Speaker: Kalyn Prince, Abilene Christian U
“Lancelot: A Man After David’s Own Heart”
written at time of Crusades
Lancelot = David (not Christ)
During this time, Christian story dominated
Vulgate’s cycle’s rhetorical situation is search for the holy grail.
Romance may have been intended to be a cautionary tale to note that the French court should look to David’s and Lancelot’s kingdoms and see disasters to avoid.
Authors unknown
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Context of cycle most important.
Cycle = cautionary tale of government control
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Authors may have used the Vulgate Cycle to argue about what the government was doing.
Lancelot = noblest knight
David = “man after God’s own heart” (I Sam. 13:14)
Both were better than the man selected by God to rule: Arthur, Saul.
Lancelot and David are constantly out in the world making a difference.
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Lancelot does not succeed at Holy Grail, but his son Galahad does.
David cannot build temple, but Solomon can.
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Similarities between David and Lancelot AND Philip II.
Seemed to receive from God, have holy mission.
Dominions were expanded and lived in Golden Times.
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from CCTE 2016 Literature 5 Biblical Themes