The Death of King Arthur and the Waning of the Feudal Age
R. Howard Bloch
“The Death of King Arthur and the Waning Feudal Age” contains a discussion La Mort Artu in terms rapidly changing social philosophical ethos thirteenth century France. Although Arthur's kingdom is, politically speaking, model feudal world, its values institutions—the judicial duel, entrapment flugrunte delicto , system vendetta private war—no longer function to insure unity realm. More importantly, crisis that besets Logres extends basic pattern organization, vassalage, notion state. Mordret's manipulation fealty for personal gain points fatal flaw within as whole: barons can only relate ultimate source power, Arthur, through individuals like Mordret; their singular position vertical hierarchy command gives them sovereignty over lower echelons. In short, collapse Arthurian kingship is direct result Gauvain's unawareness inability make crucial distinctions between state‐right kin‐right, public loyalties policies: categories are becoming increasingly important with reconstitution Capetian monarchy revival Aristotelian notions Only Lancelot able distinguish clannish interest from general interest; because he willing sacrifice both Guinevere right his family avenge death sake common good stands new type individual world. He seems much closer citizen modern state than subject monarchy. on other hand, represents old king at end reign. His fatigue, blindness madness reflect, two centuries after beginning feudalism France, weariness
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