365 Day Project: Day 83

A Queen Pleads

William Morris (1834–1896)

[Vol. 42, pp. 1183-1193 of The Harvard Classics]

Today’s reading is from William Morris’ Defence of Guenevere.

The poem is a fascinating look at the relationships between men and women in the Middle Ages. It also paints a picture of the power struggles within the court of King Arthur. If you are interested in medieval literature, or in the Arthurian legend, then Defence of Guenevere is definitely worth reading.

In the following quote, we find Queen Guenevere defending herself and going on a full counterattack against her prosecutor, Gauwaine.

“Nevertheless you, O Sir Gauwaine, lie,

Whatever may have happened through these years,

God knows I speak truth, saying that you lie.”

Her voice was low at first, being full of tears,

But as it cleared, it grew full loud and shrill,

Growing a windy shriek in all men’s ears,

A ringing in their startled brains,

until She said that Gauwaine lied, then her voice sunk,

And her great eyes began again to fill,

Though still she stood right up, and never shrunk,

But spoke on bravely, glorious lady fair!

As I am finding with very popular classic literature often adapted for the enjoyment of children, a return to the source material is necessary to understand the author’s genuine work. Morris’ regard for Guenevere and what she represents is obvious; despite her flaws and mistakes, she is brave in calling out the blatant dishonesty of a highly ranked knight in Arthur’s court, at significant risk to herself.

Matt

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Resources

Kindle version of The Harvard Classics ($1.99):?https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089K4RP1F/