Select one film adaptation of the tale of King Arthur and compose an essay in which you analyze the interpretation of various aspects of Malory’s work. You may choose to analyze characterization and interpretation, theme variances, symbolism interpretations and the like. If you have a film in mind that isn’t on the list below, talk to me about it.
You have to find and watch the film on your own (unless it’s the one I show in class).
The essay must be at least two full double-spaced pages in MLa style.
The Movie List
Knights of the Round Table (1953)
Sword in the Stone (1963)
Camelot (1967)
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Excalibur (1981)
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
The Fisher King (1991)
First Knight (1995)
The Mists of Avalon (2001)
King Arthur (2004)
Shrek the Third (2007)
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)
Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)
The Green Knight (2021)
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Title: The Interpretation of Malory’s Work in the Film Adaptation of “Excalibur” (1981)
Introduction:
The legend of King Arthur has captivated audiences for centuries, with its tales of chivalry, honor, and the quest for the Holy Grail. One film adaptation that stands out in its interpretation of various aspects of Malory’s work is “Excalibur” (1981), directed by John Boorman. This essay will delve into the characterization, thematic variances, and symbolic interpretations presented in the film, showcasing how “Excalibur” successfully captures the essence of Malory’s work.
Characterization and Interpretation:
“Excalibur” presents a unique interpretation of the characters from Malory’s work, providing a fresh perspective on their motivations and interactions. The film portrays King Arthur as a flawed yet noble leader, torn between his duties as a king and his personal desires. Nigel Terry’s portrayal of Arthur showcases his vulnerability and internal struggles, humanizing the legendary figure.
Similarly, the character of Merlin is portrayed as a mysterious and enigmatic figure, emphasizing his magical abilities and wisdom. Nicol Williamson’s performance adds depth to Merlin’s character, capturing his complex personality and the pivotal role he plays in guiding Arthur’s destiny.
The film also explores the relationship between Lancelot and Guinevere, presenting a passionate yet forbidden love affair that challenges the ideals of chivalry. The performances by Nicholas Clay and Cherie Lunghi bring out the emotional turmoil and conflict faced by these characters, adding a layer of complexity to their roles.
Theme Variances:
While “Excalibur” remains true to the core themes present in Malory’s work, it introduces some variances that enhance the narrative. The film emphasizes the duality of power and corruption, showcasing how the quest for the Holy Grail serves as a test of character for Arthur and his knights. The theme of destiny is also prevalent throughout the film, highlighting Arthur’s journey towards fulfilling his role as the Once and Future King.
Symbolism Interpretations:
Symbolism plays a significant role in “Excalibur,” allowing for deeper interpretations of Malory’s work. The sword Excalibur itself serves as a symbol of power, representing Arthur’s rightful claim to the throne and his divine destiny. The image of the sword emerging from the lake, wielded by an unsuspecting Arthur, symbolizes his divine right to rule.
The Lady of the Lake, portrayed by an ethereal and mystical Helen Mirren, represents the embodiment of magic and guidance. Her presence throughout the film signifies the mystical forces at work behind Arthur’s rise to power.
Furthermore, the iconic Round Table symbolizes equality and unity among Arthur’s knights. This symbol represents their shared purpose and commitment to uphold justice and protect the realm. The fragmentation of the Round Table towards the end of the film represents the disintegration of Arthur’s kingdom and the loss of unity among his knights.
Conclusion:
“Excalibur” (1981) successfully captures various aspects of Malory’s work through its characterization, thematic variances, and symbolic interpretations. The film presents a compelling portrayal of King Arthur, his knights, and their quest for honor and righteousness. By delving into the complexities of these characters and incorporating rich symbolism, “Excalibur” remains a standout adaptation that pays homage to Malory’s timeless legend.
