Lancelot, or, The Knight of the Cart by Chrétien de Troyes (Book Analysis): Detailed Summary, Analysis and Reading Guide

By Bright Summaries

Unlock the more straightforward side of Lancelot, or, The Knight of the Cart with this concise and insightful summary and analysis!

This engaging summary presents an analysis of Lancelot, or, The Knight of the Cart by Chrétien de Troyes, a poem about the abduction of Queen Guinevere set in the legendary Arthurian universe. Lancelot, the perfect knight, sets off to save Arthur’s queen, who also happens to be his beloved, from the clutches of a wicked prince. However, this turns out not to be as simple as it seems, and our hero is forced to surmount a string of challenges to win his queen’s love. Lancelot, or, The Knight of the Cart is generally considered to be one of the first books of modern French literature and made Lancelot into one of the most popular characters of the Arthurian universe. It was written sometime between 1175 and 1181 by Chrétien de Troyes, a French poet and trouvère who is possibly the most famous French medieval writer.

Find out everything you need to know about Lancelot, or, The Knight of the Cart in a fraction of the time!

This in-depth and informative reading guide brings you:
• A complete plot summary
• Character studies
• Key themes and symbols
• Questions for further reflection

Why choose BrightSummaries.com?
Available in print and digital format, our publications are designed to accompany you on your reading journey. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time.

See the very best of literature in a whole new light with BrightSummaries.com!

• Language: English
• Publisher: BrightSummaries.com
• Release date: May 24, 2017
• ISBN: 9782806298478

Book preview

French clerk, poet and writer

Born around 1135.

Died around 1183.

Notable works:

Yvain, The Knight of the Lion (around 1177), novel

Lancelot, or, The Knight of the Cart (around 1177-1181), novel

Perceval, or, The Story of the Grail (written between 1181 and 1190), unfinished novel

Chrétien de Troyes was born in the 12th century. Over time, he has become one of the major figures of medieval literature. A clerk by training, he served at the court of his patroness Marie of Champagne (around 1174-1204) before joining the Count of Flanders, Philip of Alsace (1143-1191).

He is known primarily for his talents as a novelist: he wrote Erec and Enide around 1170, Cligès around 1176, Yvain, The Knight of the Lion around 1177, Lancelot, or, The Knight of the Cart sometime between 1177 and 1181 and Perceval, the Story of the Grail between 1181 and 1190, although this last story was left unfinished. The fact that these works were set in the world of the Knights of the Round Table contributed to their incredible success and played a part in the popularisation of a genre which was previously relatively unknown. He also adapted the myths of Ovid (Latin poet, 43 BC-AD 17/18) and composed two courtly songs.

Lancelot, Guinevere’s saviour

Genre: novel

Reference edition: Chrétien de Troyes (1914) Lancelot, or, The Knight of the Cart. Trans. Comfort, W. W. London: Everyman’s Library.

1st edition: