Paper Summary:

This paper explores the timeless medieval English King Arthur character in literature throughout the ages as viewed in adaptations of the stories for children. Medieval Arthurian literature from England had a more serious and deeper tone than the children's books written based on the tales of King Arthur today, while some take on a more light-hearted mood for the tale. This paper examines critical reviews of Arthurian literature, and also warns against the possibility of the Arthur legend teaching children too much about defeat.

From the Paper:

" Oscar Wilde once said, "I am not young enough to know everything." This quote brings into words the idea that a child's imagination is far more complex than the reason and seriousness of an adult. Most children spend the first part of their lives learning all the things most adults refuse to believe in: unicorns, fairies, dragons, and even chivalry. A great example of this is the vast collection of children's books that retell Arthurian legends. The tales of King Arthur recur frequently in children's literature, and most of the works are closely knit to their medieval counterparts. The language and images in these new Arthurian works allow children to feel the archaic mood of Middle English and picture the trials of Merlin, King Arthur, and the Knights of the Round Table. Medieval Arthurian literature from England had a more serious and deep tone than the children's books written on the tales of King Arthur today."

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