Malory: When Is Chastity Important?

The question of chastity was one that kept popping into my mind as I was reading these sections. Malory has introduced us to a number of the knight's adventures in which chastity is supremely important or a central theme to the tale. In the section "Launcelot and Elaine," the reader gains even more insight into the complex idea of chastity. As we have read in other sections, chastity in King Arthur's time was not necessarily the same as we would think of it today. While it does apply to women and largely involve them, men are not exempt from being scrutinized for their lack of virtue, as we see in the section when the knights are searching for the Holy Grail--only the most chaste knights, who have not committed a "sin of the flesh" can be successful on the quest. The plot with Elaine is extremely interesting in regards to chastity because she is very open about her wish to trick Launcelot into sleeping with her. She even reveals the plot to her father, who doesn't seem to be bothered by it. This makes clear the fact that adultery is not often perceived as a sin; more often, it is seen as serving a larger, more important purpose, such as the conception of Galahad. For example, on 338, when Launcelot discovers Elaine's trick, Elaine says, "'Sir, as you are of royal blood, I pray you have mercy upon me! Also upon your own child who is now nourished in my womb, and who, it is prophesied, will become a knight without peer in any country or age.'" Just two lines down, Sir Launcelot forgives Elaine, and Malory writes, "Sir Launcelot took her in his arms and kissed her. Elaine was not only of royal blood, but young, beautiful, and clever." (Malory 338). Clearly, the conception of Galahad overshadows Elaine's trickery, if only for the time being, as we know that it will soon cause greater problems with Queen Qwenevere. Still, Launcelot's ties to Qwenvere are unchaste as well, which creates even more questions upon the roles chastity in Malory's text.