"Erec and Enide" pgs 90-122

In the last several passages that we have read of "Erec and Enide," Erec has tested the depth of Enide's love for him. Through this, Erec realizes how much Enide is in love with him which strengthens, yet changes their relationship. Erec is now not bothered by Enide's speech when she is looking out for him- he has grown used it. Also, later in the story when he is "dead," he is awakened by the sound of Enide's voice. Her speech which ones annoyed him and made him angry, now saved her from getting married to another man, and him from being buried alive. Erec takes Enide on this long journey for a few reasons. He ultimately wants to prove to Enide, himself, and the rest of the kingdom that he is still the same knight that he was before he married Enide. He wants to reestablish his name and make sure that it stays preserved in a positive light. Also, Erec takes Enide on this journey to test her love for him. In the beginning, he does not know how to react to her choice to speak, rather than hold her words. By the end of the story, Erec understands that Enide is only looking out for his own safety.

Chretien also speaks about Erec's "death" and "rebirth" in the third section. When he is referring to Erec's "death," he is more referring to the death of who Erec used to be. He is not as full of himself or pompous. That part of him dies and there is a rebirth or his love. During his "rebirth," it is a kind of new beginning for him and Enide. They are reunited with a new kind of desire for one another which signals why Chretien stresses his "rebirth."