R Jan. 31: “The Knight with the Lion” pt 2

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?

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?