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Smoke and Mirrors - Chivalry

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Chris OConnor BookTalk.org Hall of Fame Joined: May 2002 Posts: 13055 Location: Florida Thanks: 1286 Thanked: 546 times in 430 posts Gender: Country:	Smoke and Mirrors - Chivalry Chivalry
Sun Aug 30, 2009 10:30 pm

WildCityWoman

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I didn't really 'get' the ending of that story. The woman finally gave in and traded the grail for the phoenix egg and what was the other thing again? Something just as rare anyway.

Then at the shop, something else showed up.

What was the point . . . that there was always something someone would want?

Dunno' . . .

Wed Sep 30, 2009 3:52 pm


poettess All Star Member Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 136 Location: Michigan Thanks: 1 Thanked: 5 times in 5 posts Gender: Country:	I think the point was that the extraordinary lies around every corner if you don't look for it as something extraordinary, but see it for what it is, something ordinary and not to be traded for your life. The irony of this story lies in the fact that people scour the planet for the items that the lady finds by accident and doesn't even want or care for too much. She values chivalry more than the Holy Grail and values the comforts of the familiar over the lure of wishes. This story is nice in the way that it presents a lack of fanatical concern over the material or promises of great power and wealth. Its the person that can be that unconcerned about such things that we should aspire to be like and with.
Fri Oct 02, 2009 11:00 am


tbarron Wearing Out Library Card Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 239 Location: Oak Ridge, TN Thanks: 43 Thanked: 52 times in 43 posts Gender:	So, was Galahad overly concerned with material things, or was he truly chivalrous? Apparently, he went to great lengths and some injury to obtain the items he eventually traded for the grail. But materialism would have been the antithesis of the sort of chivalry he's supposed to represent. But it seems he really, really wanted the grail. What did he do with it? Take it home and put it on his mantle? And Mrs. Whitaker seemed to enjoy and benefit from Galahad's visits -- he helped her move furniture and she enjoyed the attention. It might have been a good strategy for her to refuse to sell the grail so he'd keep coming around. Why didn't she do that?
Sat Oct 24, 2009 7:47 pm


poettess All Star Member Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 136 Location: Michigan Thanks: 1 Thanked: 5 times in 5 posts Gender: Country:	Well, just knowing of the Galahad as written about in other works, he was fanatical about getting this grail because he was requested to do it for his liege. I am very sure he turned it in as a matter of loyalty once it was retrieved. As for his chivalric nature, he never compromised a respectful and accommodating attitude towards an elder even though his reputation, his loyalty and his peace of mind were on the line. The woman gave in eventually because he was a "good boy" and she was treated properly and without rushing. I see this is something the older generation do already, they are predisposed to helping those who treat them with respect and manners.
Sun Oct 25, 2009 8:27 am


tbarron Wearing Out Library Card Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 239 Location: Oak Ridge, TN Thanks: 43 Thanked: 52 times in 43 posts Gender:	Yes, I agree that's how Galahad is portrayed in other sources. I can just imagine the fun Gaiman might have with turning Galahad inside out like he did with Snow White and Saint Nicholas.
Sun Oct 25, 2009 8:50 am


poettess All Star Member Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 136 Location: Michigan Thanks: 1 Thanked: 5 times in 5 posts Gender: Country:	Yes...perhaps... and him running off with the girl from the shop certainly doesn't fit with his moniker "the chaste"
Sun Oct 25, 2009 8:56 am

tbarron

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Location: Oak Ridge, TN
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	poettess wrote: Yes...perhaps... and him running off with the girl from the shop certainly doesn't fit with his moniker "the chaste"

Ooo! I had forgotten about that. Good point!

Sun Oct 25, 2009 9:39 am

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