This famous saying refers back to the time of King Arthur in the Middle Ages. Honor and Chivalry. There are many references and symbols that lie in with Christianity in both "Morte d'Arthur" and "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight." By continuing we’ll assume you’re on board with our cookie policy, The input space is limited by 250 symbols. He is essentially the same knight, but not portrayed as … In the English literature Le Morte d?Arthur, French for ?The Death of Arthur?, by Sir Thomas Malory, the characters display acts of chivalry from beginning to end.Though the code of chivalry … READ PAPER. This code demanded that knight 's be brave warriors and virtuous Christians who would selflessly fight for justice. @Example Essays. 7 Pages. Honor and Chivalry. Sorry, but copying text is forbidden on this website. ” (paragraph 1, page 287) Galahad, worthy of rewards beyond average men, makes only one humble request: “Now, my Blessed Lord, I would not live in this wretched world no longer, if it might please Thee, Lord. Their characteristics of respect for women and courtesy for all, helpfulness to the weak, honor, and skill in battle made the characters King Arthur, King Pellinore, and Sir Gryfflette examples of a what knights strove to be like in Medieval society. (Examples of Chivalry in the stories The Green Knight and Morte D’Arthur) The code of chivalry, it is use as an expression of feudal ideals of honor, nobles developed a code of conduct called chivalry. The mystery in Morte D’Arthur is the sword Excalibur. Start studying Le Morte d'Arthur. For instance, only Galahad, who steers clear of both (mostly because he is so young and is also divinely fated to do so), can attain the Holy Grail, while the other knights are not “pure” enough—that is, they lack the greatest honor and chivalry. Chivalry is the term used to describe the qualities of an ideal knight. The biggest difference between Le Morte d'Arthur and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight lies in their respective portrayals of chivalry. We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. Conversely, Launcelot always grants mercy to a knight that asks for it, underlining his characterization as an honorable knight—in battle, if not in spiritual purity. Overall, there is rarely easy love within Le Morte d’Arthur, and even the basic code of courtly love is complicated throughout the narrative. The Chivalric Code of Le Morte d’Arthur Throughout the tales of King Arthur, stories of brave knights and noble lords captivated the society of the European Middle Ages. Le Morte D'Arthur Quotes | Shmoop JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. In The Poisoned Apple, Queen Guinevere is wrongly accused of murdering Sir Patrise, and upon the eve of her fiery death sentence, Sir Bors promises to take her part. This famous saying refers back to the time of King Arthur in the Middle Ages. This includes mercy, fighting for good, and protecting ladies. In The Miracle of Galahad, Sir Galahad upholds honor to a holy point in all of his actions. Here, Arthur will not yield in a fight, even though he is weaponless. Nay, said Launcelot and the other, for once shamed may never be recovered. a code that a knight must be be loyal to his lord, fulfill his responsibilities to his vassals, respect the Christian faith, and be an example of courtly love. Respect (Examples of Chivalry in the stories The Green Knight and Morte D’Arthur) The code of chivalry, it is use as an expression of feudal ideals of honor, nobles developed a code of conduct called chivalry. Despite the deceased man’s sins, Galahad is convinced that every man deserves to be honored in death and given a chance at salvation, and is willing to see to the task himself. In Malory's work, chivalry appears to evolve with King Arthur as he grows up, becomes king, and eventually dies. Honor and Chivalry Theme in Le Morte d’Arthur | LitCharts. to an end. My sin and my wickedness have brought me unto great dishonour. Through his exploration of chivalry, however, he also explores the problems that arise from having such a strict code of conduct based on honor and unflinching loyalty to oaths. @Example Essays. For in many persons there is no stability; for we may see all day, for a little blast of winter’s rasure, anon we shall deface and lay apart true love for little or nought, that cost much thing; this is no wisdom nor stability, but it is feebleness of nature and great disworship, whosomever uses this. Excalibur. In order to be a knight, one had to follow the Arthurian Code of Chivalry. Guinevere. And therefore, courteous knight… promise her to do battle for her, I require you for the love ye owe unto Sir Lancelot. