Lancelot
A detailed Summary of Lancelot
The Presence of Percival
Employing a multitude of memories, reflections and ultimate confessions from Lancelot Lamar, the author uses Percival as a tool to illustrate the hero's fall from grace as a result of society's aberration. Although the priest-psychologist merely "stand[s] by the window" (1) for a majority of the monologue, Lancelot's verbalization is a direct result of Percival's presence. One might argue that Lancelot would tell his story regardless of Percy, but without his proximity and persistence, the reader would have no one with whom to identify.
Initially, Percival seems to have a distinct function in Walker Percy's Lancelot. It is assumed that the priest and Lance will engage in continuing dialogue, however, this presumption is drastically altered. Few specific details are learned of Percival, yet this does not lessen his overall impact. The reader is aware of the hi

story between the two, verified by the main character's line, "It's been years and you've changed a great deal, but I know you all right." (3). Is it completely necessary to "know" every character? Certainly it is not. What we do not know about Percival merely adds the element of mystique.
The motif of "opening up" continues throughout, and falls within a constant pattern. Percival is the reason for Lance's development as time progresses. The role of the psychologist is taking effect in the hero's favor. The final scene sums up Walker Percy's intentions for Percival. The priest is finally answering Lance's questions, however, after a lengthy digression it seems somewhat unneeded. Although after desperately trying to incorporate religion into helping Lancelot, Percival is just concerned with aiding his companion, putting religion aside. After hearing, first hand, about all Lance has experienced, one m
Some common words found in the essay are:
Percy's Lancelot, Lancelot Lamar, Percy Percival's, Walker Percy's, Lancelot Percival, Percival Employing, Initially Percival, walker percy's, final scene, reader aware, percival's presence,
Approximate Word count = 619
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)
Category: English
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