courtly love in King Arthur
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Courtly love was a concept that was used in King Arthur's time. During that time courtly love usually lasted for a long time and involved the pursuit of a married individual. Sir Lancelot and Queen Guinevere's relationship is the perfect example of courtly love. The Queen was pursued by Sir Lancelot up until the time of her death.
The way that courtly love worked was stated when Malory wrote, "And whether they were abed or at other manner of disports, me list not thereof make no mention, for love that time was not as love is nowadays" (236). Malory was simply saying that in that time people were not always married because of love. Therefore this unhappy person would find love with someone else even though they were married. The idea of courtly love was not just about the physical love it also involved celestial love. Sir Lancelot shows his love for the Queen when promises to rescue her from death, he states; "Madam, now wit you well, all our true love is brought to an end, for now will King Arthur ever be my foe. And therefore, Madam, and it like you that I may have you with me, I shall save you from all manner adventurous dangers" (239)...