Metaphysical Desire in Tristan and Isolde -- Mimetic Theory and Literary Study

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Date Posted: 14:08:05 04/03/08 Thu
Author: Shannon
Subject: Metaphysical Desire in Tristan and Isolde

What Girard terms as "objectless desire" plays an interesting role in the famed love triangle of Tristan, Isolde, and King Marc. In various old versions, Marc does not act against his disloyal wife and nephew because of his own jealousy but because he appropriates his nobles'(who symbolize the society) ideas of honor.

The poets are explicit that the entire court, including King Marc, is blind to Tristan and Isolde's affair, until Tristan's fame pricks the envy of various Cornish nobles, either by his rescue of Cornwall from the hegomony of Ireland or his closeness to the beautiful queen, depending on the poem. These nobles then attempt to provoke the king against his nephew, spreading rumors of Tristan and Isolde's many tristes and love-affairs. But Marc resists believing them, until they threaten his honor and authority, declaring that no knight will serve him if he lets the pair go unpunished.

Marc's sense of honor goes so far as to cost him Isolde to a traveling stranger in one minor tale. An Irish minstrel (parallels Tristan) who admired Isolde when she was still the princess of Ireland. The minstrel makes a wager with Marc that he will play for him if the king will grant him anything within the castle he asks for. Of course, when her finishes playing he asks for Isolde. Trapped within his promise, Marc feels constrained to uphold his honor and hands his wife over, despite her weeping. (Of course, she is later rescued by Tristan). This seems a good example of the power of the "objects" like prestige and honor which societies craft for themselves.

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Replies:

Re: Metaphysical Desire in Tristan and Isolde -- Kiernan, 19:30:33 04/05/08 Sat
- Re: Metaphysical Desire in Tristan and Isolde -- Shannon, 16:31:02 04/10/08 Thu