Le Cid

The characters in Le Cid are bound by objective moral laws and obligations to justice and duty. They live by a strict code of honor, defined by social expectations of valor, ability and accomplishment, social rank, and righteous action according to the moral norms of their time. Honor is a supreme value for these characters, more important than life itself; as the Count says, “men may reduce me to live without happiness, but they cannot compel me to live without honor” (13). When Rodrigo gains distinction on the battlefield, he is adding to his honor.

For example, the Infanta considers marrying Rodrigo, a nobleman, unworthy of her honor as a princess. When Diego receives the honor of becoming tutor to the prince, the Count insults him, which he takes as an offense against his personal honor and implication that he is undeserving of the appointment. In the moral code of Le Cid, an insult to one’s honor must be avenged. Honor is also a value that is transferrable via kinship; when Diego is insulted, Rodrigo is obliged to avenge his honor, and Rodrigo’s valor on the battlefield brings honor to his family by contrast. After killing the Count in the duel,