Critical Study of Le Morte d’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory
Introduction to the Work
Le Morte d’Arthur (The Death of Arthur) is a seminal work of Middle English prose, compiled and written by Sir Thomas Malory around 1469–1470 and published by William Caxton in 1485. It stands as the most influential collection of Arthurian legends, bridging the gap between medieval romance and modern English prose. Malory synthesized various French and English sources to create a cohesive narrative of the rise and fall of King Arthur’s kingdom, Camelot.
I. Structural Overview
Though Malory wrote the work as a series of eight distinct but interconnected tales, William Caxton reorganized the material into 21 Books and 507 Chapters for the 1485 printing.
The Eight Primary Tales:
* The Birth and Rise of Arthur: Focuses on Arthur’s miraculous birth, the "Sword in the Stone" episode, and his establishment as the rightful King of Britain.
* Arthur’s War Against the Romans: Details Arthur’s military prowess and the expansion of his empire into Europe.
* The Noble Tale of Sir Lancelot du Lake: Establishes Lancelot as the preeminent knight of the Round Table and his initial exploits.
* The Tale of Sir Gareth of Orkney: A narrative of chivalric testing and growth, highlighting the virtue of humility.
* The Book of Sir Tristram de Lyonesse: An extensive exploration of the tragic love between Tristram and Isoud, mirroring Lancelot’s future betrayal.
* The Quest for the Holy Grail (The Sankgreal): A spiritual turning point where the Round Table’s physical chivalry is eclipsed by the spiritual purity of Sir Galahad.
* The Affair of Lancelot and Guinevere: The central domestic conflict where the private passions of the queen and the chief knight lead to political instability.
* The Morte Arthur: The final disintegration of the Round Table, the Battle of Camlann, and the passing of Arthur to Avalon.
II. Major Themes and Literary Motifs
1. The Code of Chivalry
Malory explores the tensions within the chivalric code, which demanded absolute loyalty to one's King, God, and Lady. The tragedy of the work lies in the impossibility of fulfilling all three. Lancelot’s love for Queen Guinevere (Courtly Love) directly conflicts with his loyalty to King Arthur (Feudal Duty), leading to the destruction of the social order.
2. The Symbolism of the Round Table
The Round Table represents Equality and Unity. Unlike a rectangular table, it has no "head," signifying that all knights are equal in status. Its fracturing represents the loss of a unified national identity.
3. Spiritual vs. Secular Chivalry
During the Grail Quest, Malory highlights a shift. The knights who were successful in war (secular) often failed the spiritual test. Only Galahad, the "Perfect Knight," achieves the Grail, suggesting that the worldly glory of Camelot was inherently flawed and temporary.
4. Fate and Providence
Much like a Greek tragedy, the end of Camelot is foretold by Merlin. Despite the characters' efforts, human frailty and predetermined destiny lead to the inevitable "Morte" (death) of the King and his vision.
III. Character Analysis
| Character | Literary Significance |
|---|---|
| King Arthur | Represents the Ideal Christian King; his downfall is caused by his trust in others and the sins of his past (Mordred). |
| Sir Lancelot | The "Best Knight in the World" who embodies the human struggle between spiritual aspiration and earthly desire. |
| Queen Guinevere | A complex figure who represents the courtly ideal but also the catalyst for the kingdom's dissolution. |
| Sir Galahad | The personification of divine grace and spiritual perfection; the only knight to fully transcend earthly limits. |
| Mordred | The manifestation of Arthur’s past sins and the primary agent of chaos and treason. |
IV. Style and Linguistic Impact
Malory’s prose style is characterized by Parataxis—the frequent use of the conjunction "and" to join clauses. This creates a rhythmic, cumulative effect that mimics the oral storytelling tradition. His work is credited with standardizing the Arthurian myths for the English-speaking world and remains a primary source for writers from Tennyson to T.H. White.
V. Examination FAQs
Q1. What is the significance of the year 1485 in relation to this work?
1485 marks the publication of the work by William Caxton. Historically, it is also the year of the Battle of Bosworth, marking the end of the Middle Ages in England and the start of the Tudor dynasty.
Q2. How does Malory depict the Holy Grail?
Malory treats the Holy Grail as the ultimate spiritual achievement that exposes the moral weaknesses of the Round Table knights, specifically Lancelot’s adultery.
Q3. What is the ‘Pentecostal Oath’?
It is the oath Arthur’s knights took every year at Pentecost, swearing to be loyal, show mercy, and protect women—essentially the definition of Malory’s chivalric ideal.
Teacher's Conclusion for Students
For UGC NET and MA English aspirants, focus on the Caxton edition's structure and the Grail Quest’s spiritual implications. Understand that Malory wrote this during the Wars of the Roses, a time of great civil unrest in England, which is why his depiction of a crumbling kingdom feels so poignant and real.