Conflict in First Knight Personal V Political Essay

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Conflict in First Knight

Personal v Political Conflict in First Knight

First Knight is a 1995 film based on the Arthurian legends made popular through literary works by medieval poets such as Chretien de Troyes. While many Arthurian films make reference to magic and supernatural elements, First Knight is devoid of this references and focuses on the conflicts that arise opposing rulers or leaders, as well as the conflicts that arise between lovers. While First Knight can be considered to be a romantic film in the traditional literary sense, in addition to the being a love story, an underlying theme of rebellion and civil conflict gives insight into the socio-political conditions of the time. First Knight explores the personal and romantic conflicts that arise as a result of mutinous behavior against Arthur and Camelot.

The main underlying theme of the film is the conflict that arises when Malagant, formerly a Knight of the Round Table, and his rebellious followers attack Camelot and its outlying town and villages. Malagant's attack on Leonesse prompts Guinevere to become betrothed to Arthur; in addition to being emotionally and romantically attracted to Arthur, her marriage is intended to create a strategic alliance between Camelot and Leonesse, of which she is the ruler.

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Malagant attempts to prevent the marriage between the two rulers because an alliance between the two kingdoms would create a unified front against him and make it more difficult to achieve his goal of becoming ruler. The unified front taken by Leonesse and Camelot could potentially influence surrounding kingdoms to ally themselves with Arthur against Malagant in an attempt to protect not only the integrity of the individual kingdoms, but also protect their subjects.

The political conflict between Arthur and Malagant is also evident in the approach that they have in regards to being in power and governance. In First Knight, as in most, if not all, Arthurian tales and legends, Arthur takes a democratic approach to governance. This concept is best exemplified through the establishment of the legendary "Round Table" (Zucker, 1995). The Round Table in the film, as well as Arthurian literature, asserts that all knights that are seated at said table are equal in power and status. Moreover, King Arthur wishes to govern Camelot from a democratic perspective, ensuring that his subjects….....

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