Symbols In Thomas Malory's 'Morte D' Arthur

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The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities is used very often in the story, “Morte D’Arthur.” The Excalibur sword, round table, the young maiden walking across the lake, and the pursuit of the Holy Grail all are examples of symbolism used in Thomas Malory's, “Morte D’ Arthur.”
‘“‘And ye see any manner of sword drawn, look that ye come on fiercely, and so slay all that ever before you shadth, for in no wise I will not trust for this treaties.’”’ (Thomas Malory 498) The Excalibur is one of the greatests know or thought of symbols when it comes to King Arthur. The sword symbolizes power, whoever wields the sword is recognized to be the King of England. The sword is also a symbol of responsibility, which comes with power. This symbol of responsibility can also allude to the fall of King Arthur, when he loses sight of his responsibility as king. …show more content…

Because it is round, no one sits at the “head” of the table, and therefore, no one is more important than the person next to them. The round table is also a symbol of the Last Supper. The meal around the round table has religious significance as Arthur instructs that an empty seat be left to remember Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Christ Jesus after the Last Supper. The symbolism shown here at the round table can also be noble brotherhood of the knights and their calling to protect each other and their service to God and their