Conflict in First Knight Personal V Political

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. 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 are taken care of and protected from any potential and foreign threats. On the other hand, Malagant's tyrannical beliefs influence his actions. While Arthur believes in a political and social order, Malagant continuously personifies the concept of "might makes right" (Might is Right, n.d.). Malagant's attitude towards governance and leadership will only beget more civil conflict throughout the land as those that believe that they are entitled to rule will kill for the "right" to be crowned king.

Personal conflict is also a central theme in First Knight. While Malagant is battling Arthur for power, Arthur is simultaneously at odds with Lancelot as Guinevere attempts to define her feelings for each man. In the film, both men are able to provide Guinevere with protection; Arthur is able to offer Guinevere both political and personal protection, whereas, Lancelot not only offers Guinevere personal protection, but rescues her from Malagant's men on at least two separate occasions (Zucker, 1995). It can be argued that while both men vie for Guinevere's affection, Guinevere finds herself bound by duty to marry Arthur; Guinevere agreed to marry Arthur before she met Lancelot and believes that the alliance will not only benefit her romantically, but also politically. If Guinevere were a selfish person, acting upon her personal desires and being devoid of political obligations -- and not having a kingdom dependent on her -- then it is likely that she would not have been put in the position to choose Arthur over Lancelot, for whom she clearly has feelings.