Lancelot's Identity In Sir Gawain '

Chretien creates a paradox between Lancelot's name and his identity. There is a dispute between whe he is and how he is seen through the story. This struggle between Lancelot's identity and name reflects on the various running themes of the nature of Love in the tale.
Section 1: In the aristocratic society in which Lancelot lived, one's identity was almost entirely dependent on one's name. This is why Lancelot's feat of accepting a ride in a cart is so devastating. To ride in the cart was an act of shame, as the cart was used to transport criminals. Throughout the story, there are many instances where characters, such as Gawain, insist that death is preferable to the shame of riding in a cart. Because of his actions, for much of
The fact that he insisted on going through his journey anonymously is symbolic of Lancelot's life without his Love. For the first half of the story he is without a name and without his Queen. When they are finally in the same area, he becomes Lancelot. Only with her by his side can he be the strong, loyal knight that everyone knows him to be. Once we know Lancelot's true identity, we are able to fully appreciate the stark contrast between his name for the first half of the book and his selfhood. He was known as "the knight of the cart." With that title came shame and judgement. The irony is that while people called him this and judged him, he was, in reality, possibly the best knights to exist. Knightly honor is one of the main themes that runs throughout the story. King Bademagu is a man concerned with "keeping the laws of knighthood," which include being honorable, noble and, in all ways, good. The most important characteristic a knight must have is pureness of heart. This is why Meleagant could never be considered one of the best knights. While he is fearless and strong, his heart was "as cold as a stone, devoid of pity" (ll. 3171-72). Lancelot is the sheer opposite of Meleagant. While just as strong, Lancelot is portrayed as a good man and pure of heart. He does not relish the thought of killing people and is often seen granting people mercy in the story. Meleagant is the one who should be shamed,
Later, though, we see another contradictory form of Love. When Lancelot crosses the sword-blade bridge, he takes off his shoes and faces the blade. He endures much pain and suffering, but then Love helps him and turns "his pain to pleasure" (ll. 3120) This shows that while Love has the potential to cause pain, it can also heal. Another facet of Love is it's power over men. It is described as the most potent weakness of man. One knight cries out that he would "rather strip [his] shield of every buckle and strap, and lose all faith in [himself]...than give up this girl [he] loves." (ll. 1725 - 1730) Lancelot himself is ashamed when one of the many women he encounters on his trip sees him weakened by Love's grip (ll. 1454-55). Love causes him to be so sad that for a moment, "the blood in his face disappeared, and his mouth could not move. The girl slipped from her horse and ran to his side as fast as she could, to hold him up and keep him from falling." (ll. 1440-46) Clearly, Love has an especially strong hold on Lancelot. So strong is it that after the false news of Guinevere's death, Lancelot haphazardly attempts suicide. Finally, one last theme of Love is that Love conquers all. Love can transcend any boundaries, including of course, the adulterous relationship between Lancelot and Guinevere. Their relationship seems pure because Lancelot is so immersed in