Romance of Tristan Parts 1-6

Question 1:

I find that the characterization of Tristan is one that gives the reader much insight as to the culture and beliefs of Beroul's time. From the outset of the novel Tristan is seemingly incapable of determining his own fate. This idea is proposed in several fashions. The first is at the end of the introductory paragraph, when the narrator speaks about Tristan being born in sorrow. This statement is a way to foreshadow the rest of the story, which is plagued by sorrow and misfortune. It seems like Beroul is implying that because Tristan was born to unfavorable circumstances, he will forever be subject to bad luck.

Besides this, the very event that caused Tristan to fall in love with Ysuet was beyond his control. He was striving to act nobly by finding a wife for his uncle, but his poor luck caused him to take the love potion. As a matter of fact, the potion seems to have drastically altered Tristan's whole attitude. Before he took the potion Tristan used his prowess and abilities to benefit the king and do chivalric things. After he was exposed to the potion Tristan's attitude changed and he then used his talents to trick King Mark and find time to spend with Yseut.

This concept of helplessness is one that is reflective of the medieval mindset. I am currently reading a book called "The Forge of Christendom" that addresses the lack of control felt by the medieval man. A large part of this helplessness was a result of the medieval obsession with the date of the apocalypse, and what many felt was it's imminent arrival. In response to this concern the church taught that the date of the event should not be speculated, and that humanity should just wait for the anti-Christ to arrive. As one could imagine, this tension would encourage many to believe that destiny is beyond the individual's control. In addition to this the government of 12th century England was very unstable and in a state of civil war, which also contributed to the feelings of the day. In characterizing Tristan as a benevolent, but helpless character, Beroul effectively expressed a feeling common in his society.