Research Paper on:
'Yvain' by Chretien de Troyes and Relationship Reciprocity

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
the social structure of medieval France. The message that these relationships transmit to the reader is that that give and take is necessary to the maintenance of society in general.  Furthermore, the reciprocity that forms the foundation of these relationships, particularly in regards to the relationships involving the central character of Yvain, also offers the message that power by itself  is a dangerous commodity and should be tempered with humility in order for social relationships to prosper. Lunette and Yvain Lunettes first appearance is after Yvain has defeated the  Storm Knight and is trapped in the portcullis. Lunette offers to aid Yvain because he was courteous to her previously at King Arthurs court. She explains how her lady  once sent her to Arthurs high court and no knight would speak with her except Yvain, who "out of kindness and mercy,/ Were courteous and helped me. And for the  honor/ You did me then I offer you/In exchange, this reward" (lines 1012-1015). Lunette then offers Yvain a ring that makes the wearer invisible, which makes it possible for  him to evade the men loyal to the slain Storm Knight and to spy on and fall in love with his widow, the Lady Laudine, Lunettes mistress. Lunettes service  to Yvain goes even further than the loan of the invisibility ring. Lunette considers an alliance between her lady and Yvain to be beneficial to all concerned. Therefore, she proceeds  in aiding Yvain in winning the Lady Laudine, which is a remarkable accomplishment considering that Yvain just murdered her husband. Lunette points out to Laudine that she is vulnerable without  a husband to protect her. As this suggests, Lunette "courts" Laudine for Yvain, building him up in her mistresss mind so that Laudine is well disposed toward Yvain before