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. The best quotes from Le Morte D'Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory - organized by theme, including book location and character - with an explanation to help you understand! They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!”, “This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. Book Summary "My students can't get enough of your charts and their results have gone through the roof." Gawain according to one code of conduct, ought to take vengeance on the man who slew his father. In Le Morte d’Arthur adultery is one of the most important themes and Arthur has a lot to do with it. In conclusion, both the Alliterative Morte Arthure Arthur and Malory’s Le Morte Darthur can be considered tragedies; however the Alliterative Arthur’s fall is a more traditional tragedy of fortune, focusing on the downfall of one man due to pride, whilst Malory’s text has several characters who could be seen as tragic heroes. Plot Summary. Detailed Summary & Analysis Book 1 Book 2 Book 3 Book 4 Book 5 Book 6 Book 7 Book 8 Book 9 Book 10 Book 11 Book 12 Book 13 Book 14 Book 15 Book 16 Book 17 Book 18 Book 19 Book 20 Book 21 Themes All Themes Honor and Chivalry Jealousy, Competition, and … The Knights of the Round Table must renew their oath of Chivalry every year in order to assure the king of their honor. Morgaine. In the English literature Le Morte d?Arthur, French for ?The Death of Arthur?, by Sir Thomas Malory, the characters display acts of chivalry from beginning to end. Courtly Love Tradition in Malory’s Le Morte Darthur Reconsidered.pdf. Examples of respect for women and courtesy for everyone, helpfulness for the weak, honor, and skillfulness in battle were all observed in the actions of King Arthur, King Pellinore, and Sir Gryfflette. Mordred. The act of giving the sword can be interpreted as a symbol of power. Signup now and have "A+" grades! In Le Morte. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. Knights were expected to uphold this code of conduct. For ever, said Arthur, it is a worshipful knight’s deed to help another worshipful knight when he seeth him in a great danger; for ever a worshipful man will be loath to see a worshipful man shamed; and he that is of no worship, and fareth with cowardice, never shall he show gentleness, nor no manner of goodness where he seeth a man in any danger, for then ever will a coward show no mercy; and always a good man will do ever to another man as he would be done to himself. Instant downloads of all 1415 LitChart PDFs Detailed Summary & Analysis Book 1 Book 2 Book 3 Book 4 Book 5 Book 6 Book 7 Book 8 Book 9 Book 10 Book 11 Book 12 Book 13 Book 14 Book 15 Book 16 Book 17 Book 18 Book 19 Book 20 Book 21 Themes All Themes Honor and Chivalry Jealousy, Competition, and Revenge Trickery and … And therefore all the missaying that ye missaid me furthered me in my battle, and caused me to think to show and prove myself at the end what I was; for peradventure though I had meat in King Arthur’s kitchen, yet I might have had meat enough in other places, but all that I did for to prove and assay my friends, and that shall be known another day; and whether that I be a gentleman born or none, I let you wit, fair damosel, I have done you gentleman’s service, and peradventure better service yet will I do or I depart from you. In Le Morte vitamin D Arthur, the characters demonstrated the qualities needed to do the ideal knight. The Arthurian Code: Chivalry “Chivalry is dead” is a very common phrase, however what does it actually mean? Knights were expected to uphold this code of conduct. Billiards legend Jeanette Lee diagnosed with cancer Our. Le Morte d'Arthur (originally spelled Le Morte Darthur, ungrammatical Middle French for "The Death of Arthur") is a 15th-century Middle English prose reworking by Sir Thomas Malory of tales about the legendary King Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, Merlin and the Knights of the Round Table—along with their respective folklore. Every year, at the Christian feast of Pentecost, the Knights of the Round Table renew their oaths to follow the code of chivalry as proclaimed by King Arthur. And therewith the tears began to run down his visage. Genre. One problem is that there are different codes of morality present in “Le Morte d'Arthur”. In case you can’t find a sample example, our professional writers are ready to help you with writing Le Morte d'Arthur essays are academic essays for citation. Arthur's castle. Morte d’Arthur has received comparatively cursory attention in this area. Meriç Tutku Özmen. He wished to inspire people to return to the basic ideals of the chivalriccode. And thou were the sternest knight to thy mortal foe that ever put spear in the rest. 7 Pages. Knights were expected to uphold this code of conduct. In the English literature Le Morte d'Arthur, French for 'The Death of Arthur', by Sir Thomas Malory, the characters display acts of chivalry from beginning to end. No character is introduced without some familial tie given as important aspect of his or her identity. For example in the beginning of the story Arthur becomes king, and king Uther was sick, the king’s nobleman took care of him, which also showed loyalty. Arthur's illegitimate son. An act of chivalry is described as the qualifications or character of the ideal knight. The Chivalric Code in Le Morte d?Arthur An act of chivalry is described as the qualifications or character of the ideal knight. This example of chivalry occurred when Arthur quickly and unselfishly rode off to get Sir Kay’s He wished to inspire people to return to the basic ideals of the chivalric code. