Preview

Quest Of The Holy Grail Analysis

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
715 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Quest Of The Holy Grail Analysis
Before reading The Quest of the Holy Grail, one must keep in mind that it is a piece of medieval literature, not a well-known novel. With that thought in mind, this convoluted and highly symbolic work will satisfy those provoked in the medieval quest for the Holy Grail, however it would be somewhat misleading to those wanting a modern page-turner. For those willing to venture into medieval religious allegory I would highly urge the reading of The Quest of the Holy Grail. I have already read it three times for three separate classes, and each time I do I get more out of it.
Even though this book is much of a shortcoming from what people foresee in an Arthurian tale it does encompass a remarkable amount of spiritual guidance. This book analyzes
…show more content…
It is the story of a quest of the grail used to annex the blood of Christ. Before the knights find the Holy Grail they must demonstrate to themselves faithfulness and true knightly hood of the Christian faith. Those who have done wrong must try to ask forgiveness and change their ways, such as Lancelot tries to do, but fails to do so because he has too corrupt a nature to alter his path. Even those who have never been sinful must confess and follow in the Lord's path to find the Holy Grail. This is a very earnest story that teaches those who listen to repent and to be righteous. It encompasses a period of history of the Christian religion, which I feel in my life experience is rarely talked about. During this historical era, religion had as much authority over a person as their king, if not more. People attended church as much as they possibly could. I have found that some relate to these simpler times as better than now because at least then people took time to spend in religious undertakings and did not have to spend every waking minute working or recovering from working.
In conclusion, I believe this book contains many spiritual struggles as well as mental struggles in contrary to the more trivial literature about this era. Other books uphold the structure of the more appalling behavior of the time. The Quest of the Holy Grail invites

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    When interested in the religious culture of medieval Europe in late antiquity, “The Cult of Saints” by Peter Brown is a magnificent source to turn to. Among receiving honorary degrees, prizes and book awards, Brown is also a historian at Princeton University who focuses on social and religious aspects of medieval Europe. Brown critically analysis the significance of saints and their holy remains to the people of Europe following the fall of the Roman Empire. These sacred figures in Christianity heavily influenced many aspects of society. His writing style is dense and one may encounter a few words in Latin throughout the book. However, the book is supported with a range of sources from the bible to other authors themselves which can be found at the notes section at the very back of the book. Brown highlights his intentions for the book in his updated, Preface to the 2014 Edition, here he includes the title of each chapter and gives a brief overview of what to expect in them. In reviewing Peter Brown's work, he exemplifies the role of the cult of Saints and relics and their contribution to development of medieval Europe among other concepts; while thriving in addressing modern ideas such as the “two-tiered” model that commonly misrepresents the true nature of the cult of saints.…

    • 1234 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The third book focuses its main point on a young knight named Lancelot who grows to be Authors greatest knight and best friend. Lancelot, who was hopelessly falling for Queen Guenever, sets out on a quest which ended with him being tricked into sleeping with a girl named Elaine. Guenever is jealous of Elaine, and her jealousy drives Lancelot insane leaving him to roam England as a wild man, ill-treated by everyone he meets. Elaine finds Lancelot and nurses him back to health. Lancelot leaves Camelot on two separate occasions to spend time with her and their son, Galahad. Meanwhile, Arthur’s kingdom begins to dwindle and he keeps his knights occupied by sending them to find the Holy Grail. Only three knights, Sir Bors, Sir Percival, and Sir Galahad, are pure enough to find the holy vessel. Lancelot returns a holy man and for a while his love for God makes him stay away from Guenever, but after he rescues her from a kidnapper, they begin their affair again. The destruction of Camelot becomes inevitable. Mordred, Arthur’s son, plots revenge against his father. Arthur is trapped into acknowledging the affair between Lancelot and Guenever, which forces Arthur to prosecute her. Lancelot rescues Guenever from being burned at the stake. Arthur and his armies lay siege to Lancelot’s castle. The pope sends an emissary to broker a truce, and Guenever returns to Arthur’s castle at…

    • 643 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    4. In chapter two fantasy, superstition, and/or the supernatural are introduced with magicians, dragons, beasts, etc. Specifically, there is a Questing Beast that King Pellinore is searching for.…

