, Guinevere. This is evident in the "Poisoned Apple" episode, where the knights blame Guinevere for the death of Sir Patrise, leading to a trial by combat. Arthur's reluctance to defend his wife against the accusations of his knights signifies a fracture in the traditional hierarchy of loyalty.

The following table illustrates the shifting loyalties within the Round Table:

This table highlights the conflicting loyalties that each character faces, emphasizing the overarching theme of disillusionment with traditional values. The knights' reluctance to defend Guinevere illustrates a significant shift; they prioritize their brotherhood over loyalty to the king, indicating a breakdown of the chivalric code.

The Brotherhood of Knights: A Double-Edged Sword

The concept of knightly brotherhood, often celebrated in Arthurian legends, becomes a source of tension in Malory's narrative. In "The Poisoned Apple," the knights' collective anger towards Guinevere culminates in her isolation, as none are willing to defend her against Sir Mador's accusations. This scenario reflects the reality of 15th-century society, where loyalty to one’s fellow knights often superseded loyalty to the crown.

The knights' unwillingness to consider the possibility of a conspiracy among themselves further underscores the erosion of trust in their ranks. This environment of suspicion and betrayal is emblematic of the broader societal fragmentation that characterized Malory’s England during the War of the Roses. The loyalty that once bound the knights together now serves to isolate and endanger those who fall out of favor.

Conclusion: A Reflection of Societal Disillusionment

Through the fall of the Round Table, Malory offers a poignant critique of the loyalties that define human relationships. The disillusionment with the ideals of chivalry and loyalty is evident as characters grapple with conflicting allegiances. The tension between love, honor, and loyalty to the king illustrates the fragility of these bonds in the face of personal desire and political strife.

Ultimately, Malory's work serves as a cautionary tale for 15th-century England, highlighting the fleeting nature of loyalty and the destructive potential it holds. As the Round Table collapses, it becomes clear that the very ideals that once united the knights now contribute to their downfall, reflecting a society in turmoil.

Works Cited

Malory, Sir Thomas. Complete Works. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1971. Print.

Luminarium. "Sir Thomas Malory." 18 May 2010. Web. 4 November 2012.