Love and Morality in Le Morte Darthur Essay - 543 Words

The passion of love, treachery of betrayal and triumph of justice. It is not often today that we find three such vastly different characteristics woven into a tale so vividly. The epic Le Morte Darthur not only possesses these three characteristics, but delves deeply into the meaning and soul of them, most decidedly in the story of Sir Pelleas and Lady Ettard. The saga of these two tragic individuals clearly demonstrates the classic characteristics of a knight as well as the concept of morality in Arthurian times. From childhood, we learn about gallant knights in shining armour who heroically save the damsel in distress on their brilliantly white horse. We believe these men to be good-hearted, moral, and emotionally sound. It is nearly†¦show more content†¦Using great restraint, Pelleas is able to avoid fighting over love and other worldly goods, as he respects Gawain and the principles of the Knights of the Round Table enough to sacrifice the battle. Arthur asks of his knights to avoid murder, and so Pelleas does; he is careful not to kill the knights sent by Ettard, or Gawain, only maims them. Lastly, Pelleas maintains a deep loyalty to his king. Pelleas has been greatly deceived and betrayed by the love of his life and her bed mate, but still he stands by Arthur, the Round Table, and everything that they stand for. As the story states, Gawain is spared ``for the love of the king.`` (Malory 80). The story of Sir Pelleas can also be seen as a great lesson of morality and truth for the reader. In events leading up to the tale, Pelleas is depicted as a man who blindly trusts others, dependant on the understanding ideally had between all knights. He desperately loves Ettard, and comes across to the reader as nearly pathetic in his repeated unsuccessful attempts to win her heart. He so desperately wishes to catch a glimpse of her that he is willing to be taken prisoner by her knights. Pelleas loves unconditionally, with his whole heart in hopes that one day ``she will take pity upon me in the last.`` (Malory 76). Gawain, in all his corruption, sees Pelleas` trust and takes advantage of it by