De Troyes: Launcelot's Madness

In the Malory text, the reader learns that Launcelot has a period of time where he "goes mad." This section of the book is confined to a single story, just as most of Malory's writings seem to be sections of anecdotes that may or may not connect to a larger plot. In the De Troyes writing, however, it seems that he more subtly weaves in details like Launcelot's madness. For example, on 216, De Troyes writes, "His thoughts were so deep that he forgot who he was; he was uncertain whether or not he truly existed; he was unable to reveal his own name; he did not know if he were armed or not, nor where he was going nor whence he came."(De Troyes 216). In Malory's text, Launcelot goes mad seemingly with the flip of a switch. Malory does not elaborate, as De Troyes does, on how Launcelot is feeling during his many separations from the Queen. In Malory's version, Launcelot seems much more unaffected by the Queen, save for his brief stint of insanity. He goes on adventures throughout the kingdom often, and although the pair seem to be happy to be reunited every once in a while, Malory does not provide the internal dialogue of Launcelot while he apart from the Queen, as De Troyes does. The De Troyes version of The Knight of the Cart insinuates that Launcelot is mad with grief over his separation from the Queen, and Launcelot almost makes a fatal mistake because of it when he is trying to cross the ford. The Launcelot portrayed by De Troyes is more contemplative and flawed than the one portrayed by Malory, because he has more human feelings (it seems) for the Queen, as he laments her being in danger and feels so unlike himself that he puts himself in mortal danger because of it.