Sowing the Seeds Symbol
The seeds that the writer speaks of in the text symbolize the beginnings of the story, and in Perceval's case, the beginnings of his life as a knight. They also symbolize the deliberate decision he has made to be a knight, and to live with courage and chivalry.
Rich Soil Symbol
The soil spoken of in the text also has a duality of meaning; on one hand, it represents the good, honest foundations of the story that is to be told, and the fact that it is based in truth. It also symbolizes the fact that Perceval has good foundations and chooses only the companions and opportunities that will enable him to grow and to build a life of firm foundation.
Perceval's Lack of Knowledge of Knights Symbol
Perceval's father was a knight yet he is quite convinced that he has never met one. This is because his mother went to great lengths to hide his father's true identity as a knight from him because she did not want him to follow in his footsteps. This deception symbolizes her fears for him and it also symbolizes the fact that Perceval was born to be a knight because of his own character and not because of any desire to follow in his father's footsteps.
Sir Kay's Duplicity Motif
The duplicity of Sir Kay is a motif both in this text and throughout subsequent Arthurian literature, primarily because Sir Kay is profoundly jealous of the younger knights who win Arthur's favor, and also because as they gain more of the king's trust, he sees his own influence waning. This troubles him because he manipulates Arthur for his own ends. His dislike of Perceval and his animosity towards him are a consistent motif in the poem.
Grail Symbol
The grail is decorated with the most beautiful jewels in the world, and although the poet knows nothing about gemstones the very appearance of the stones makes their eminent beauty obvious. The grail's beauty is a symbol of its importance both to the reign of Arthur and in a mystical or metaphysical sense, and the way in which it is treated with reverence by the knights.
