First off, I liked Chreiten de Troyes's story on "The Knight of the Cart (Lancelot) much better than "The Lais of Marie de France." The reason being is because I was quite fond of the journey and the obstacles Lancelot had to endure to reach his Queen Guinevere (I can seriously relate to his courage to accomplish is goal). Not to mention, I found it quite interesting how Lancelot earned his name 'Knight of the Cart' in the first place (from when the dwarf made him ride in the cart that was normally used by the imprisoned). Moreover, although the majority of women were regarded as maidens in the story, I adored the amount of control women had over men during this time.

The two texts are similar in that they both are love stories based on heroism and adultery. Moreover, I also realize that in 'The Knight of the Cart,' deal-making is an expression of truth and loyalty in getting jobs done. Christianity also arises in this story when Lancelot goes to the church to pray. Also, these two texts are similar in that they both depict women having some type of emotional stronghold over the men. Both texts illustrate "the crazy things love can make one do" and proves that if one displays hatred towards another and plots against them; karma sets in reversing that hatred towards the hater. "Evil can easily rebound on him who seeks another's misfortune" (Marie de France 60).

There is not an entire significant change between the authors because they do both have the same direction and that is to create love stories. Also, it did not make any different that one of the authors happened to be a woman (although she may have been slightly more descriptive); both text for the most part aimed in the same direction.

Love in the Lais and Knight of the Cart

I found it interesting how both authors regarded love as a completely absurd notion. That's not to say that these authors did not regard love as a powerful force, however, these authors certainly seemed inable to see the 'logic' or 'sense' in love.
In 'Knight of the Cart', Lancelot is described as donig absurd things, such as trying to kill himself (twice!) when he finds out that his love with Guinevere may not be realized. When dueling the 'evil M-something' he even positions himself so that he can stare at Guinevere while fighting at the expense of his combat positioning. However, by contrast, we see Guinevere's marriage to the king as totally acceptable and reasonable. Although they may not love each other, from everything we can see, their marriage is practical.
In the Lais, Marie outright states a similar point when she says "
Long life is not the recompense
For love without measure or sense;
But love itself is the measure of
Love; reason can't be kept in love."
In other words, love leaves to a short life (death), and reason must be kept out of love. Although love is romanticized in these texts, it is most definately described as an illogical and impractical feeling that should be left out of relationships.

What I found most interesting about the two authors, was how adultry is a consistent topic. In Chretien's story, Lancelot's love seem to have conquered all and was not a social concern. while in the lais, it felt like the stories were more like anecdotes that want to tell the rest of the world that adultry is to be ashamed of, unless there's true love involved.
Another point I want to discuss about is the noble-ness of the knights. what is a knight? and what makes a good one? any one who does not do unethical things seems to be a good knight. Lancelot jumping into the kart was looked down upon, because it looked as if it was a bad thing, and the civilians became unappreciating of his action. the bravery and the 'strength' of a person also makes a good knight - that's why Meleagant fought Lancelot 3 times. He wanted to show his strength. With strength, comes glory and fame, and respect by all. Lancelot seem to have won that much easier, as have Bisclavret and the guy from the mountain of two lovers. Bought to them were long history of fame, because of the strength, and nobility they have.
One major difference I seem to have notice, but cannot support strongly yet, is that, in Chretien's writing, women have seem to have been so easy to earn their love. by Lancelot performing the task to behead a villian, Lancelot's glory battle at the coluseum, and Lancelot's encouter with the girl who wanted to sleep with him. while in Marie de France's writing, Ladies would end up liking the guy, only when the guy likes her first, as shown in bisclavet, le fresne, and equitan.

"The Knight of the Cart" and the Lais of Marie de France both dwell on the concept of love and the role it plays during that time period. Love acts as the driving force of the plot in the stories. The protagonist is compelled by passion in his actions. Thus, his heroic deeds are usually illogical. The two accounts are different in that Marie's stories focus solely on the protagonist's actions based on passion alone, while in "The Knight of the Cart" the protagonist's actions are swayed by logic and honor. Lancelot pauses a moment before jumping into the dwarf's cart because he knew he would be ridiculed by other people, yet a passion for both his mission and the queen overcame the reason inside of him. Yet, he honors the truce made by the king through the queen to not kill Meleagant, King Bademagu's son. Although he seems to do it solely because his lover tells him too, at the same token he is also honoring the king's demand. I like "The Knight of the Cart" better because it was an interesting and compelling narrative and gave more insight into that world that the fictitious story was based on.

Boom Boom Boom

"The Knight of the Cart" and the "Lais" both transcend the ethics of the time and seek to condone (or at least rationalize) one of the greatest sins of the time. This movement indicates a more liberal view of law and how human feeling can transcend traditional barriers of what is right and wrong. However similar these books  are in their philosophical aims both take drastically different routes. 

"The Knight of the Cart" rationalizes adultery through the achievement of great feats and acts of valor. Getting down is something Lancelot must earn. The woman has little say in the process. Although love is portrayed, it only exists within set boundaries. No matter what Lancelot does, he can only get his "swerve on" once. Love isn't transcendent like it is in "Lais". 

People don't work for love in "Lais" it is something that comes in, takes over, and usurps all others in the order of importance. You don't have to work to get love, you have no choice but to submit your will to carnal desires. this gives a hint of romance and alludes to further developments. It is also starkly different because love (and lust) is ultimately portrayed as a good thing. 

I'm glad "Lais" exists. It makes the heart sing with hope and long for the carnal spark that leads to deep, life long immersion. If "Knight of the Cart" resonated with me, I would probably try and get action by walking girl's home from parties. I prefer the latter so I prefer the "Lais". 

Both “The Knight of the Cart” and the Lais were similar in that the authors of the stories seemed to approve of adulterers as long as they were in love. Moreover, there is a sense that people married for power, shown by Guinevere not liking Arthur as much and the girl in Guigemar marrying the old lord. Interestingly, there is a major difference Lancelot throws away his honor for love, shown by him losing the tournament and sitting in the “cart,” and the characters in the Lais don’t, the lovers either die or reveal their love and make it legal. This brings up another difference, Guinevere and Lancelot’s love stays secret, while the ones in the Lais become public. I think the change in the perspectives in miniscule because the main theme is still true love conquers all it’s just that Marie de France imposes more restrictions with the idea of “equal” lovers. However, the characters in “The Knight of the Cart” implies that betraying the king is fine for love, but the Lais, through the “Equitan” shows that betrayal is not an option. Therefore, the authors seem to disagree to the extent love she be pursued, and if it should be made public or not. To be honest, I preferred the Lais because there was a sense of closure and the stories seemed more on topic, while “the Knight of the Cart” had an ambiguous ending about the end of their love and the story had random plot points.