Political strife

Definition

Political strife refers to intense conflict and discord within a political system or between different political factions, often leading to instability and unrest. This term captures the struggles for power, authority, and influence that can result in wars, revolutions, or significant changes in governance. In literature, particularly during the times of Malory, such strife often reflects broader societal tensions and can impact narrative themes and character motivations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Malory's life was marked by significant political strife during the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars for control of the English throne.
2. His works often reflect the complexities of loyalty and betrayal amid political upheaval, highlighting how personal choices are influenced by broader conflicts.
3. Political strife in Malory's time also involved issues such as feudal allegiances and rivalries between noble houses, which shaped the landscape of power.
4. The concept of chivalry in Malory's writings is often examined in relation to political strife, showcasing how knights navigate conflicts while adhering to their codes of honor.
5. Malory himself was imprisoned multiple times due to his involvement in various political struggles, providing a direct link between his life experiences and the themes present in his literary works.

Review Questions

• How did political strife during Malory's lifetime influence the themes present in his literary works?
  • Political strife during Malory's lifetime played a crucial role in shaping the themes found in his works. The backdrop of the Wars of the Roses created a landscape filled with conflict and shifting loyalties that he reflected in stories about loyalty, betrayal, and honor. Characters often find themselves navigating personal relationships against a backdrop of larger political tensions, making the exploration of human motivations more complex.
• Discuss the impact of feudalism on the nature of political strife as depicted in Malory's writings.
  • Feudalism significantly influenced the nature of political strife depicted in Malory's writings by establishing a hierarchical structure where loyalty and land ownership dictated relationships. This system meant that nobles were often embroiled in conflicts over territory and allegiance, which is prominently featured in Malory’s tales. The conflicts among different noble houses illustrate how feudal obligations could lead to larger-scale wars and divisions within society.
• Evaluate how Malory’s experiences with political strife inform our understanding of his portrayal of characters in 'Le Morte d'Arthur'.
  • Malory’s own experiences with political strife, including his imprisonments and involvement in power struggles, provide a unique lens through which we can evaluate his portrayal of characters in 'Le Morte d'Arthur'. Characters like Arthur and Lancelot grapple with themes of loyalty amidst betrayal and moral dilemmas influenced by external conflicts. This reflection not only adds depth to their motivations but also aligns their narratives with Malory's real-life challenges, emphasizing the interplay between individual choices and societal turmoil.

Related terms

Civil War: A war between groups within the same country or state, typically over issues like governance, territory, or social change.

Feudalism: A social and economic system prevalent in medieval Europe that structured society around relationships derived from the holding of land in exchange for service or labor.

Dynastic Conflict: A struggle for power among members of a ruling family, often leading to civil war or political instability as factions vie for control of the throne.