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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 4 page essay compares the characterization of King Arthur in First Knight (1995, directed by Jerry Zucker) with that of Henry II in Becket (1964, directed by Peter Glenville). Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Page Count:
4 pages (~225 words per page)
File: KL9_kharthbeck.doc
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
Henry II. Each of these protagonists demonstrates character traits that can be considered to be heroic, yet these protagonists also display weaknesses that show them to be fallible human beings.
Analysis of both films indicates that the fatal flaw in the make-up of both Arthur and Henry, that is, the element that causes each monarch to fail in achieving his
vision for his country, is his pride. The dream of King Arthur, as indicated in numerous medieval legends and literature, was to create an ideal society in which all
citizens could live in peace and in harmony with one another, safe and secure due to the power of Arthur and his knights of the Round Table to defeat their
enemies and protect the common man. Similarly, Becket portrays Henry II as being greatly concerned over the problem of Church courts having jurisdiction and failing to provide punishment that succeeds
at suppressing criminal behavior, which is a fact that is historically accurate. However, both films deviate greatly from their source material. First Knight deviates from Arthurian legend and, as pointed
out in the powerpoint lecture "History and the movie Becket," the 1964 film strays from what is known to be historically true about Henry II, Thomas Becket and other characters,
such as Eleanor of Aquitaine ("History," 2012). Arthurs pride interferes with his sense of compassion when he sees Lancelot and Guinevere kissing while entwined in a passionate embrace. He
insists on a trial, knowing that this will mean death for both his wife and his best friend. This aspect of the movie is in keeping with Arthurian legend, which
portrays Arthur as being "stone-faced" as Guinevere is led to the stake to be burned as an adulteress ("Arthur," 2012). When Lancelot pleads for the life of Guinevere and makes
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