Yvain Blog three

In the third act we see Yvain continuously doing tasks as he makes his way back to Laudine to prove his worth to her. All of his tasks involve helping women that are in need of help. Although this action can be seen as chauvinistic, I believe that Yvain is doing these deeds as retribution for his deceit against Laudine. Unlike Erec, Yvain is not perfect, and he knows this. He has seen the error of his ways and seeks to find reconciliation for his actions. This kind of character is more likable, because they contain both the good and bad qualities that are innately in humans. Yvain has both characteristics, and he knows this, he seeks to do these task not for “the sport”, or for “adventure’s sake” but because he feels indebted to woman who have given to him, mostly Lunete and Laudine. I believe this makes Yvain a much deeper character, he rarely shows the self interest that was so prevalent in Erec’s character. The onetime Yvain does show self centered actions he ends up losing the love of his lady. Rather than demanding the love back as “man over his woman”, he feels deeply remorseful and plunges into a state of self destruction and exile. Yvain’s character reaches his salvation at the end, by continuously fighting for the love of his lady. He denies the several available women along the way because he has eyes only for Laudine, and he knows that he must make up for taking advantage of her. He doesn’t just throw her away, he has a sense of loyalty, and realizes that he must take responsibility for his action. Rather than fleeing, demanding the respect back, or just finding someone else, he fights to earn the love and respect back of his orginal lover.