Questions of the week! Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Q1. Discuss the significance of numerology in this Romance. In your answer please consider Gawain's shield.

Q2. How is Arthur portrayed in the opening scene of the poem? Is Gawain's acceptance of the challenge a sacrifice for Arthur or his duty?

Q3. Discuss how women are represented in the poem. In your answer please consider the hostess and Morgan le Fay.

Q4. Does the narrative have a "happy" resolution?

Malory: Le Morte Darthur

Dear classes,

we will be looking at the penultimate book of Le Morte Darthur "The Tale of Sir Lancelot and Queen Guinevere" in next week's class. I will be working from the Helen Cooper OUP edition.

Best,

Rory.

Questions of the week! The Knight of the cart

Q1. Discuss the significance of the cart. In your answer please consider Guinevere's treatment of Lancelot.

Q2. Discuss how quickly rumours spread in the text. What social commentary is Chretien attempting to make, do you believe?

Q3. Discuss the comic elements of the story? Does it risk becoming parodic at parts, or is it a straightforward Romance tale?

Q4. Comment upon the significance of the foreword and afterword of the tale? How does it affect our interpretation?