Erec and Queen Elizabeth II
While I was reading the book, one quote struck me more than any other. After Erec’s father passes away, Chretien remarks, “Grieving is uncourtly on the part of a king and it does not befit a king to show grief.” (117) His comment really hit me because it reminded me of Queen Elizabeth’s reaction (or lack thereof) after Diana’s death. In the 20th century she was berated for her lack of visible emotion, the same thing Erec is praised for in the sixth century. To modern audiences, Elizabeth’s response could be viewed at best as desire for privacy and at worst as just callous. But perhaps she was acting the way she thought people expected her to act – according to a very old precedent.
Why is visible grief unbefitting for a king?
sean wrote:
I wonder if there is a cultural connection: the now outmoded notion that royalty are supposed to be distant and awe-inspiring might have held sway up to the time of QE’s coronation in the 1950s; hers is the first televisual monarchy.QEII was probably working under the old model: monarchs don’t show emotion of any kind. Diana was anything but aloof and distant, at least when cameras were about. As far as Erec goes, perhaps this has something to do with the larger structural motif of speech and silence (which others are noticing as well).
Posted 20 Sep 2007 at 10:28 am ¶
Josh wrote:
My guess would be that the belief traces back to the idea that showing emotion is a feminine, and therefore weak, response. Those who are strong are in control of their emotions and don’t need to display them publicly. A monarch above all else must be in control at all times. Something along the lines of: if they can’t control themselves, how can they be expected to control a kingdom?
While the views on femininity and emotion have changed since ancient times, this traditional way of thought has stuck with us in certain niches. I’d say nowadays the struggle as a ruler or leader is finding the right balance between not showing weakness and showing humanity, rather that not showing any weakness whatsoever.
Posted 20 Sep 2007 at 1:03 pm ¶