How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Page)
Quote #4
They were very short of bread in the wood, they lived on flesh and nothing else. How could they help losing their colour? Their clothes were ragged, for branches tore them. They were a long time in the forest of Morrois. Each of them was suffering equal hardship, but neither was distressed on the other's account. (9.85)
Several times, the narrator comments on Tristan and Yseut's lack of bread as evidence of their suffering, possibly because bread was the most basic and cheapest food available to medieval Europeans. It may also symbolize their excommunication from the church and its Eucharist because of their life of sin. But Tristan and Yseut do not mind the hardship they are suffering "on the other's account"—because each one is more concerned about the other than himself.
Quote #5
She made it for Mark and her daughter; another tasted it and suffered because of this. For as long as the three years lasted the potion had such power over Tristan and the queen that each of them could say: 'I am not weary.' (11.96)
Although Tristan and Yseut are suffering physical hardship in the woods, the effect of the love potion prevents them from experiencing psychological suffering. They simply do not mind their harsh living conditions, because of their love.
Quote #6
'God, I have had so much hardship! For fully three years today there has not been a moment when I was not suffering, either on a feast-day or a week-day. I have forgotten chivalry and the life of a knight at court. I am an exile in this country and there is nothing left of the light and grey furs I had. I am not in the company of the knights at court. God, how dearly my uncle would love me if I had not caused him so much distress.' (11.96)
The types of hardship Tristan laments once the love potion has worn off tell us what he values most: chivalry, the knightly life, fellowship with other knights and his king and—this is random!—light and grey furs, which represent material luxuries.