The Story of the Grail pt. 2

After reading the second part of this story I feel even more confused about the story. I already knew that the story was never finished, but I feel like there are many loose ends to the story. One of my biggest concerns is why Perceval travel the country side for 5 years and never went back to Blanchflor. He seemed so mesmerized by her, especially when he sees the blood in the snow. During the 5 years of his travels is he looking for the Fisher Kings castle in order to find the grail? I feel like he was. I just feel lost in the story. The last pages before the continuations didn’t seem to follow in a story line. I also don’t think I understand the significance of finding the religious hermit in the woods. Then the story goes back to Gawain. I also don’t understand how Gawain fits into the story.

 

The repetition of the colors white and red are obvious in the story. The blood on the snow, and then more references of Jesus on the cross. Which evoke blood on bare white skin. The blood on the tip of the lance at the Fisher King’s is brought up again too. These colors represent the good vs. evil aspect, that is shown again and again.

 

I just don’t see a moral to the story or any sort of ending even in sight before the continuations. I think I am confused because the story is not being brought full circle at the end. However, I am sure we will discuss this in class further.  

The Story of the Grail pt. 1

In this blog I would like to discuss the repetition of the instructions/ advise that are given to Perceval by both his mother and Gornemant of Gohort. When Perceval is told this advise by his mother it is clear that he is not completely listening. This is shown by his lack of interest in his noble history which she told him directly before. It seems that he is too immature to listen and all he wants to do is become a knight. He is so caught up in what he wants to do. The lack of interest becomes apparent when he completely miss-treats the first girl he comes across. He shows her complete disrespect and steals from her. Although he backs up his actions by saying it is what his mother said to do. The actions he takes is not what his mother said to do at all! Even when he is at King Arthur’s castle asking to become a knight, I feel that he acts very arrogantly. I think it is just another example of his immaturity. I think this immaturity is also shown simply how he is referred to as “youth.” I believe that it was necessary for Gornemant to repeat the message, that was first given by the mother, because Perceval truly needs to re-hear what the actions of a good knight. After re-hearing the message it seems that he takes it in. He treats the next woman very well.

 

Although to counter what I said; Perceval does seem to remember certain aspects of his mothers message. An example is when he asks Gornemant’s name before going into his home.