1. If the first part of the romance belongs to Erec, the second part most certainly belongs to Enide. How do we see her character emerging here? In what context do we finally get her name?
3. What do you think are Erec’s intentions in taking Enide on this journey? What kind of journey is this (from Erec’s perspective)? One of adventure? Self-discovery? Renewal? Something else? Point to specific scenes within the text to support your argument.
1.) We see Enide's character emerge as a lady who is as blessed in social graces as she is in her beauty. Chrétien puts it best; "she was so noble and honourable, wise and gracious in her speech, well-bred and of pleasant company, that no one ever saw in her any folly, meanness, or baseness." Despite this almost super-natural combination of personality and beauty, we only acquire her name when it becomes necessary in the marriage ritual. Until then, apparently, she was only a pretty face. Later, in her monologues, we see that she is also capable of logical thought and loyalty as she struggles whether or not to speak to Erec and warn him of thieves. Also, her trickery of the count who wanted to court her displays her keen wit.
3.) Erec's intentions in taking Enide on the journey out of the castle walls are to re-affirm in her eyes, and the eyes of the nobility, that he is still a valiant and competent knight. I don't believe that Erec sees this journey as a renewal of character as much as a simple reëstablishment of his greatness. I see this because he wears his most brilliant armor, has Enide ride on her finest palfrey, and then forces Enide to be silent as if to prove that he doesn't even need warning if things should go bad. Furthermore, he carries along the horses of the knights that he kills as a signifier of his power. He needs to prove that he himself can accomplish any goal to silence his detractors of his family castle. This is why he turns down help from King Guivret and later lord Gawain. Maybe later in the story some more light will be shed on his intentions, but as for now that's all I really gather.
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