In the quest of the Holy Grail, we learned that as perfect
as Lancelot seems he is a sinner like the rest of us. I feel like every text we
read about Lancelot, his behavior remains the same and he never learns from his
mistakes. He is dishonorable for having relations with Queen Guinevere, lying, fighting
and injuring his fellow knights' of the Round Table. Lancelot did not deserve
the prize. His incomparable fighting ability has rotted roots that are decaying.
I know I am not without flaws or sins, but at least I attempt to correct my
wrongs.
I realize I may be a very arrogant knight but at least I am
loyal. At least I have not broken (repeatedly) the vow between the knights' of
the Round Table to fight one another and the universal vow to not fight ones’
relatives.
To Lancelot specifically--
Lancelot, you knew that Elaine, the Fair Maid of Astolat,
would fall in love with you. Instead of deflecting her, as Sir Gawain deflected
Morgan le Fay in the story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, you led her on.
You accepted her token knowing what it symbolized. I grieve for this beautiful,
virgin's death. Stepping back I realize that if you had deflected her attempts at
seduction she may have moved on. Instead you used her and left her, uncaring of
the consequences of your actions. You cared more for what Queen Guinevere
thought of your actions than the serious consequences that occurred. Although you
take responsibility for these actions, it is simply not enough to apologize and
pay for her proper burial.
Queen Guinevere is right to be angry with you Lancelot, but
not for the reasons she believed. Yes, she was angry that you wore another
woman's token. Yes, she stated that you are a traitor and should be tried for
treason. Yet, she has committed a similar offense. She has cheated on King
Arthur many, many times, which is called adultery, and is illegal.
Stop making the same mistake! Stop betraying your lord and
fellow knights' of the Round Table! I do not care if you are the
"best" knight in King Arthur's court or the world; you are a
dishonorable fool who will never learn from his mistakes no matter how many
times you make them.
If the crossing of the stream represents the honorable path a knight should choose, guess which horse represents you...
-Sir Kay
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