True Lovers and Adulterous Queens

Abstract

Guinevere’s management of Mellyagaunt displays her attempt to prevent scandal and damage to Lancelot’s reputation as well as her own, and it is her resolve in her final words to Lancelot that ensures his spiritual repair. Isode’s development into a more vocal woman by the end of the tale reflects Tristram’s failure as a knight or lover, since he needs her chiding to spur him on to do admirable deeds. In the earlier part of the text, Isode does not criticise Tristram, even when he marries another woman. Malory positions her as a role model for the knights to emulate.