The chivalric code places an extremely rigorous standard of conduct on anyone who lives by it. To achieve it completely takes almost super-human qualities. One is expected to fiercely protect the honor of his liege, his love, and himself while remaining totally without pride. This is almost impossible; this lifestyle would unquestionably create pride. It is shown in Marie de France’s “Lanval” how this code can often create a conflict. Lanval is shown to …showed first 75 words of 1160 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1160 total…is meant to show the futility of setting unreasonable goals. It is an attempt to warn the men that their present system would ultimately leave them unfulfilled. Her use of a woman to represent the voice of reason is quite symbolic. Perhaps it was a call to arms for women to use their sense to try and break the cycle because the behavior was so ingrained in the psyche of the men of the time.