2017-10-RussKeck

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10-1-2017

Abstract

READ poster featured: Russell Keck, English
Book selected: Le Morte d'Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory
Date poster was featured: October 2017

Comments by Russell Keck about the book: Malory's work, in essence a compendium of Arthurian legends, has long been a favorite of mine ever since I first laid hold of its pages. Since my childhood, I was, as many still are, familiar with the narrative of Camelot, King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, Merlin, Lancelot and the Knights of the Round Table. However, reading Malory, who provided the definitive versions of these legends in (Middle) English, brought more depth to the characters and more richness to the world than I had encountered ever before. In Malory, these characters become more than mere legends: they mature through and are defined by their actions; they change and are changed by the world they inhabit. Though lengthy even in its day, Malory's Morte d'Arthur is gripping, particularly in its closing section for which the entire work was named. It is full of grand adventures with a dizzying number of plot twists; massive battles and tournaments overflowing with sweat and blood; passionate love affairs that will leave every reader heartbroken; political intrigue more outrageous than what is shown on the news; and profound considerations of faith and religion. Malory guides his reader from the soaring heights of heroic literature to the deep pathos of classical tragedy. It is indeed a very satisfying experience to read about these mighty characters and their wondrous world. Malory took on the monumental task of interconnecting the many stories set in the Arthurian world--key stories like Arthur's pulling the sword from the stone, his rise to power through the aid of Merlin, his marriage to Guinevere, his defeat of the Roman Emperor, and his war with the usurper Mordred, as well as stories centering on other characters like Gawain and his hunt for the mythical white hart, Tristan and his disastrous relationship with Isolde, Galahad and the Quest for the Holy Grail. Each of these had evolved over centuries in various parts of the British Isles and throughout the continent of Europe. That Malory mostly succeeds in a establishing sense of continuity, from Arthur's birth to his death, showcases his storytelling prowess. His work, of course, helped spark the Victorian fascination with all things Arthurian, as evinced in the beautiful artwork of John William Waterhouse and the sonorous verse of Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Malory's work is also the basis for T. H. White's renowned fantasy novel, The Once and Future King, which has been a chief delight for many young readers. Movies from the era of silent film to the special effects driven blockbusters of today also attest to the imprint Malory's work has had on our culture--one needs look no further than the recent King Arthur film from this year. Moreover, the Arthurian legend was a prime source of inspiration (swords of light and all) for George Lucas's science fiction saga Star Wars. Still, nothing beats the original. This is why I shall continue to return to Malory as often as I am able.

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