“There are laws that enslave men, and then there are laws that set them free.” -
Sir Sean Connery as King Arthur.
First Knight tells the story of the love affair between Lancelot and Gwenevere
in the time of King Arthur. The problem that drives the film is that King Arthur
himself happens to be married to Gwenevere, and Lancelot happens to be his
first knight.
It all makes for a very good story filled with much by way of nobility, action
and the ideals of Christian ethic. All these dimensions that make the great
Christian King (and society) are juxtaposed alongside the passion, the pride and
the self indulgence that drives the enemies of Camelot.
Interestingly enough this chaotic dimension of the human
heart flows into Camelot through the character of Lancelot.
He loves Gwenevere and Gwenevere loves him in return.
They are both passionate for one another, yet moral
obligations seem to constrain them both.
Gwenevere is torn between as she puts it
“her will and heart.” - Her will chooses
what is right - namely to marry Arthur who is noble
and will protect her people. But her heart chooses Lancelot,
the strong, fearless warrior.
Lancelot too is divided. He desires complete freedom
but at the cost of the joy and fulfilment that comes
with taking up responsibility and giving one’s
life away to others.
In the end the “law” and the duties of nobility constrain
them both. Should they follow their feelings or their conscience?
The law, which feels so oppressive at times, is meant
to help us do what is right in spite of selfish
(or destructive) desires inside us to do the contrary.
Adultery will not lead to a peaceful and serene life.
It breaks trust and hurts everyone involved.
This is what so much of our society seems to forget.
To follow a law can feel oppressive, but it also can be
immensely liberating. To follow our conscience
makes us more human by helping us to choose and continue
to choose what is right in the eyes of God.
In the end the law, which is written on all hearts,
will guide us back to God - who is the source of
all love, fulfilment, and joy in this life.
Perhaps this was the underlying problem of both Lancelot
and Gwenevere. They thought they could be happy without God.
Max Oliva
Posted at 19:47h, 10 MarchVery nicely put. Thank you.
Peter Bisson
Posted at 21:05h, 10 MarchThank you Raj!