Self-developmental Understanding through Geoffrey of Monmouth by Caleb

Self-developmental Understanding through Geoffrey of Monmouth by Caleb - February 2016 Scholarship Essay

One historical person that I would like to sit down for dinner and listen to would be Geoffrey of Monmouth. This church cleric would not be on most people’s lists for deceased figures with whom to speak. This man was responsible for some of my favorite things in early childhood through my teenage years. I think the Arthurian Legends shaped much of my childhood’s imagination, and therefore, I would like to speak with the person who created the characters. I would be able to find the truth about many things that have made many people contemplate over the years. It would be the chance to separate fact from fiction and determine the true origins of some of the most infamous literary people and places. During this dinner, I would like to engage a conversation about four things from his writings—Arthur, Morgan le Fay, Merlin and Avalon.

King Arthur has evolved from Geoffrey’s original texts into various reinterpretations over the years. You can find stories from adolescence to death; some are humorous while others are serious. Many people wish this character was real; others truly believe that Arthur, Camelot and his sword existed. This dinner would be the opportunity to get the origins of this character. The character could have been based off many legends or people, completely made up or possibly had existed at some point. I think there is some irony in Geoffrey’s father’s name being Arthur; this character could have been an idolized version of his own father.

One of my favorite mystical literary characters, Morgan le Fay, seems to be one of the most magically powerful females in the written, fictional world. Depending on the answer about Arthur, Geoffrey could have based this character from someone related to his own father. If that were true, there would be a whole new way to analyze the stories and the relationship between author and characters. Morgan could be based off a single legend or multiple legends. My hope is that she was actually real, un-related to Arthur, but a real person in some regards. She could be based off some powerful female who was close to Geoffrey’s location, or she could be a complete figment of his imagination.

Merlin, a man who has been portrayed as a wizard, sage, god and a madman, was probably the most famous wizard before Rowling published her series. This character has caused laughter, fear, warmth and strength to children and adults. I always wished I could be an apprentice to Merlin while playing in the yard with some sticks. For most of my childhood, this literary character was my idol with whom I wished to adventure. Nikolai Tolstoy suggests that Merlin existed as a druid. Geoffrey would be able to clarify the origins of this character and finally settle if the person was fact or fiction.

Marion Zimmer Bradley weaved an enchantment over my fascination with her storyline concerning Avalon. Looking at the writings of Geoffrey, it is understood how her story could be so magical. There seems to be some speculation if Avalon is related to or the same as the legendary Atlantis. Geoffrey probably could not clarify if Atlantis existed, however, he would be able to clarify the origin of Avalon. Being a cleric in the church, Geoffrey could have also written Avalon based on his interpretation of some biblical reference.

To dine with a historical person would be a fantastic chance to get many questions answered. I could have dined with deceased presidents, other authors, painters or philosophers; however, none of those people would be able to answer questions to allow me to have a better understanding of my imaginative development. Geoffrey of Monmouth is the only historic man who could answer questions that would have a connection to my development as a being.