Brotherhood

Definition

Brotherhood refers to the bond and sense of camaraderie shared among individuals, often transcending familial ties, characterized by loyalty, support, and shared experiences. In the context of Le Morte d'Arthur, brotherhood manifests as the ideal of chivalric unity among Arthur's knights, emphasizing loyalty to one another and the king, creating a strong sense of community that is integral to their quests and identities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of brotherhood in Le Morte d'Arthur is closely tied to the ideals of chivalry and the knightly code, highlighting values like loyalty and valor.
2. Arthur's knights are often portrayed as brothers in arms, facing challenges together and supporting one another in their quests for glory.
3. Brotherhood is tested throughout the narrative, revealing how personal conflicts, such as love and jealousy, can threaten unity among the knights.
4. The Round Table symbolizes equality and fraternity among the knights, where they gather as equals rather than as a hierarchy.
5. The ultimate betrayal of brotherhood occurs in the story with Mordred's treachery against King Arthur, leading to the downfall of Camelot.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of brotherhood influence the relationships between King Arthur and his knights?
  • Brotherhood plays a crucial role in shaping the relationships between King Arthur and his knights by fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. This bond is evident in their commitment to support one another in battles and quests. It creates a strong emotional connection that enhances their loyalty to Arthur, reinforcing the ideals of chivalry that govern their actions as knights.
• In what ways does brotherhood serve as a theme throughout Le Morte d'Arthur, especially during times of conflict?
  • Brotherhood emerges as a central theme throughout Le Morte d'Arthur, particularly during conflicts that challenge the knights’ loyalty to each other. Instances of betrayal, such as Lancelot's affair with Guinevere or Mordred's rebellion against Arthur, highlight how fragile this bond can be. These moments demonstrate that while brotherhood is an essential strength for the knights, it is also susceptible to personal desires and rivalries that can lead to disunity.
• Evaluate how Malory portrays the tension between individual desires and collective brotherhood among Arthur’s knights.
  • Malory illustrates the tension between individual desires and collective brotherhood through various character arcs in Le Morte d'Arthur. Characters like Lancelot struggle with personal passions that conflict with their duty to brotherhood, leading to dire consequences for both themselves and Camelot. This portrayal emphasizes the complexity of human emotions within a framework of loyalty; it raises questions about whether true brotherhood can exist in the face of personal ambition, ultimately suggesting that while brotherhood is noble, it can be undermined by human flaws.

Related terms

Chivalry: A code of conduct associated with the medieval institution of knighthood, emphasizing virtues such as bravery, honor, and respect for women.

Knighthood: The status or rank of a knight, which is often associated with certain privileges, responsibilities, and a commitment to serve others.

Loyalty: A strong feeling of support or allegiance to someone or something, often central to the relationships between Arthur and his knights.