Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
How Sir Dinadan Provoked Sir Tristram to Do Well explained
Sir Dinadan taunts Sir Tristram for appearing sluggish and calls him a coward to provoke him into action, knowing that a wroth Tristram would prevent Sir Palomides from winning the prize.
What happens
Sir Dinadan taunts Sir Tristram for appearing sluggish and calls him a coward to provoke him into action, knowing that a wroth Tristram would prevent Sir Palomides from winning the prize. Sir Tristram defends his honor, acknowledging Sir Launcelot's peerless knighthood, and Sir Palomides also praises Launcelot's courtesy. The chapter concludes with all kings and knights affirming that Sir Launcelot and Sir Tristram are the greatest knights of Arthur's days.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Sir Launcel…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Honor and Reputation
Tristram defends his honor against Dinadan's taunts, and Palomides seeks to restore his reputation by praising Launcelot.
- Chivalry and Knighthood
The knights discuss the ideals of knighthood, including courtesy, strength, and bounty, exemplified by Launcelot and Tristram.
Characters to notice
- Sir Tristram de Liones
Provoked by Dinadan, defends his honor and praises Launcelot's peerless knighthood.
- Sir Dinadan
Taunts Tristram to anger him and spur him to perform well against Palomides.
- Sir Palomides
Acknowledges his own discourtesy to Launcelot and vows to be Launcelot's knight.
- Sir Launcelot du Lake
Praised by Tristram and Palomides for his noble knighthood, courtesy, and prowess.
Key passages
“Well, Dinadan, said Sir Tristram, I was never called coward or now of no earthly knight in my life; and wit thou well, sir, I call myself never the more coward though Sir Launcelot gave me a fall, for I outcept him of all knights.”
Tristram retorts that he has never been called a coward before and insists that being defeated by Launcelot does not make him one, as he considers Launcelot the greatest knight.
Tristram defends his honor and acknowledges Launcelot's superiority.
“And therefore, said Palomides, I shall be Sir Launcelot’s knight while my life lasteth.”
Palomides declares his lifelong loyalty to Launcelot because of Launcelot's gracious conduct toward him.
Palomides vows to serve Launcelot out of gratitude for his courtesy.
