A lover's Prize

World Literature

Response 6 Vol. B: Medieval Lyrics

A lover’s Prize

In this section Beatrice lyrics try to define what’s the lover’s prize is.  There are two meanings to a lover’s prize.  The first is the commitment that a man can make to the true love of his life.  Beatrice does not even have this assurance in her life and is distressed.  The second is the betrayal that can destroy one’s life.  It is a prize that can destroy a person and can never be recovered.  Beatrice has lost everything but yet is determined to prove her love with all her deeds.  She wants to commit to him and replace her husband. How it changes your feelings and your passion cannot be explained.  Once a love is lost it can destroys a person’s heart.  Beatrice dearly loved this man and gave him her heart.  What pain she must feel to be denied after her extreme commitment to her knight.  She gave all of herself without prejudice.  And yet the knight felt no urgency to fix their relationship.  She longed for her lover to take the place of her husband.  That would never come to pass.  Beatrice explains that she did not leave her husband and still does not love him.  This is also a betrayal.  Love hurts.   

Dia, Beatrice. "A Lover's Prize." The Norton Anthology of World Literature. Vol. B. 3rd ed. Ed. Martin Puchner. New York: Norton, 2012. Print. 339