Sir Gowain and the Loathly Lady

Sir Gowain and the Loathly Lady

Sir Gowain and the Loathly Lady

Retold by Selina Hastings

Background Information

The romance is a narrative genre from the twelfth century, Romances were written in poetic forms represent the courtly and chivalric tradition of Arthurian legends. Quests, gallant knights, and ladies to be rescued from dragons or curses are common elements in romances. Supernatural events, spells, and magic are also found in many romances from this era. Sir Gowain was one of King Arthur’s knights. Sir Gowain and the Green Knight is one of the most popular of the Arthurian romances.

What do you predict the theme to be?Romance and Inner versus Outer Beauty

New Vocabulary

Chivalry - The medieval knightly system with its religious, moral, and social code.Knights, noblemen, and horsemen collectively

Foliage- Plant leaves, collectively.

Quest -Search for something

Brackish -Not appealing to the taste

Obscured- Keep from being seen; conceal.Make unclear and difficult to understand.

What do you know about King Arthur? The Arthurian legends are drawn from history, mythology, legend and fairly lore. Many movies have been made about King Arthur. Have you seen any?

Watch:What qualities of a knight and the expectations that were placed upon knights during the Middle Ages.

King Arthur Trailer 2004 2 mins

Gowain 6 mins

Kingdom of Heaven 2:30 min

Camelot Trailer 1 min

Quest for Camelot 1:30 min

Shrek 1 Trailer 2 min

Shrek 2 Trailer 2 min

Shrek 3 Trailer 2 min

Shallow Hal 2 min

Assignments

PART A –While Reading: Prediction Chart

Use the prediction chart hand out. Read the story and pause at the following points. Predict what will happen next.

_....his challenger was no ordinary foe.” (p. 177)

“None could agree.” (p.177)

“Now for your side of the bargain.” (p.178)

“The knights sat still as statues, hardly able to believe their eyes.” (p.179)

“Shuddering with horror he slowly turned his head.” (p.180)

“You must choose whichever you prefer.” (p.181)

PART B - Post-Reading Questions

  1. Discuss whether you were satisfied with the ending of the story. If not, then describe the ending that you would have preferred.
  2. What was Arthur doing when he met the Black Knight?
  3. What was the puzzle given to Arthur?
  4. Why was it hard for him to solve?
  5. What did Arthur promise the Loathly Lady?
  6. What had transformed her to be loathly?
  7. Who is Gowain?
  8. List three characteristics of Sir Gowain and give proof for each.

PART B - Monologue (Definition: A long speech by one actor in a play or movie, or as part of a theatrical or broadcast program.)

Option 1:Pretend you are the Loathly Lady. Talk about what you felt like when you were ugly and how people treated you. Explain how people treat you now that you are beautiful. Give specific examples.

Or

Option 2: Write a short story from the perspective of the Loathly Lady if she time-travelled to your school and showed up in your class.

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