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. Important reoccurring themes in Le Morte d’Arthur are adultery, fate, revenge, people hiding their true identity, (unanswered) love, quests and chivalry HIER OOK. The Knights of the Round Table must renew their oath of Chivalry every year in order to assure the king of their honor. Revenge And Adultery In Le Morte D Arthur 2015 Words | 9 Pages. ” (paragraph 7, page 293) Chivalry was such an integral part of a knight’s character that Bors’ immediate acceptance was not considered unusual ; King Arthur barely has to reassure Guinevere that Bors would gladly be her champion. Also, tell the audience what they need to know to understand romance literature, and provide three examples from the text that are typical elements of romance literature. Arthur showed great … Malory’s collected stories contrast the results of following the code of chivalry with what happens when a knight breaks that code or succumbs to temptation. Arthur asks a truce, and the two armies meet on the field to set terms. This includes mercy, fighting for good, and protecting ladies. And so this was taken in the country for a miracle…” (paragraph 7, page 281) He is admired long after this day because of his mental and physical strength, but also because of the lengths he was willing to go to preserve his honor. (2016, Oct 01). The most important aspect of the chivalric code is honor. Each knight in his own way is an example of these virtues. And thou were the truest friend to thy lover that ever bestrad horse. Malory’s Morte D’Arthur explores chivalric ideals in the late Middle Ages through the actions of King Arthur and the rest of his knights. Religion and Damsels in Distress as Vehicles for Honor and Chivalry in The Morte D’Arthur In The Morte D’Arthur, Tomas Malory uses the saint-like character traits and actions of Sir Galahad and the events surrounding Queen Guinevere and Lancelot’s love affair to depict honor and chivalry. I took none heed to your words, for the more ye said the more ye angered me, and my wrath I wrecked upon them that I had do withal. your own paper. After King Mordrains’s death, Galahad willingly punishes himself by placing his hand in fire; a symbolic representation of repenting to avoid the fiery depths of purgatory. our expert writers, Please indicate where to send you the sample, Hi, my name is Jenn Next The Tale of Sir Gareth. For instance, Sir Launcelot's struggle to find the grail and come to terms with his sins reflects the quality. This paper. Loyalty is major part was part of Le Morte d’ Arthur. Knights were expected to uphold this code of conduct. Examples of regard for adult females and courtesy for everyone, helpfulness for the weak, award, and skillfulness in conflict were all observed in the actions of King Arthur, King Pellinore, and Sir Gryfflette. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. Prevalent throughout the text of Le Morte d’Arthur is the theme of family. Terence McCarthy argues that Malory’s o. And thou were the kindest man that ever struck with sword. Need writing the chivalric code of le morte d arthur essay? During the 1400’s knighthood was comingto an end. Then Sir Launcelot saw her visage, but he wept not greatly, but sighed. "You must agree to out terms of services and privacy policy", Don't use plagiarized sources. In Le Morte d’Arthur, the characters demonstrated the qualities needed to make the ideal knight. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Le Morte d'Arthur by Sir Malory. ” (paragraph 12, page 292), Honor and Chivalry in the Morte D’arthur. Merlin made the Round Table in tokening of roundness of the world, for by the Round Table is the world signified by right, for all the world, Christian and heathen, repair unto the Round Table; and when they are chosen to be of the fellowship of the Round Table they think them more blessed and more in worship than if they had gotten half the world; and yet have seen that they have lost their fathers and their mothers, and all their kin, and their wives and their children, for to be of your fellowship. The Arthurian Code: Chivalry “Chivalry is dead” is a very common phrase, however what does it actually mean? Le Morte d'Arthur tells the story of King Arthur and his Knights at the Round Table. An act of chivalry is described as the qualifications or character of the ideal knight. Get Your Custom Essay on, By clicking “Write my paper”, you agree to our, By clicking Send Me The Sample you agree on the, ”Le Morte d’Arthur” by Sir Thomas Mallory Sample, Chivalry - a moral system or an honor code, The Nature of Chivalry Developed