Morte d'Arthur Review
What was Gawain's dream about?
A battle with Mordred would be deadly. In the dream Arthur should offer Mordred land and put off the battle until he can get help from Lancelot
Why do you think the legend of King Arthur is still popular today?
desire for perfection, loss of love, righteousness will triumph
Why did Sir Gawain suggest Arthur sign month long treaty with Mordred?
doesn't think Arthur can win without help from Lancelot
What are some examples of adventure in the story?
going abroad to seek out Lancelot
Why does Sir Bedivere disobey Arthur's wish to throw the sword into the lake?
greed- he feels the sword is too valuable
After Arthur is taken away on the barge to be cured, what does Bedivere discover the next day?
he finds a hermit who just buried a warrior for some women. Bedivere thinks it is Arthur
What does King Arthur ask Sir Bedivere to do as a favor for him after the battle?
he wants Bedivere to throw Excalibur back into the lake
How does the ending of the story add a mysterious magical quality to the tale?
it implies that Arthur may return
Who warns Arthur in his dream?
Sir Gawain who tells Arthur not to battle Mordred because he will die if he does
Who does King Arthur confront in France at the beginning and end of the story?
Sir Lancelot about his affair with the queen
How is Mordred slain and what does he do before he dies?
Arthur spears him but Mordred manages to stab him in the head with his sword
How did Arthur become king in the first place?
Arthur was illigitimate son of King Pendragon. When that king died, Arthur was able to pull the sword from a stone to become next ruler
What are some examples of chivalry in the story?
Arthur's dedication to his knights Sir Lucen and Sir Bediver's devotion to their king
What famous play came from Thomas Mallory's work?
Camelot
Why did it take Sir Bedivere so long to honor Arthur's request?
He thought it was a shame to throw something away that is so valuable. It took him three times to actually put it in the lake
What are some examples of love in the story?
King Arthur's love for Guinevere betrayal of Guinever for Lancelot lack of love of Mordred for his father
What are some examples of supernatural in the story?
Merlin the wizard and his ability to see the future Lady in the Lake with Excalibur myth surrounding Arthur's birth hint that Arthur may return in the future black robes of women on barge indicate magic powers
What is happening in England while Arthur is away?
Mordred seizes England and declares himself king
Who wrote Morte d'Arthur and what was unusual about where he wrote it and when it was published?
Sir Thomas Mallory wrote it while in prison. It wasn't published until after he died.
Does Arthur listen to the dream warning?
Yes, but the battle started anyway by accident when a knight pulls sword to kill a snake
