9.1 Malory's life and literary context
4 min read•august 6, 2024
, a 15th-century English writer, lived during the tumultuous Wars of the Roses. His life as a knight and prisoner influenced his masterpiece, , which blends Arthurian legends with contemporary themes of political instability and chivalric ideals.
Malory's work emerged from the chivalric tradition, popular in medieval Europe. Le Morte d'Arthur became a cornerstone of English literature, preserved through William Caxton's printing and the rediscovery of the Winchester Manuscript, shaping our understanding of Arthurian legends.
Malory's Life and Times
Sir Thomas Malory's Biography
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- Sir Thomas Malory was a 15th-century English writer best known for his work Le Morte d'Arthur, a compilation of Arthurian legends
- Malory was born around 1415 to a gentry family in Warwickshire, England
- He served as a Member of Parliament and a justice of the peace, but also had a turbulent life, spending time in prison for various crimes (assault, theft, rape)
- Despite his criminal record, Malory was a knight and landowner, reflecting the complex social dynamics of the time
Political and Social Upheaval in Fifteenth-Century England
- The Wars of the Roses (1455-1487) was a series of civil wars fought between rival branches of the royal House of Plantagenet: the House of Lancaster and the House of York
- This conflict was characterized by a struggle for the throne, shifting alliances among the nobility, and significant loss of life and property
- The wars ended with the victory of Henry Tudor (Henry VII) in 1485, establishing the Tudor dynasty
- Fifteenth-century England was a time of great social, political, and economic change, with the decline of feudalism, the rise of the merchant class, and the increasing centralization of power under the monarchy
Influence of Contemporary Events on Malory's Writing
- Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur reflects the chivalric ideals and values of the time, such as loyalty, honor, and
- The work also explores themes of political instability, betrayal, and the decline of the Arthurian world, which can be seen as an for the turmoil of 15th-century England
- Malory's own experiences as a knight and his involvement in the Wars of the Roses likely influenced his portrayal of the Arthurian legends and the themes he chose to emphasize
Literary Context
Chivalric Romance Tradition
- Chivalric romances were a popular literary genre in medieval Europe, featuring stories of knights, ladies, and courtly love
- These tales often centered around the legendary King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, as well as other heroic figures like Charlemagne and Alexander the Great
- Chivalric romances emphasized the ideals of , including bravery, loyalty, honor, and the pursuit of love and adventure
- Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur is a seminal work in the English chivalric romance tradition, drawing on earlier French and English sources (Chrétien de Troyes, the Vulgate Cycle) to create a comprehensive retelling of the Arthurian legends
Medieval Manuscript Culture and Literacy
- In the Middle Ages, books were handwritten manuscripts, often produced in monasteries or commissioned by wealthy patrons
- Literacy was largely limited to the clergy and the nobility, with most people relying on oral traditions and public performances for their knowledge of stories and legends
- The production of manuscripts was a time-consuming and expensive process, involving the preparation of parchment, the copying of texts by scribes, and the decoration of pages with illuminations and marginalia
- The transition from to print culture, marked by the invention of the printing press in the 15th century, had a profound impact on the dissemination and preservation of literary works, including Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur
Publication and Preservation
William Caxton and the Printing Press
- William Caxton was an English merchant, diplomat, and writer who introduced the printing press to England in 1476
- Caxton printed the first edition of Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur in 1485, making it one of the earliest printed books in English
- The printing press revolutionized the production and distribution of books, allowing for faster, cheaper, and more widespread dissemination of texts
- Caxton's edition of Le Morte d'Arthur played a crucial role in popularizing the Arthurian legends and establishing Malory's version as the definitive English account
The Winchester Manuscript
- The Winchester Manuscript is the earliest surviving copy of Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur, dating back to around 1469-1470
- Discovered in 1934 at Winchester College, this manuscript predates Caxton's printed edition and contains some significant differences in content and structure
- The Winchester Manuscript is believed to be closer to Malory's original text, providing valuable insights into his writing process and the development of the Arthurian legends
- The manuscript's survival and rediscovery highlight the importance of preserving medieval texts and the ongoing scholarly interest in Malory's work and the Arthurian tradition
Key Terms to Review (20)
15th century literature: 15th century literature refers to the body of written works produced during the 1400s, a pivotal time in European history that saw the transition from medieval to early modern thought. This era is characterized by the emergence of humanism, the rise of the vernacular in literary expression, and significant advancements in printing technology, which collectively contributed to the spread of ideas and texts. Key figures, including Sir Thomas Malory, contributed to a rich literary culture that reflected the changing social, political, and cultural landscapes of the time.
Allegory: Allegory is a literary device where characters, events, and details symbolize deeper meanings, often conveying moral, spiritual, or political messages. It allows authors to express complex ideas through symbolic representation, making it a powerful tool in literature that can reflect historical and cultural contexts, major literary trends, and themes.
Arthurian legend: Arthurian legend encompasses the body of stories and medieval romances centering on King Arthur, his knights of the Round Table, and the quest for the Holy Grail. These legends explore themes of chivalry, heroism, and moral quests, often reflecting societal values of loyalty and honor during the medieval period.
