In TennysonÆs The Idylls of Arthur, we are given a poem that displays all of typical elements of Arthurian chivalric romance. In TennysonÆs would-be epic, we are provided with the birth of a king in Arthur. We are witness to the building of the Round Table, provided with its history and view its disintegration. We also see the passing of King Arthur. Along the way we discover that ArthurÆs faith is sorely tested, by the lack of faith in him in his men and especially by the betrayal of his wife and friend. ArthurÆs experiences in war and in love have made him come to doubt his faith or GodÆs benevolence and power, ôThe Idylls can be interpreted as a series of allegories on the theme of unrepentant sin's bringing down an ideal. Fidelity, be it marital or martial, is on high trial throughout these poems,ö (King 2000, 4). However, ArthurÆs crisis of faith is resolved when he discovers that he will live after death, ôNayùGod my ChristùI pass but shall not die,ö (Tennyson).
ArthurÆs tale is not one of tragic heroism but more of a Christ-like figure. In heroism it is the heroÆs character flaw that brings him down, such as CaesarÆs hubris or OthelloÆs pride. However, Arthur maintains faith from the beginning though he comes to doubt his faith after the betrayal of those closest to him. In one of the sections of the poem, ArthurÆs passing is revealed to us. In this section we most see how Arthur is not tragic hero but Christ-like figure. This is because Arthur does not end his life the forlorn, isolated, broken men and women of heroic tragedy. Instead, his passing ends with the hope of the expression referred to above. His passing resembles the crucifixion of Christ more than the experiences of tragic heroes. This is most clear when Arthur express on his death bed, ôMy God, thou hast forgotten me in my death,ö (Tennyson). Immediately after this, however, Arthur expresses the belief in his faith that though...