In the early 19th century, medievalism, Romanticism and the
Gothic Revival reawakened interest in Arthur and the medieval romances. A new
code of ethics for 19th-century gentlemen was shaped around the chivalric ideals
that the "Arthur of romance" embodied. This renewed interest first
made itself felt in 1816, when Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur was reprinted
for the first time since 1634. Initially the medieval Arthurian legends were of
particular interest to poets, inspiring, for example, William Wordsworth to
write "The Egyptian Maid" (1835), an allegory of the Holy Grail. Pre-eminent
among these was Alfred Lord Tennyson, whose first Arthurian poem, "The
Lady of Shalott", was published in 1832. Although Arthur himself played a minor role in
some of these works, following in the medieval romance tradition, Tennyson's
Arthurian work reached its peak of popularity with Idylls of the King, which reworked the entire narrative of Arthur's
life for the Victorian era. First published in 1859, it sold 10,000 copies
within the first week. In the Idylls, Arthur became a symbol of ideal
manhood whose attempt to establish a perfect kingdom on earth fails, finally,
through human weakness. Tennyson's works prompted a large number of imitators,
generated considerable public interest in the legends of Arthur and the
character himself, and brought Malory's tales to a wider audience. Indeed, the
first modernization of Malory's great compilation of Arthur's tales was
published shortly after Idylls appeared, in 1862, and there were six
further editions and five competitors before the century ended. [Wikipedia ‘King
Arthur’]
 |
| Victorian view of the Holy Grail |
Blog Question:
What was it about the Victorian age that promoted the revival of the Arthurian
story?
I believe the Victorian revival of Arthur to be similar to the 12th century fascination with the Arthurian stories. In the 12th century the story of Arthur provided the perfect outlet to explore the growing ideas of courtly love, chivalry and knighthood. The same sort of revival occurs in the Victorian age. Firstly, as mentioned by Lupack, the Arthurian tales were used to reflect the changes in society such as growing rationality over faith and mysticism as well as societal progress and industry. It is interesting that Victorian authors while retaining the elements of the original story, adapted it suit their own values. While the symbol of the Holy Grail was one that fascinated the 12th century imagination, Tennyson sees the Grail as a delusion, reflecting these new ideals of reason.
ReplyDeleteThe reign of Victoria, like Arthur’s, was a golden age, a time of progress, rationality, and scientific advancement. Prince Albert is seen as the embodiment of these changes, and Tennyson describes him to be ‘dear to Science, dear to Art’, no doubt referring to Albert’s involvement in the Great Exhibition of 1851. Furthermore, the Victorian age also marked the greatest expansion of British Empire, and thus I believe the revival of Arthur functions as a myth of empire. In constructions of identity and faced with the colonial ‘other’, the Matter of Britain is once more invoked and provides an outlet to explore British identity and culture.
The revival of the Arthurian legend in the Victorian era, following a decline in the reproduction of the myth, reflects a prevailing zeitgeist of rationality and reason and progress at war with the ideals of faith that had for so long underpinned the development of society. Authors such as Tennyson in his "Idylls of the King", found the Arthurian tale well suited to expressing what Lupack defines as the "duality" of the Victorian age, in that its technological and scientific advances also aroused questions of ethics and the purpose of existence. The world of Arthur, according to Lupack, "has great potential for improving the human condition", yet this potential is repeatedly undermined by the human failings of its protagonists, and provides the perfect foil for exploring notions of rationality against the heavy inflection of religious symbolism in earlier works, such as the Vulgate Cycle. As an age defined by its creative and industrial energies, the Victorian era provided the likes of Tennyson with a space for exploring the repurcussions of ideas such as evolution and goodness and objective reality, and the Arthurian tale with its ambiguous heroes, religious symbolism, chivalric ideals and mythological importance was an ideal text to rework into this context.
ReplyDeleteRenewed interest in the Arthurian Legend in the 19th century, viewed against the backdrop of literary and philosophical movements of the time, can be seen as a Romantic reaction against the Enlightenment ideals of scientific reason and rationality of the preceding century. Many writers wished to counteract the prevailing notions that the world could be explained solely through scientific observations, as they believed these were limiting, and that some human experiences and natural phenomenon were beyond understanding. This led to revived interest in the supernatural, mystic and spiritual, found in works by writers such as Tennyson. Furthermore, the questions of human goodness and fallibility found in the Arthurian legends were seen as relevant to the Victorian age, where great progress was made (particularly in the Industrial Revolution) but this progress simultaneously sometimes resulted in increased suffering and hardships. The poor living standards, illness and poverty experienced by many city workers despite the technological advancements at this time echoed the ultimate failure of Arthur (and the “Golden Age” of the Victorian reign) to secure order and peace in their realms.
