FREE ESSAY ON LANCELOT

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 history 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 actual kinship between the Lancelot and the priest is one of constant compliment to
the other's words. For example, at one point Lance senses that something is bothering his
friend. The protagonist inquires, "Are you in love?" (5). This 
insight illustrates the bond the two share, and how it presently appears to be closer
than ever. Lancelot asks the question because he does not clearly understand "love"
himself. His sense of loving someone has been entirely distorted and corrupted by his
society. Lamar does not exclusively present the argument of love; in fact, Percival
questions his friend to the same extent. Lance replies, "Why are you always asking me
about love? Have you been crossed up too?" (129). The dominant conversationalist is a
position that bounces back and forth almost in a pattern. 
Percival's predominant duty is to allow Lance to voice his feelings that have been kept
inside. As soon as the hero begins with the bulk of his monologue, the reader is aware of
Percival's purpose. For instance, Lance once remarks, "As I say, seeing you allowed me to
remember the circumstances under which I discovered my wife had deceived me...carnal
relations with another man." Lance does not completely comprehend why he is opening up to
his friend, but the memories continue to dispense. Lamar explains how there is an
underlying need to talk to Percy, becoming easier as he continues.
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 must admire Percival's steadfastness. The final scene exemplifies the
juxtaposition between Lance and Percy, and how it is Percival's presence that has a
positive affect on the hero. With the final question standing, "Is there anything you
wish to tell me before I leave?" (279), the reader is expelled with the echo of a single,
foreshadowing utterance - "Yes."