"Le Morte Darthur" is a classic epic prose work from the 15th century,
             chronicling the life and legend of King Arthur, his round table, and his
             brave knights. Originally written in French, Sir Thomas Malory translated
             and edited it and his version is the most renowned. Arthur and his knights
             are the main focus of the book, but the romance between Guenivere and
             Lancelot cannot be ignored, and these passionate characters reach their
             peak in the last two books of the story. These last two books focus on
             Arthur, Guenivere, Lancelot, and Gawain and their personal issues. This
             creates a far different environment from the first Tales of the book, which
             were far less concerned with the personal lives of the characters, and far
             more concerned with the larger themes of the work, including honor,
             obedience, and revenge. Relationships come to a head here, and both Arthur
             and Lancelot must question their relationship with each other and their
             relationship with Queen Guenivere. Knight is pitted against knight as
             jealousy and passion override common sense and obedience, and Guenivere
             finds herself forever in the middle of the two men that love her most, as
             Lancelot attempts to warn her. He says, "And madam, wit you well I dread
             them more for your sake than for any fear I have of them myself, for I may
             happen to escape and rid myself in a great need, where, madam, ye must
             abide all that will be said unto you" (Malory 404). Finally, Arthur finds
             that his love for his knights and his kingdom is stronger than his love for
             Guenivere, but he cannot give her up to Lancelot, he would sentence her to
             death, first. Thus, in these final two books, the importance of the
             relationships is resolved, the men understand their true natures, and their
             true needs.
             Romance is the key to these last two books, but another important key
             is the fate of the characters, who all must pay for their transgressions in
             the end. Thes...