The Romance of Tristan Betrayal Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Page)

Quote #4

'There is no man in your household, if he uttered the treason that I have wrongly and wickedly loved the queen, who would not find me armed in the field.' (3.65)

By calling the statement of his and Yseut's adulterous affair 'treason," Tristan compares it to a vassal's betrayal of his lord. Although they are carrying on an affair, Tristan may feel that those who wish for its exposure do not have Mark's best interests at heart. Or he could just be trying to cover up his guilt.

Quote #5

'God, how dearly my uncle would love me if I had not caused him such distress. God, how badly things are going for me! I ought now to be at the court of a king with a hundred squires in attendance, preparing to win their spurs and enter my service.' (11.96)

Tristan's words here are the only time in the story when he acknowledges that he has wronged his uncle. He recognizes that by betraying his uncle, he has forfeited not only the love of his uncle but also of his own vassals, the "squire in attendance" who he would mentor to knighthood if he were not a fugitive.

Quote #6

'But, with your permission, Father Ogrin, let it be added to the parchment that I dare not trust him. He offered a reward for my head.' (12.101)

Tristan's refusal to trust Mark is sort of reasonable: he has after all, offered that reward for Tristan's head. But Tristan might also be implying that Mark should have refused to believe his barons and shown loyalty to Tristan and his wife instead of them, and that after this betrayal, he lost Tristan's trust.