The Legend of King Arthur
The Legend of King Arthur Background Information
How long as the legend of King Arthur been around?
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What is the legend about?
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Who was King Arthur?
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How has the legend been passed down?
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What was Nennius’ take on the legend?
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What was Geoffrey of Monmouth’s take on the legend?
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What was Wace’s take on the legend?
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Thomas Malory
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His take on/additions to the legend:
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Alfred, Lord Tennyson
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His take on/additions to the legend:
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T.H. White
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His take on/additions to the legend:
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“Arthur Becomes King” by T.H. White
- How does the author show us that Arthur was not a very likely person to become the King of England?
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- What thoughts/feelings does Arthur express after Sir Kay ordered him to find his sword?
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- During this incident, what kind of person does the young Arthur appear to be?
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- How does the character of Kay contrast with the character of Arthur?
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- When Arthur is attempting to remove the sword, what details let the reader know he has extraordinary abilities that set him apart from others?
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- What is Arthur’s vision of the future? What does he mean by “the foxhunting spirit”?
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- Who is Arthur’s tutor? What is his profession? Why was he watching Arthur so carefully when he gave his speech about Might and Right?
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- Why did Merlin begin to recite the NuncDimittis after Arthur’s speech?
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“The Tale of Sir Launcelotdu Lake” by Thomas Malory
- Give examples of how Sir Launcelot fulfills his knightly duties according to the code of chivalry: correct wrongs, honor his word, and serve his lady.
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- Why might Sir Launcelot have felt divided in his loyalties when he fought for King Bagdemagus?
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- Which loyalty did Launcelot put first and why?
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- Give examples of how Sir Launcelot displays nobility.
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- How are Launcelot and Tarquine foils (characters who have opposite traits and are best understood in contrast with one another)?
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“The Passing of Arthur” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
- What reasons does Bedivere give for not throwing Excalibur into the lake?
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- What motives does Arthur accuse Bedivere of having? How close to the truth is Arthur?
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- After Bedivere fails a second time to carry out Arthur’s command, Arthur says, “Authority forgets a dying king” – What emotion does this line convey?
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- How is the wounded Arthur like a “shattered column” when he is being placed in the barge?
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- What does Bedivere fear will be lost when Arthur dies? What does Arthur say to comfort him?
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- What do the last two lines of the poem suggest about the future of Arthur and the ideals he stood for?
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Write Your Own Version of a King Arthur Tale
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Setting:
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Plot:
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