Le Morte D’ Arthur, in all of its extensive Arthurian glory, gives way for much interpretation. It’s filled with literary elements that can each be analyzed separately, but I believe the best unifying idea that the text brings to light is that of human imperfection. In a tale famous for heroics and adventure, Malory uses ironic characters to expose the underlying fault of being human. King Arthur, ruler of England and commander of the Knights of the Round Table is not usually associated with imperfection, but as Janet Bobr explains, “In literature, King Arthur's character is unique and ever changing, taking on a different face in every work”(1). In Malory’s text, Arthur exemplifies everything a chivalrous man and knight should be. His honor is unquestioned, and his prowess in battle is respected by all. However, we learn while reading Morte D’Arthur that there is more to King Arthur than just his heroic qualities. The irony surrounding King Arthur and his actions lead me to believe that he was definitely not the flawless hero that he was painted out to be.
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Scott Ashley writes, “Malory shows…the foundations for future adventure and tragedy in telling of the king’s incestuous fathering of Mordred with his half sister, Morgause of Orkney”(9). Although Arthur does not know that the woman who he slept with was in his kin as stated by Malory, “But all this time King Arthur knew not that King Lot's wife was his sister” (164), the fact that he slept with her while being married to Queen Guinevere shows just how inadequate he his. Seemingly as penance for his actions, this relationship produces the very man that has been prophesized to end of Arthur’s life. His gallant persona coupled with his contradictory actions provide a prime example of how even the best of people contain
Scott Ashley writes, “Malory shows…the foundations for future adventure and tragedy in telling of the king’s incestuous fathering of Mordred with his half sister, Morgause of Orkney”(9). Although Arthur does not know that the woman who he slept with was in his kin as stated by Malory, “But all this time King Arthur knew not that King Lot's wife was his sister” (164), the fact that he slept with her while being married to Queen Guinevere shows just how inadequate he his. Seemingly as penance for his actions, this relationship produces the very man that has been prophesized to end of Arthur’s life. His gallant persona coupled with his contradictory actions provide a prime example of how even the best of people contain