Honor or Stupidity?

What does it mean to be honorable? Knights are expected to flow a code of conduct, not just amongst themselves, but in every aspect of their lives. Throughout this story, Lancelot has to push aside the rules of honor of his love, Guinevere. These rules work in correlation with his personal desires.


Lancelot’s love for Guinevere is genuine, but it causes him to make some pretty stupid decisions, that could be looked down upon for an honorable knight.  In his first encounter with Melegant, Lancelot, “began to defend himself from behind his back so he would not have to turn or divert his face from her,” I mean he’s so freaking honorable that he can’t even take his eyes off of his beloved to defend himself? I think that speaks to his character, and shows what it means to be a knight (even if it is foolish).


I don’t think rational thought could be possible with love like Lancelot’s and Guinevere’s. Because he loves her so much, he is forced to do some things he wouldn’t normally do. His only thoughts are of the queen, and the only rationality he finds he can abide is so he can continue to see the queen. This also reminds me of the ridiculous courtly rules; adultery is bad, but not if the two involved are in love? Does that still make him honorable?


Love pretty much conquers everything in this story, which to some, could be considered honorable. But, to me it’s stupid. I can’t justify the actions of this dude.