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Femininity in Sir Launfal - College Term Papers

Femininity in Sir Launfal

In Thomas Chestre’s Sir Launfal, femininity is unmistakeable. One of the most important elements of femininity in the story is established by the emphasis on good and bad female conduct. In this passage, two women separately exemplify both behaviours. Tyramour represents the idea of good femininity, while Guenevere is unfortunately identified as a woman of bad femininity. These classifications of the two characters are developed by their personalities, their physical appearances, and their relationships with others. It is important to realize the standards that Tyramour and Guenevere are illustrations of in this story.
One effective way that femininity is achieved is through a woman’s ...

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(Chestre 301-06). Tyramour’s generosity to Launfal is outstanding. Not only does she care for him, and rescue him from the poverty that he has been living in, but she also compassionately defends Launfal when he is facing death. Tyramour speaks on behalf of Launfal to clear his name against Guenevere’s accusations. She proclaims that “[h]e bad naght [Guenevere], but sche bad hym” (Chestre 998). With these qualities of true selflessness, Tyramour represents the ideal of good femininity.
Guenevere is the opposite image in this situation. Instead of being kind-hearted towards Launfal, she wishes failure upon him. She reveals in the story that “sche wold wyth all her might / That he hadde be bothe day and nyght / In paynys mor and more” (Chestre 178-180). She cares for nobody but herself. Her egoism continues when she confidently approaches Launfal, not expecting that he would sexually refuse her. Angry and embarrassed, she condemns him to death, based on her narcissistic pride. ...

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 3/27/2011 12:59:17 PM
Submitted By: alicias
Category: English
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 1061
Pages: 4

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