By the second part of the story, Yvain has a lion sidekick who frequently gives him the upper hand in fights, though his contenders view it as an unfair advantage. How does this lion help to characterize Yvain? Are the values of knighthood challenged or supported in his keeping this lion as a sidekick and combat partner?
Monthly Archives: January 2019
“The Knight with the Lion” Part 2
The deeds of women play a large role in this story’s development through characters like Lunete, the two feuding sisters, and more. What does this tale reveal about the roles women had to play in this particular historical context, and what powers they had over men and other affairs?
T Jan. 29: “The Knight with the Lion” pt. 1
In the first part of the narrative, Yvain falls in love with the lady of the knight whom he kills at the spring; later he breaks his word and fails to return to her when he has promised to. Is Yvain a “true lover” who made a mistake in breaking his word to his lady, or is he a “thief” who stole his lady’s heart with poor intentions? Where in the text is your reading of Yvain supported?
T Jan 29: “The Knight with the Lion” Part 1
Instead of the start of an adventure, this text begins with a story told by a character. Lord Calogrenant tells the tale of his shame after facing the knight of the spring. What is the effect of beginning the tale this way, instead of jumping right into the action? Why might the author have decided to begin the tale in this fashion?
R Jan 24: Knight of the Cart P2
In this tale, Guinivere is implied to have committed adultery with Lancelot. How does this square with the chivalrous value of promises kept? And how do you think the idea of courtly love would have been recieved by medival society?
R Jan 24: “The Knight of the Cart” Pt. 2
There are a lot of parallelisms between the first and second half of the book. Are there any you can point out? Why do you think that some episodes mirror each other?
hint: Look at the “Games” and compare it to the “duel for the queen” episode! I am sure there are others, but just to get y’all started.
T (Jan 22) Knight of the Cart
Many of the characters in this story have no name; none of the knights (save Gawain and Menegault) are named nor are any female characters except the queen. Even Lancelot is Continue reading
T Jan 22: “The Knight of the Cart Pt. 1”
Last class we discussed a lot about courtly love. In this story, chivalry is emphasized quite often. Is courtly love still supported by the story or is it undermined and left at odds with chivalry? If so, refer to specific instances.
R Jan 17: “Lanval” and “The Art of Courtly Love”
How does Marie’s romantic tale about Lanval challenge and/or reinforce “The Rules of Love?” Point to specific events in the story and discuss how they support or contradict the ideas presented in “The Art of Courtly Love.”
R Jan 17: Lanval’s Departure
At the very end of “Lanval,” he and his lady ride off to Avalon, never to be seen again, even though Lanval has been cleared of all charges. Why do you think that is? What do you think is the significance of Lanval’s departure?