English, Literature, and Modern Languages Faculty Publications

‘No Mowth Can Speke Hit’: Silence and Inexpressibility in Sir Thomas Malory’s Morte Darthur

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-26-2019

Journal Title

Arthuriana

Volume

29

Issue

3

First Page

3

Last Page

24

Abstract

This article examines patterns of silence and inexpressibility between characters, author, and reader, beginning in Sir Thomas Malory’s Book of Tristram. These silences indicate Cornwall and Camelot cannot discuss adultery without the discourse of treason. When the silence is finally broken, Camelot collapses and the narrative is forced to end.

Keywords

Thomas Malory, Morte de Arthur, expression, silence

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