in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, https://graduateway.com/honor-and-chivalry-in-the-morte-darthur/, Get your custom Family. LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in, Compare and contrast themes from other texts to this theme…, The ThemeTracker below shows where, and to what degree, the theme of Honor and Chivalry appears in each book of. In Sir Thomas Mallory’s, Le Morte d’Arthur, the majority of the characters face serious conflicts with chivalry and romance. Within these knights’ portrayals of chivalry, however, develop certain … Instant downloads of all 1411 LitChart PDFs (including Le Morte d’Arthur). Indeed, Malory’s view of the knights and of Arthurian society in general often verges on the cynical, as he shows how various knights succumb to the temptations of lust or of the selfish search for glory. He called to Galahad, and said to him: Come forth the servant of Jesu Christ, and thou shalt see that thou hast much desired to see. 974 Words 4 Pages. 1773 Words. ... King Arthur came to represent the ideal of chivalry. In the second part of Le Morte d’ Arthur Gawain, Lancelot, and … In Le Morte d'Arthur, King Arthur shows courage in the way he goes into battle to protect his men and to fight for what he believes. Through this man and me hath all this war been wrought, and the death of the most noblest knights of the world; for through our love that we have loved together is my most noble lord slain. Thou Sir Launcelot, there thou liest, that thou were never matched of earthly knight’s hand. Define chivalry, and using Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur, describe three of the ideals valued in medieval times, explaining how each is exemplified through the characters. Le Morte D'Arthur. There are many examples throughout Le Morte d’ Arthur of knights refusing to yield out of honor. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. Knights were expected to uphold this code of conduct. Download >> Download Examples of bravery in le morte d'arthur pdf Read Online >> Read Online Examples of bravery in le morte d'arthur pdf Le Morte Darthur limns a very different Gawain, taking threads from The Quest, and the French The Death of King Arthur and intertwining them. romance, chivalry, and magic. Download >> Download Examples of bravery in le morte d'arthur pdf Read Online >> Read Online Examples of bravery in le morte d'arthur pdf Le Morte Darthur limns a very different Gawain, taking threads from The Quest, and the French The Death of King Arthur and intertwining them. Then he held up his hands toward heaven and said: Lord, I thank thee, for now I see that that hath been my desire many a day. For like as winter rasure doth always arase and defase green summer, so fareth it by unstable love in man and woman. Important reoccurring themes in Le Morte d’Arthur are adultery, fate, revenge, people hiding their true identity, (unanswered) love, quests and chivalry HIER OOK. Le Morte d’Arthur Symbols | LitCharts. Next The Tale of Sir Gareth. The final quality surrounds the whole of a story: the quest. A good example from “Le Morte Darthur” is the lady of the Lake, who makes an exchange with Arthur. The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. Le Morte d’Arthur Introduction + Context. LitCharts Teacher Editions. Sir Thomas Malory wanted to recapture the lose of chivalry with his tale “LeMorte d’Arthur”. Arthur, who is son of King Uther Pendragon but was raised by another family, takes his rightful place as king when, as a boy, he is able to pull the sword called Excalibur from the stone. Struggling with distance learning? And thou was the meekest man and the gentlest that ever ate in hall among ladies. Chivalry still exists, but nowhere near on the same level as it once did, while loyalty, courage, and courtesy are traits and characteristics of the mature. Define chivalry, and using Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur, describe three of the ideals valued in medieval times, explaining how each is exemplified through the characters. The three great examples of chivalry in this work are the knights Lancelot, Gareth, and Tristram, each of whom has a book dedicated to his story. Word Count: 1007. Within these knights’ portrayals of chivalry, however, develop certain inconsistencies which seem out of place against their chivalrous backdrop. Sir Bedivere lied 3 times before throwing Excalibur into the water. Examples Of Chivalry In King Arthur. Sir Launcelot's attempt at the grail begins on page 387, and the ensuing events show the knight as the tale's protagonist. Arthur's Queen. When this Gawain .. courage. With the relationships between Launcelot and Gwenyvere, and Trystram and Isode, Le Morte D'Arthur provides in-depth examples of devoted, … He wished to inspire people to return to the basic ideals of the chivalric code. He knows there is some trickery at hand, but he also knows that the lives of the knights he is fighting for hang in the balance. A short summary of this paper. The quest of the Sangreal in Le Morte D'Arthur depicts several