Launcelot Flaws

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At first glance, Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte D'Arthur is a story of a kingdom falling into destruction. However, Malory continually highlights the exploits of Sir Launcelot, a man in an adulterous relationship. Though flawed, Launcelot becomes a hero, because in the end, he is both the “flower of knights” (Malory 6.4; vol. 1) and a “good man” (Malory 15.6; vol. 2) – the title Launcelot aspires to over the course of Malory’s text. Throughout Le Morte D’Arthur, Launcelot attempts to hold to Christian values, but is brought down by his affair with Queen Guenever. While on the Quest of the Sangreal, Launcelot is not able to achieve the Sangreal, because “his privy thoughts [had been] set inwardly to the queen” (18.1; vol. 2). Even though he is allowed to see the Sangreal, Launcelot does not let go of his sin. He fails. …show more content…

11.40). A number of figures in the Bible were flawed in some way. They were not meant to be celebrated for their perfection, but for their ability to overcome sin. Likewise, Launcelot continues to try to live a moral life. In spite of his shortcomings, Launcelot is expected to obey the Pentecostal Oath. For Launcelot, the oath is problematic because the second mandate is “always to flee treason” (Malory 3.15; vol. 1). Launcelot is in a relationship with King Arthur's wife, and as a result, he is betraying the kingdom he strives to protect. Launcelot's wrongdoing creates a parallel between the Arthur’s kingdom and the kingdom of God. His failing as a knight (treason) corresponds with his failing as a Christian

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