English 2610

Whom does Malory portray most favorably in "The Poison Apple," Lancelot, Guinevere, or Arthur? Who comes across in the most negative light? Explain using examples.

This story of King Arthur, Guinevere and Lancelot is told in so many different ways. The different versions that I've seen haven't portrayed one person as being horrible. One example is the move, First Knight. Just like the movie, after reading "The Poison Apple," Lancelot, in the end, was a hero and loved by all. In my opinion however, he comes across in the most negative light. He's not only having an affair, but he's being unfaithful in his affair with Guinevere. Guinevere definitely takes second place for the most rotten character of the three. She sends Lancelot away for the wrong reason. She should be sending him away because she wants to make things right with King Arthur and her marriage, not because Lancelot is just as rotten as she is.

King Arthur is by far the gem among these three characters. He's been betrayed by both Guinevere and Lancelot and he still shows respect for them both. He never gets revenge or finds some other woman to get hot with. He trusts their words to only get betrayed once again. Though there is nothing negative said about Arthur through out this story, there isn't much said about him at all.