Guinevere Character Development

Development of Guinevere Behind every good man is a strong woman but is that truly the case with Arthur and Guinevere. Over the course thus far, the constantly changing characters and aspects of the stories have been analyzed. Obvious main characters like Arthur are easy to notice change in but what is to be said about Guinevere. In The History of the Kings of Britain by Geoffrey of Monmouth, Guinevere is illustrated as a secondary character with a minimalistic supporting role whereas in The Knight of the Cart by Chretien de Troyes, Guinevere is shown to be a main character. Although the basic details known about Guinevere are maintained throughout the stories up till now, her role grows and reflects upon women in society as well.

Guinevere is first introduced in The History of the Kings of Britain. Arthur vanquishes his opponents and restores his country. Thereafter he celebrates his reign in marrying a woman of noble descent, Guinevere; this is the first mention of her name baring no more detail. Guinevere’s position is to serve

When Kay leaves Arthur’s service, Arthur goes to Guinevere to have her convince Kay to stay. Kay listens to Guinevere when she begs him to stay but not Arthur. He says he would only stay if both her and the king grant him a request. The first scene the story and it demonstrates that Guinevere has some powers that Arthur does not as well as just the same when she is to grant his request too. Later in the story, Lancelot accepts Guinevere’s disapproval with him when he says she would not do so without reason showing that he has trust in her wisdom and authority. She has authority over knights as well including Lancelot when she regards him as a knight in her service. Guinevere has an active role in her authority as queen letting her participate in the court politics and voice her own