ReplyDeleteThe revival of the Arthurian world and legend in the Victorian era was popular I think because people could relate to the idea of the possibility of improvement, but not being able to achieve it due to the failings and imperfections of people. It also deals a great deal with appearances not to be trusted as reality. These are themes that I think will always be relevant. Arthur represents a moral power who is perfect and who will lead the people toward a higher moral level. His character comes as an answer to the questioning of what is right that was prominent in this era (and other eras too).
ReplyDeleteThe revival of the Arthurian story during the Victorian age may have been prompted by the need for a national story in order to raise the national sentiment during this period. With the growth of England during the industrial age and the issues rising from the gaps between the upper and lower classes, and the growth of the middle classes, the Arthurian stories and their round table, the moral stance of the various characters and their chivalric code of conduct, were strong examples to be looked up to, or learn from.
ReplyDeleteThe resurgence of the Arthurian tales in literary works of the Victorian age can be seen as a reaction to what Lupack describes as the “darker side” of the human condition, whereby people have become disillusioned by the grand scientific notion of progress, which had a destabilising effect on commonly held religious beliefs. The realm of Arthur is one in which individuals aiming to do good are frustrated by their own failings, a world with which people of the Victorian could appreciate; progress, for example, is accompanied by the threat of exploitation. Lupack goes on to describe the “duality” present in Tennyson’s Arthurian poetry, a tension between appearance and reality that characterises the Arthurian tales and is representative of the tensions within Victorian society. As a construct, Arthur is idealised character who believes in the change and growth without stagnation, possessing what Lupack describes as a “symbolic power”. Arthur acts, if not as a role model (which he very easily could), then as representative of the aspirations of the Victorian age.
ReplyDeleteThe revival of the Arthurian tale in the Victorian age can be traced back to the societal issues of the age, it was a time when the world was shrinking, the potential for progress in society was grinding down and the reserved and well mannered colonialists were ruling. Most importantly it was the time when Britain was at its peak, the imperialist expansion was coming along swell (at least in the eyes of the British) and although the sun never set on the Empire, it was important that Britain revisit its founding myth, a nation that is as great as Britain must have an equally fantastic creation myth. Arthur provides the perfect mix of gentlemanly ways and charismatic leader to glorify the history of the British.
ReplyDeleteIncreased female literacy might have had something to do with it, especially if the romances were revived around the same time. Victorian ladies were expected to read and they probably would have found the Arthurian romances compelling. It also makes sense to revisit the 'glorious' founder myth at a time when Britain was spreading influence across the globe - something to show the colonized masses that the British should be ruling, because look how they started!
ReplyDeleteThe revival of the Arthurian story at this time can largely be attributed to its relevance to the great change and subsequent uncertainty of the Victorian age. As Lupack describes, the Victorian age was a time of great progress in science, technology and human intellect. However, this change was accompanied by a darker side - the "possibility of exploitation" and an "undermining of faith". Thus, as Lupack contends, Arthur's story reflects the truth that the "failings and imperfections" of the world often serve to negate the opportunities for positive change, a notion that would have resonated with those of the Victorian age. Arthur, presented as "the 'stainless King' and the 'blameless King'" in the work of Tennyson, also provided an example to be followed during this time of moral uncertainty.
ReplyDeleteWhat drove the Victorian revival of Arthurian romance was somehow similar to that of the 12th and 13th century French writings. Victorian Britain established political dominance benefited by previous victory over imperial France and intermarriage with various European dynasties. Economically Britain also saw the initiation of the Industrial Revolution. It was thus necessary to develop the culture fit for the new dominant power of the world, which is known as the Victorian style. Unlike Greco-Roman tradition promoted during the Era of Napoleon, Victorian style embraced almost all kinds of culture, significantly the Gothic Romanticism and Orientalism. On one hand the Arthurian legends helped to reinforce the national identity of Britain and on the other hand, they were interesting stories to tell. I would thus argue that the revival of Arthurian romance was a reasonable cultural development fit for the new cultural center of the world.
