Question

Explain how and why the following characters in “King Arthur” change in the course of this myth: (a) Arthur; (b) Lancelot; (c) Guinevere; (d) Gawain; (e) Mordred. Do you see yourself in any of these characters? How so?

Answer 1

A) Arthur changes quite profoundly in the course of time, he tends to become rather daring and brave, but along with it more responsible and wiser. Although there are a few misgivings in him, which attribute to him being a human being who isn't entirely perfect, but his growth curve is on the whole positive.

B) Launcelot, is rather a tragic character within the story of King Arthur who remains a devout to Guinevere, but owing to the frailties of deception, he is trapped by his own demons and is banished as a result. He does turn half mad due to the sentence of banishment, which is delivered by Guinevere herself, but he does return back to normal as the story progresses.

C) Guinevere, who is the loveing wife of Arthur and the Lover of Launcelot, is one of the most complex characters in the mythology. She is kmow to be fair and diplomatic in her affairs of the political kingdom and scenario, but in her own personal life, she is considered to be unfair and swayed by things that are ephemeral. Although, she does progress and takes on more responsibilities. She puts the affairs of the kingdom before her personal whims and demands and tries to have control over things, which maybe driven by guilt or a sheer will to make the kingdom thrive after the round table collapses.

D) Gawain, in the beginning, is shown to be the epitome and personification of everything perfect and virtuous. Although, after the poem progresses, he shows the humanness and his imperfections through the silk belt that he hides. He later also shows how imperfect he is and what a paradoxical figure he embodies. He is, contentiuously, two things at once, which makes his character complex and very human.

E ) Mordred, the illegitimate som of Arthur, is the embodiment of evil and sinister, and shows the greed and the diabolical tendencies that can make a man reach uncharted territories of morality. He sets of to kill his own farther Arthur, who tried to have him killed at birth owing to a prophecy. Mordred poses great pain and threat. Not only does he aim to overthrow Arthur by way of physical death, but he tries to kill Arthur emotionally and mentally by exposing the misgivings of two of his most trusted people, his wife, Guinevere and his best knight, Launcelot.

I, personally, Associate with the character of Gawain. The conflict and the dissonance that Gawain depicts, I feel, exists and thrives within all individuals, the thirst to be something and be known for it and the curse of falling prey to something that you already are. And the mask that one tries to put on. All of these things make me feel as though Gawain comes closest to sharing a sense of belonging as a character with me on personal accord.