guinevere

Gender Roles in Arthurian Literature: The Rise and Fall of an Era

Queen Guinevere is a strong presence in the Arthurian Legends. She is not only the mighty Queen of the infamous King Arthur, but she is also the lover to one of the most renowned knights of that time, Lancelot. She is also a perfect example of the juxtaposition of that society’s expectations and beliefs of women and men, and how that both shaped Guinevere as well as those who were around her. Her growth as both the Queen in King Arthurs court as well as the consort to Lancelot has aided in her development as a not only a majestic queen worthy of praise but also the alleged destructive force that caused the ruin and fall of the Round Table. I want to explore the dynamic of gender roles in Arthurian Literature, namely in Tennyson’s Idylls, and how those gender roles have influenced the rise and fall of an era.

Queen Guinevere is mentioned in many of the idylls in Idylls of the King. Her role through most of those times focuses on her role as an adulterer. The Queen is held above all else, she is the most noble, the most pure, the so called moral measuring stick that all other men hold to their own wives, and all other women hold themselves and each other to. However, the Queen has begun to forfeit that right. By continuing this affair with Lancelot (and at one time Modred), she is sullying the one aspect of her character that was to remain blameless. It will become her noose. In this fall, the Queen represents not only the folly of man, but also of Tennyson’s own failing culture and its anxieties (Mcclain).

To understand why the Queen is becoming morally corrupt and why this is an issue, we must understand what world she lived in and what roles she was to play. W...

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...of men who believe and live under the chivalric code can fall victim (McClain).

This fall from victory, from blamelessness can be seen in many instances through Tennyson’s Idylls. Merlin is a legendary wizard whose name resonates throughout Arthurian legends. Known for orchestrating Arthur’s magical birth, Merlin is regarded as one of the most powerful sages of his time. Regarding women, Merlin tried his best to find a balance between the idealism that surrounded the chivalric code and the realism of the times.

…judge all nature by her feet of clay

Without the will to lift their eyes, and see

Her godlike head crowned with spritiual fire

And touching other worlds. (833-36)

Merlin had all the makings of being an icredible wizard who would have had the opportunity and the skills to help revitalize and save the declining society that he lived in.