    • 1255 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    In concluding this paper, the question of Lancelot’s ascension upon death must be answered. Why does Lancelot ascend to heaven, when he lived a life deemed unworthy as a result of this guilt regarding adultery with Guinevere? Lancelot’s adultery led to the death of many of the knights of the round table, and ultimately the downfall of King Arthur’s reign. The answer to this question is found within Cherewatuk’s article “Malory’s Launcelot and the Language of Sin and Confession”. Lancelot is guilty of sin because of his adultery with Guinevere, but in his heart, he is the truest lover. Upon the death of Guinevere, Lancelot spends the rest of his days in repentance, while withering away. Lancelot understands that his true love for Guinevere has…

    • 283 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    SGGK

    • 930 Words
    • 3 Pages

    British literature is filled with puzzling, yet captivating stories set during the fictitious times of King Arthur of Camelot and his Knights of the Round Table. The medieval poem “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” is, unquestionably, included in this category. The poem gives an organic message through the connections between humanity and nature, portrayed in the mystical Green Man. The story seemed to depict many pagan and Christian symbols and they seem to be of high importance in the poem. There is a constant mention of God, the celebration of Christmas in Camelot and a knight trying to keep his vows which are similar to Christian beliefs. Other elements also play a role which can hint towards being either Christian or pagan:, the spring of holly in the Green Knight’s hand and even the pentangle in Gawain’s shield. Both Christian and pagan beliefs are ensnared in this poem and different elements which have a religious association might as well be a product of paganism.…

    • 930 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" is a satiric comedy about the quest of King Arthur. The movie starts out with Arthur, King of the Britons, looking for knights to sit with him at Camelot. He finds many knights including Sir Galahad the pure, Sir Lancelot the brave, the quiet Sir Bedevere, and Sir Robin the Not-Quite-So-Brave-as-Sir Lancelot. Through satire and parody of certain events in history (witch trials, the black plague) they find Camelot, but after literally a quick song and dance they decide that they do not want to go there. While walking away, God (who seems to be grumpy) come to them from a cloud and tells them to find the Holy Grail. They agree and begin their search. While they search for the Grail, scenes of the knight's tales appear and the reasons behind their names. Throughout their search, they meet interesting people and knights along the way. Most of the characters die; some through a killer rabbit (which they defeat with the holy hand grenade), others from not answering a question right from the bridge of Death, or die some other ridiculous way. In the end, King Arthur and Sir Bedevere are left and find the Castle Arrrghhh where the Holy Grail is. They are met by some French soldiers who taunted them earlier in the film and were not able to get into the castle. The movie ends with both King Arthur and Sir Bedevere being arrested for killing a real-life man who was a historian.…

    • 1249 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    Monty Python and the Holy Grail has been a comic success in the film industry for almost four decades. The main reason for its success is because the jokes have kept the audience laughing whether they watched it in 1975 or just saw the comedy for the first time yesterday. Monty Python and the Holy Grail would fall under two categories of comedy, a satire and a parody. In contemporary usage, a parody is a work that imitates another work in order to; ridicule, ironically comment on, or poke fun at the work itself; the subject of the work, the author or fictional voice of the parody, or another subject. Satire on the other hand is usually witty, and often very funny, although the primary purpose of satire is not humor but criticism of an individual or a group in a witty manner. There are many examples of parody and Satire throughout Monty Python and the Holy Grail. In fact, the whole movie itself is a parody. The movie focuses mainly on King Arthur and his knights’ ridiculous quest to find the Holy Grail and any aspect of society during that time in history is subject to parody as well. The film follows King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table in a chef’s salad of adventures, mainly the quest for the Holy Grail. Three medieval concepts that reoccur continuously in the movie are knighthood, chivalry, courtly love and the wheel of fortune. These motifs are more seriously depicted in the book Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and from tales in the book the Canterbury Tales.…

    • 1678 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    Tapestry Design Mythology

    • 760 Words
    • 4 Pages

    This captivating story proved popular in tapestry and was immortalised in the Holy Grail Series by William Morris. Entwined with angels, closed doors and an air of mystery the Holy Grail continues to capture the imagination of those who seek it. The knights and their quest in finding this mysterious and elusive piece is beautifully captured in exquisite detail and in the expressions of some of the characters depicted, and ensures Arthurian tales continue to thrill with the legend surrounding the Grail. It is a rich combination of valour, chivalry and a mysterious legend that remains unsolved to this…

    • 760 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    “Most of what you think you know about Camelot, Guinevere and Lancelot and the evil sorceress known as Morgan le Fay is nothing but lies.”1 For centuries, men and women across the globe have been enveloped in a tale, which, regrettably, is not true. King Arthur, or rather, Arthur Pendragon, was for many years accepted to be the mythical ruler of 5th and 6th century Britain. The tale of a boy who, at the young of age of fifteen, became the king of the Britons began in the 12th century and has since been altered to suit contemporary audiences’ expectations and desires. There have been occasions in history when the extent to which people have come…

