The "Three-Stage" Malory Process

(early, middle, late)

1) Sankgreall and Roman War (celebratory and reverent—few and timid changes, never using the "Frensche booke"'s authority)

 

2)  King Arthur, Trystram (politically aware, stealthy and strategic forger of changes, sometimes using the "Frensche book"'s authority)

 

3)  Lancelot, Gareth, Lancelot and Gwynever, and the Morte Proper (becoming the “Frensche booke” and other reactions to authorial anxiety)