Leah Shankman March 2024 Medieval Literature Love> Life? An Exploration of Courtly Love in Le Chevalier de la Charrette. The Knight of the Cart or Le Chevalier de la Charrette is a medieval romance written by French poet Chrétien de Troyes in the 12th century. Written for “my Lady of Champagne” (1), the dedication found at the beginning explains that this work was created as a mark of respect for Marie de Champagne. Marie was highly regarded in the Medieval French court and her role in the composition of this myth represents and acknowledges her patronage of the arts, literature in particular. The inclusion of the dedication also implies that the great lady of beauty and nobility portrayed in the myth was inspired by Marie. All of this furthers …show more content…
This line suggests that not only is he willing to die fighting for her, but also by his own hand for her sake, something seen as unforgivable and cowardly for knights. He was almost halfway out when my lord Gawain noticed him and pulled him back, saying. ‘Please, my Lord, calm yourself. In the name of God, don't even think about doing such a fodish thing again’.” (567-573) Lord Gawain's intervention to prevent the knight from harming himself demonstrates the importance of chivalric values such as honor, duty, and respect for life, even in the context of courtly love. In turn, it highlights rationality and the ability to control one's actions in states of high emotion and how those qualities are important to being a successful knight. This line carries a strong appeal to medieval religious morality and values as well. Gawain’s words convey a sense of responsibility to uphold virtuous behavior and to avoid actions that go against religious teachings or principles, yet another invaluable trait that courtly lovers must uphold. Chrétien de Troyes' The Knight of the Cart offers an in-depth exploration of one of Medieval literature's most