Chivalry: Chivalry refers to the medieval knightly system with its moral, social, and religious codes, emphasizing virtues like bravery, honor, and respect for women. This code was integral to the ideals portrayed in literature, influencing narratives about heroism and courtly behavior.
Courtly love: Courtly love is a medieval European literary conception of love that emphasizes chivalry, admiration, and the idealization of the beloved, often expressed in a socially acceptable manner. This theme became central in literature and influenced many narratives, especially within the context of romantic relationships and the dynamics of knighthood.
Epic: An epic is a lengthy narrative poem that typically recounts the adventures and heroic deeds of a legendary or historical figure, often reflecting the values and ideals of the culture from which it originates. In literature, epics are characterized by grand themes, elevated language, and often include supernatural elements, making them significant in shaping cultural identity and storytelling traditions.
Geoffrey Chaucer: Geoffrey Chaucer was an English poet and author, widely regarded as the Father of English literature, who lived during the late 14th century. His works reflect the historical and cultural context of the Middle Ages, showcasing the development of the Middle English language and influencing various literary trends and genres of his time.
Imprisonment: Imprisonment refers to the act of being confined or restricted, often by legal authority, within a physical space such as a prison. In literature, especially during the Middle Ages, it symbolizes not just physical confinement but also emotional and psychological captivity, reflecting characters' struggles against fate and societal norms. This theme is prevalent in works that explore concepts of chivalry, honor, and the human condition, showing how imprisonment can serve as a metaphor for internal conflicts and moral dilemmas.
Knighthood: Knighthood refers to the status and social class of a knight, who was a mounted and armored soldier serving a lord during the medieval period. This term encompasses the chivalric ideals associated with knights, including bravery, honor, and loyalty, which were important in shaping the moral and ethical conduct expected of these warriors in their service to their liege lords and society.
Layamon's Brut: Layamon's Brut is a Middle English epic poem composed in the early 13th century by the poet Layamon. It serves as a retelling of the legendary history of Britain, particularly focusing on the figure of King Arthur and the rise and fall of various British kings, blending history and mythology to create a foundational text for English literature.
Le Morte d'Arthur: Le Morte d'Arthur is a Middle English prose work written by Sir Thomas Malory, chronicling the legendary stories of King Arthur, his knights, and the quest for the Holy Grail. This work is pivotal in shaping Arthurian legend, showcasing key themes of chivalry, loyalty, and the tragic fall of Camelot while also representing significant literary trends of the time.
Manuscript culture: Manuscript culture refers to the practice of creating, copying, and using written documents before the invention of the printing press, emphasizing the importance of hand-written texts in preserving and transmitting knowledge. This culture was crucial in shaping literacy, literature, and historical narratives in societies, particularly during the medieval period.
Middle English Period: The Middle English Period is a phase in the history of the English language that spans from approximately 1150 to 1500. It marks a significant transition in language, literature, and culture, as Old English evolved into a more recognizable form that incorporated elements from Norman French and Latin, reflecting the societal changes of the time. This period produced notable literary works and authors, particularly Geoffrey Chaucer, who helped shape the direction of English literature.
Political strife: 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.
Romance: Romance refers to a literary genre that emphasizes adventure, chivalry, love, and the heroic deeds of noble characters, often set against a backdrop of fantastical or idealized settings. This genre flourished in Middle English literature, reflecting societal values and cultural ideals during the period, particularly through tales of knights and their quests.
Scribe: A scribe is a person who writes down or copies texts, often by hand, particularly in historical contexts where printing was not yet available. They played a crucial role in preserving literature, legal documents, and religious texts throughout history, ensuring that knowledge was transmitted across generations.
Sir Thomas Malory: Sir Thomas Malory was a 15th-century English writer known for his seminal work 'Le Morte d'Arthur,' which is a comprehensive retelling of the Arthurian legends. His writing captures the chivalric ideals of the time and is considered one of the most important texts in Middle English literature, greatly influencing the portrayal of King Arthur and his knights.
Symbolism: Symbolism is a literary device where symbols are used to represent larger ideas or concepts, giving deeper meaning to the text. This technique allows writers to convey complex themes and emotions through tangible images, characters, or events, enhancing the reader's understanding and engagement with the narrative.
The Book of Sir Tristram de Lyones: The Book of Sir Tristram de Lyones is a romance narrative that recounts the legendary adventures of Tristram, a knight of the Round Table, and his ill-fated love for Isolde. This tale is significant within the larger framework of Arthurian literature and showcases themes of chivalry, love, and betrayal that resonate throughout Malory's works.
Wace's Roman de Brut: Wace's Roman de Brut is a 12th-century epic poem that retells the history of Britain, focusing on the legendary King Arthur and his knights. Written in Old Norman, it played a crucial role in shaping the Arthurian legend and influencing later works, including those by Sir Thomas Malory. This narrative not only provided a foundational text for medieval literature but also reflects the cultural and historical context of its time.