Fellowship

Definition

Fellowship refers to a deep sense of camaraderie, loyalty, and shared purpose among individuals, often emphasizing mutual support and collaboration. In the context of literature, particularly in the Arthurian tradition, it highlights the bonds between knights and their commitment to each other and their shared values, such as honor and chivalry. This theme of fellowship is central to understanding character dynamics and moral lessons within these narratives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fellowship is crucial in establishing the bond between King Arthur and his knights at the Round Table, reinforcing their unity and collective identity.
2. In 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight', Gawain's journey highlights both the strengths and vulnerabilities of fellowship as he seeks honor for himself and his fellow knights.
3. The concept of fellowship often serves as a counterpoint to individualism in Arthurian stories, showcasing how personal honor is intertwined with communal responsibilities.
4. Fellowship can lead to conflicts as characters must navigate personal desires versus loyalty to their comrades, revealing complex moral dilemmas.
5. Literary representations of fellowship often critique or celebrate the ideals of loyalty and honor within the framework of societal expectations during the Middle Ages.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of fellowship influence character relationships in Arthurian literature?
  • Fellowship significantly shapes character relationships by establishing a strong bond among knights based on shared values like loyalty and honor. For instance, King Arthur's creation of the Round Table symbolizes equality among his knights, fostering a spirit of cooperation. This camaraderie often drives plot developments and character motivations, illustrating how individual actions impact the group dynamic within these stories.
• In what ways does 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight' use the theme of fellowship to explore moral challenges faced by its characters?
  • 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight' intricately weaves the theme of fellowship into Gawain's quest for honor, highlighting how his sense of duty towards King Arthur influences his decisions. As Gawain faces challenges that test his loyalty and courage, readers see how fellowship complicates personal ethics. Gawain’s experiences illustrate that maintaining one’s integrity while honoring commitments to others is a profound moral struggle.
• Evaluate how fellowship in Arthurian legends reflects societal values of the Middle Ages and its impact on individual behavior.
  • Fellowship in Arthurian legends serves as a mirror to the societal values of the Middle Ages, emphasizing loyalty, bravery, and communal identity over individual ambition. These stories show how knights are expected to prioritize their allegiance to one another and their king above personal desires. The pressure to conform to these ideals can lead characters to make sacrifices or engage in acts of heroism that define their legacy within their communities, thus reinforcing collective values through individual narratives.

Related terms

Chivalry: The medieval knightly system that emphasized virtues such as bravery, courtesy, honor, and great respect towards women.

Knighthood: The status of being a knight, often associated with the ideals of service to one's lord, martial prowess, and adherence to the code of chivalry.

Brotherhood: A close association among individuals who share a common interest or goal, often emphasizing loyalty and mutual support.