ReplyDeleteAlso the importance of Arthur as a British king against German invaders might well reflect arguments around Queen Victoria's marring Prince Albert, who had strong German background.
The Victorian Age undoubtedly resurrected the the Arthur narrative and this revival can be attributed to a number of causes. Firstly, the literature of the Victorian age see's the use of many similar narrative techniques as the Athurian tale (for example: forbidden love , heroism, fantasy) thus there was certainly an interest in similar themes, thus starting a particular fascination with possibly the earliest tale of such.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore, as mentioned in other above responses, it can also be attributed to the societal and cultural change seen in the Victorian era with the growth and creation of creative, technological and scientific fields. These drastic changes prompted a sense of insecurity, calling for the need for the people to turn to the possibility of the forever-undead king of Arthur and all the heroism he supposedly offered.
Lastly, there could have also just been a general interest in previous British monarchs following the fascination of the monarchy of the Victorian era.
A revival of the Athurian narrative was promoted in the Victorian era for numerous reasons. Perhaps it was due to societies need to have something to look up to, to aim for; Arthur's legend, while factually questionable, provided admirable qualities in individuals as well society itself that could be aspired to. As the society adapted and became something great, this can perhaps be seen as a mimick of Arthur's time due to the increased urge to be better and bigger than those societies surrounding them, as culture in Arthur's society was. This said, it can be seen that they were both societies of change and advancement, and so this appealed to authors of the time to return to their roots and express their gratiture for setting high standards that they could indeed live up to.
ReplyDeleteThere are a number of reasons as to why the Victorian age promoted the revival of the Authurian story. The Victorian are was a time of great change and progression. It saw the Industrial revolution in Britain, there were developments in science as the Empire was expanding at a rapid rate. These great changes mirrored the Arthurian legend in the development of empire under Arthur and the betterment of society.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that there was scientific development, led to questions of faith and peoples understanding of the world. The Arthurian legend based around King Arthur, the almighty leader and King proved an example of strong leadership and guidance in a time of great uncertainty amongst the people. Other changes between the classes, due to the wealth being generated from the Industrial revolution, saw good examples in the Arthurian story pertaining to morals as well as equality, seen at Arthurs 'round table'.
The change that society took during the Victorian age is central to the motivation for the revival of the Arthurian story. In a response to the Industrial Revolution, as well as a response to the Age of Enlightenment/Reason, the Arthurian story provided an escape for the people of the ever-changing Victorian society. As it did back in the medieval times, the Arthurian stories represented an ideal that was desired by society, that was perhaps, and probably will always be, unattainable due to humanity in all its frailty. Being at the tail end of the Age of Enlightenment, the people belonging to the Victorian era may quite possible have felt fed up wit the constant focus on reality and the rational, encouraging a sense of nostalgia. This nostalgia consequently found itself satisfied through the revival of the Arthurian story, which, at least through Spencer, was structured around classical concepts which began to appeal to the people and were easily relatable to the political concerns of his day. This can be seen quite clearly through the image of the Round Table, which suggests a desire for equality, a concept and image used before and which clearly highlights the growing separation of classes and people which the Industrial Revolution was beginning to bring about.
ReplyDeleteThe revival of interest in Arthurian tales during the Victorian age could be attributed to several factors. As mentioned above, Arthur's manliness and his great feats became the focus of his stories, and his position as a King striving to better society was greatly emphasised. During this age of industrial revolution, burgeoning cities and increased population, it would be simple to draw similarities between England in the 19th century, and the creation of the Kingdom of King Arthur, with its expanding territories and the creation of institutions such as Arthur's Knights. Furthermore, this was a period of Romanticism, with scientists and writers alike drawing newfound inspiration from the notion that animals and nature were alive and feeling also, that they should be respected and held in consideration, not treated as objects. This is where the character of Arthur may have been seen as more relevant, as he personified an ideal balance between respecting nature and using it for his own purposes; Arthur is often illustrated as standing in a forest or on the hunt, showing his affinity for nature and becoming involved in the life surrounding him. Lastly, it may simply have been that the stories or Arthur provided an interesting form of entertainment; Mallory and Tennyson's work are rife with adventure, magic and illusions, and powerful emotions, providing a unique story set against a familiar English backdrop.
ReplyDelete