of the characteristics of Medieval Romance. Chivalry is the term used to describe the qualities of an ideal knight. Malory thus shows how deep of a gap there is between the chivalric ideal and the sorry morals of those inhabiting it. Malory’s collected stories contrast the results of following the code of chivalry with what happens when a knight breaks that code or succumbs to temptation. An act of chivalry is described as the qualifications or character of the ideal knight. Knights were expected to uphold this code of conduct. She gives him a sword and in return he should give her something that she will name later. Instead, Malory seems content to describe these contradictions as they are without reconciling them, and without explicitly condemning them to hypocrisy. The Chivalric Code in Le Morte d?Arthur An act of chivalry is described as the qualifications or character of the ideal knight. Le Morte d’Arthur Major Themes Major Themes. My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class.”. Plot Summary. Examples of respect for women and courtesy for everyone, helpfulness for the weak, honor, and skillfulness in battle were all observed in the actions of King Arthur… The repetition of 3’s and 7’s is the suspense to the magic. Le Morte d'Arthur Quotes Showing 1-18 of 18 “Yet some men say in many parts of England that King Arthur is not dead, but had by the will of our Lord Jesu into another place; and men say that he shall come again, and he shall win the holy cross.” So in this season, as in the month of May, it befell a great anger and unhap that stinted not till the flower of chivalry of all the world was destroyed and slain; and all was long upon two unhappy knights the which were named Agravaine and Sir Mordred, that were brethren unto Sir Gawaine. For an it happeth an envious man once to win worship he shall be dishonoured twice therefore; and for this cause all men of worship hate an envious man, and will shew him no favour, and he that is courteous, and kind, and gentle, hath favour in every place. Camelot. In Morte D’Arthur, King Arthur’s quest is to to kill Sir Mordred, which he succeeds in doing. Such examples provide strong instance of the fame that knights pursue. But since that man is also a fellow Knight of the Round Table, Gawain should not lay a hand on him. Violence in Malory; Evolution of the Modern Heroic Archetype; Magic in … Chivalry, another prevalent theme in The Morte D’Arthur, is illustrated in the classic “man saves woman” plot line. In Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur, a number of characters performed chivalrous acts to achieve the status of an ideal knight. vitamin D Arthur, the characters demonstrated the qualities needed to do the ideal knight. 974 Words 4 Pages. Each knight in his own way is an example of these virtues. Examples Of Chivalry In King Arthur. Because of the examples of chivalry, Le Morte d"Arthur showed what a knight desired to be, so he could improve the world in which he lived. Galahad also demonstrates the value he places on honor in the re-burial of a desecrated tomb. Galahad does this with such noble resolve that the flames barely singe his flesh, let alone his courage. An adder appears, a knight unthinkingly draws his sword to kill it, and the two armies are at war. Much of what goes down in Camelot goes down because of the chivalric code that was the law of the land in Le Morte D'Arthur. The final irony, which comes out more and more clearly as Le Morte d'Arthur progresses, is that it is chiefly Launcelot's need to prove himself to the lady he loves that makes him the great knight he is. I have promised to do the battle to the uttermost by the faith of my body, while me lasteth the life, and therefore I had liefer to die with honour than to live with shame; and if it were possible for me to die an hundred times, I had liefer to die so oft that yield me to thee; for though I lack weapon, I shall lack no worship, and if thou slay me weaponless that shall be thy shame. There are many examples of courtly love in Le Morte d'Arthur, including the story of Sir Gareth, his defeat of the Red Knight, and his winning of the Lady Lyonesse as his wife. Last Updated on May 6, 2015, by eNotes Editorial. Arthur's half sister and Mordred's mother. In Le Morte d’Arthur adultery is one of the most important themes and Arthur has a lot to do with it. Le Morte D'Arthur. Arthur showed great … Malory’s collected stories contrast the results of following the code of chivalry with what happens when a knight breaks that code or succumbs to temptation. Le Morte D'Arthur Quotes | Shmoop JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Previous Arthur and King Lucius. Victoria's Secret fans praise new swimsuit campaign. At the end of the day, Mordred is the only man of his army left standing, and Arthur … Courtly Love Tradition in Malory’s Le Morte Darthur Reconsidered.pdf. 20 Full PDFs related to this paper. Teachers and parents! contend that gender issues “pressure” the Morte d’Arthur differently