Chapter 37

Summary and Notes

Sir Bors consents to fight for the Queen, even though he is a misogynist. Preparations are made for the joust to defend her honor.

At the last minute Lancelot rescues the pitiful Queen and fights Sir Mador.

The author changes the subject abruptly in this chapter from the excitement of the knight riding in to save his lady to a discussion of LancelotÂ’s theology. God is a real person for Lancelot, White writes; thus his conflict between the Queen and God is really like an infidelity in a love affair. Either choice for him is cheating on a real person. Both God and Guenever have real needs that he fulfills for them, and he feels neglectful towards God when heÂ’s with the Queen and towards the Queen when heÂ’s with God. Therefore, itÂ’s necessary to go back and forth - to vacillate - between the two.

Lancelot handily beats Sir Mador - knocks him to the ground - and Sir Mador retracts his accusation of treason. Lancelot has mercy on him after Sir Mador promises not to write anything about the poisoned apple on Sir PatrickÂ’s grave. Lancelot takes off his helm and Arthur and Guenever both feel a swelling of love towards the knight, and the Queen bursts into tears.

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