    • 2549 Words
    • 11 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Good Essays

    An immense disparity can be noted when scrupulously comparing two different short stories dedicated to King Arthur. While both legends may contain information on the same character, they are created by different authors, therefore slightly altering certain traits and personalities. Throughout these stories contain moments of Arthur showing expressions of personalities which tends to contrast within the different tales. He will display traits representing himself as a conscientious, yet timid young man in one story, but is seen as a noble, brave king who isn’t afraid to show signs of aggression at times in another one. This enough presents contradicting information from the protagonist’s characteristics, as he originally was too kind hearted to ever argue or yell at his friends who will eventually become his knights. These tales will show many examples of contrasting personality changes from Arthur as one reads ahead.…

    • 322 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Through the modern eyes, history of Western civilization, from the fall of the Roman Empire to the Age of Discovery, is seen through Medieval literature. Ten centuries of history are noticed, involving individual products of heroic periods and their unique era of culture. Acknowledging Medieval literature illustrates a society of heroic knights, led by a luxurious king, charging into battle, romantic connections between royalty and a common person, and new discoveries being found. As well as times characterized by feudal activity, along with the Catholic Church holding an influencing control of society, and placing heavily on the laws they laid. The Church ruled simultaneously with the government, controlling every aspect of the Medieval hierarchy. The Church affected rituals and moral principles of the people, as well as write their own stories to enlist to their ideologies. Literature links with the delegated character of the Medieval past, such as the Arthurian legend, influencing the interpretation of the period. King Arthur is recognized as legendary king of Britain, whose central figure spreads abroad from British history to centuries of Western literary works. He is known for leading British soldiers against more powerful, invading Saxon armies. A product of Celtic mythology, he is subjected to have led Britons to a decisive victory at Mount Badon, killing 960 enemies in one charge (Ruud). Though, his kingship and throne to Camelot was subjected to Christian elements. From what is seen through Medieval history by literature, Christianity is relevant to the Arthurian legend. King Arthur is supported by an honorable accord of knights at his Round Table. Also, quest for the Holy Grail is signified in King Arthur’s story as the chalice from of which involves Christ. The love affair between Guinevere, his queen, and Lancelot, his beloved friend and champion knight, places biblical references to the Book of Genesis, as of the serpent in God’s garden.…

    • 1283 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Holy Grail Symbolism

    • 54 Words
    • 1 Page

    In order to give some definition and shape to the vast array of subjects Guénon wrote about, ranging from pure metaphysics to the symbolism of the Holy Grail, we have chosen to group selected excerpts of his writings under four headings: the Modern World, the Metaphysical World, the Hindu World, and the Traditional…

    • 54 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Be sure to create an arguable thesis, one which asserts your analysis and interpretation, and attempts to make some connection to the larger work as a whole. This essay should focus on the text as its primary source and should employ plenty of textual evidence from the text to support your ideas. While not the focus nor required, secondary sources may be consulted for this paper; however, the ideas and writing should be original, and the textual evidence should be from the allegory. Be sure, however, to include proper Works Consulted or Works Cited pages as necessary.…

    • 726 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Arthurian Legends Merlin

    • 885 Words
    • 4 Pages

    In the Arthurian legends Merlin is a key figure who not only guides and mentors Arthur, but also serves as a seer and a prophet to Arthur and the kingdom. Merlin views on life and humanity change over his lifetime, and change throughout time because of the views and preferences of that era and the factors that stress the people of that generation of literature. In “Merlin the Mad” written by Norris Lacy in the 21st century and Vita Merlini written by Geoffrey of Monmouth in the 12th century, Merlin is portrayed with great difference due to the time period of Merlin’s life that the stories are written around and how different stressors affect him and his mental state.…

    • 885 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Throughout Sir Thomas Malory’s epic romance, Le Morte D’Arthur, the Knights of the Round Table repeatedly find themselves pressured to behave in ways that are contradictory to their knightly code. The restrictive social structure of Camelot, along with the problematic nature of the Pentecostal Oath, produces a paradoxical environment where knights find themselves compromised by opposing obligations and expectations. The incompatibility of knightly and chivalric duties within Le Morte D’Arthur cause the Knights of the Round Table to manipulate their own identities through disguises as a way to free themselves from an unattainable standard of behavior, thus, when they struggle with the inherent discrepancies within their knightly code, the knights’…

    • 1729 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Better Essays