In five pages this paper discusses Sir Thomas Malory's depiction of Lancelot in Le Morte d'Arthur in a consideration of the chivalric code and courtly love Medieval concepts. Six sources are cited in the bibliography.
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honor of beautiful damsels in distress. In matters of the heart, these dashing figures were guided by a distinctive code of chivalry, an "elaborate code of manners" (Gutierrez 37),
which dictated all aspects of their behavior. This code included, among others, "Live to serve King and Country. Live to defend Crown and Country and all it holds
dear. Live ones life so that it is worthy of respect and honor... Respect women. Exhibit Courage in word and deed" (Marshall The Code of Chivalry and Courtly
Love). In addition, the most romantic of these heroic knights also adhered to the precepts known in the Medieval era as "courtly love." A practitioner of the art
of courtly love was interested only in romance; marriage was not a prerequisite. The courtly lover was one who loved one above all others, and thought only of how
to best serve or please his beloved (Marshall The Code of Chivalry and Courtly Love). There is no literary figure who best exemplifies the Medieval concept of romantic hero
than King Arthurs greatest knight, Lancelot. His very name conjures images of a handsome knight, whose bravery, chivalry and gallantry was without peer (Spivack and Lynne 95).
Lancelot was originally introduced to readers in French poet Chretien de Troyes Lancelot or, the Knight of the Cart (Keskiaika Courtly Love in the Work of Chretien de Troyes).
Lancelot is portrayed as a man who would do anything to rescue Queen Guinevere, the woman he loves, who also happens to be married to the King Lancelot has vowed
to serve, Arthur. In this work, Lancelot must frequently demonstrate his loyalty to the woman he loves, while at the same time, exhibit bravery and courage, such as in