at different moments in the narrative, so that the relationship of gender to the other ideals of chivalry expressed in Malory’s text must be studied as a Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. For it giveth unto all lovers courage, that lusty month of May, in something to constrain him to some manner of thing more in that month than in any other month, for divers causes. In The Poisoned Apple, Queen Guinevere is wrongly accused of murdering Sir Patrise, and upon the eve of her fiery death sentence, Sir Bors promises to take her part. And thou were the truest lover of a sinful man that ever loved woman. The best quotes from Le Morte D'Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory - organized by theme, including book location and character - with an explanation to help you understand! Chivalry and its counterpart, courtly love, are indispensible to Sir Thomas Malory’s fifteenth century work on Arthurian legend, Le Morte d’Arthur. A Quote From the Beginning of Morte D’Arthur This quote from the beginning of Morte D’Arthur, by Sir Thomas Malory, is an example of chivalry. These stories gave a criterion forpeople to base there values and way of life on. Besides, even this chivalric ideal is internally contradictory: the ideal of chastity is somewhat at odds with the ideal of defending a lady, for instance, and Malory never explicitly condemns Launcelot’s affair with Guenever—even though it leads to a tragic end—simply because their love is so strong and “pure,” and because Launcelot is such a skilled knight in other aspects. During the 1400’s knighthood was comingto an end. is a work of fantasy, a legend, and a medieval romance ... respect the Christian faith, and be an example of courtly love. In order to tell a "complete" story of Arthur from his … Download Full PDF Package. “And that night lay Sir Galahad in the abbey; and on the morn he gave him his service and put him in the earth before the high altar. While the free essays can give you inspiration for writing, they cannot be used 'as is' because they will not meet your assignment's requirements. In the Medieval Period, knights dedicated their lives to following the code of chivalry. Essay, Use multiple resourses when assembling your essay, Get help form professional writers when not sure you can do it yourself, Use Plagiarism Checker to double check your essay, Do not copy and paste free to download essays. In Le Morte d’Arthur, the characters demonstrated the qualities needed to make the ideal knight. For when I sought worldly adventures for worldly desires, I ever enchieved them and had the better in every place, and never was I discomfit in no quarrel, were it right or wrong. If you are in a time crunch, then you need a custom written term paper on your subject (chivalry displayed in le morte d arthur) Here you can hire an independent writer/researcher to custom … Le Morte d’Arthur presents the importance of possessing the characteristics ofhonor, loyalty, and courage. Bravery Loyalty and Courtly Love are Qualities of Chivalry in Le Morte D'Arthur Bibliography. Le Morte d'Arthur presents the importance of possessing the characteristics of honor, loyalty, and courage. Chivalry, another prevalent theme in The Morte D’Arthur, is illustrated in the classic “man saves woman” plot line. In order to be a knight, one had to follow the Arthurian Code of Chivalry. “Lord, I thank Thee, for now I see that that hath been my desire many a day. (including. Now, blessed Lord, would I not longer live, if it might please thee, Lord. Sir Thomas Malory wanted to recapture the lose of chivalry with his tale "Le Morte d'Arthur". Essays for Le Morte d'Arthur. Chivalry includes showing mercy, fighting for good, and protecting ladies whenever they may be in harm. Sir Gawaine, for instance, refuses to grant mercy to a man who asks for it (thus breaking part of the code) and, as his lover hurls herself forward to protect him, accidentally kills the lady—carrying the shame of this act with him for the rest of his adventures. ” (paragraph 4, page 282) Religiousness was a mark of high honor in the days of King Arthur. This is a code that is meant to govern the knights’ actions throughout Le morte d’Arthur—however, Malory also takes care to show just how difficult, if not impossible, this code proves for many of the knights, as well as how it can be easily corrupted through circumstance and human folly. Book 20 (1% in) And then he began to tremble right hard when the deadly flesh began to hold the spiritual things. Le Morte d’Arthur contains well-crafted tales with character building, language, symbols, and events reflecting the 13 th century setting, all while thematically reflecting the code of chivalry. “ (paragraph 1, page 287) Sir Galahad’s honor can never be doubted, because he declared his religious convictions as his most powerful motivation. Respect for women and courtesy were two major characteristics that knights longed to develop, and King Arthur was able to demonstrate them in two specific instances.