Le Morte d’Arthur · Concept
Honor and Reputation
Knights are driven by the pursuit of worship (honor) and fear of shame, with actions like yielding in battle, avenging slights, and defending ladies' beauty directly tied to their social standing.
Knights are driven by the pursuit of worship (honor) and fear of shame, with actions like yielding in battle, avenging slights, and defending ladies' beauty directly tied to their social standing.
Caxton argues for Arthur's place among the Nine Worthies and stresses the importance of fame and renown achieved through chivalric deeds.
Arthur forgives those who delayed him, demonstrating magnanimity and the honorable conduct expected of a king.
The tourney awards honor to Sir Kay, Lucas, and Griflet, and the knights strive to prove their prowess.
Knights perform deeds of arms to gain honor, and the act of remounting fallen comrades is a chivalric duty.
Characters
Chapters
- Preface of William Caxton
- Of the opinion of some men of the death of King Arthur; and how Queen Guenever made her a nun in Almesbury
- XI
- XIV
- Of the deliverance of the queen to the king by Sir Launcelot, and what language Sir Gawaine had to Sir Launcelot.
- XVI
- How Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine did battle together, and how Sir Gawaine was overthrown and hurt
- How Sir Launcelot behaved him at the jousts, and other men also