How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Page)
Quote #4
One day when Tristan was in the bath Yseut began to clean his sword. She noticed the notch in the blade, and compared it to the splinter taken from Morholt's skull. To her horror the piece fitted perfectly. She advanced angrily on Tristan, brandishing the sword and accusing him of being the slayer of her uncle. (1.43)
It's appropriate that Tristan's sword is the means by which Yseut discovers his true identity, because a knight's sword is such an important part of his life that it often comes to symbolize the knight himself in medieval romance. It's also a symbol of masculinity, so that Yseut's "uncovering" of its truth might represent or foreshadow her recognition of Tristan as a romantic interest.
Quote #5
'Alas, we have much to weep for! Alas, Tristan, noble knight! What a shame that these wretches have had you taken by treachery. Noble, honoured queen, in what land will a king's daughter be born who is your equal?' (4.66)
The Cornish peoples' descriptions of Tristan as noble and Yseut as noble, honored, and peerless, contrast with other characters' characterizations of the barons and the dwarf Frocin as wicked, trouble-making villains. Reputations, well founded or not, are an important part of identity in this story.
Quote #6
'Let him stand on the mound at the end of the plank bridge on this side of Blanche Lande wearing the garments of a leper. He is to carry a wooden drinking-cup tied by a strap to a bottle underneath, with a staff in the other hand. Then let him hear my plan: on the day he is to be seated on the mound; his face will be badly pock-marked. He must hold his cup in front of his face, simply asking for alms from the passers-by.' (14.121)
Since her oath depends upon Tristan's disguise, Yseut is careful to lay out exactly what he should wear and how he should behave. She takes care to make sure that Tristan is well known to everyone as the leper before she even encounters him; this is why she requires him to beg alms from everyone he meets.