This paper explores adaptations of medieval English Arthurian literature into works of juvenile fiction. It compares three Arthurian legends in children's literature with three medieval texts and shows the views of one literary critic.
Abstract 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."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth literary analysis of the Arthurian poem, Lanval by Marie de France. While analyzing the lay, the author also relates the material to the time period-the Middle Ages, and places the story in context.
From the Paper "Marie de France's Lay, Lanval, is a romantic Arthurian Poem laced with the supernatural and political undertones. It seems to show a new side of King Arthur that we do not see in other Arthurian tales of the period and points out the flawed judicial system in place as well as the corruptibility of the court. Marie also portrays her female characters in an unusual way and shows us more than one side to the feminine face in literature."
Abstract This paper positively reviews Chretien De Troyes's prose translations of the five Arthurian romances. The paper then explains how the focus of Chretian De Troyes's translation differs from the focus seen in the original romances. Finally, the paper highlights the theme that is common to all the prose and explains how this theme is reflection of the times in which Chretien De Troyes lived.
From the Paper "The book contains prose translations of all the five Arthurian romances written by Chr"tien de Troyes. These are "Erec and Enide", "Cliges", "Lancelot" (Le Chevalier de la Charrette), "Yvain? (Le Chevalier au Lion) and "Perceval". If the original poems are written in a vivid and alert style, with the stories succeeding each other at fast pace, so that the reader finds it hard not to continue the story, translation into prose makes them even easier to read and understand. A critique on this book closely relates to having a closer look at all five poems and at Chr?tien's work in general."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts two Arthurian legends with respect to the role of the hero cycle. It looks at T.H. White's novel that traces the life of King Arthur, "The Once and Future King," and the chivalric adventure, "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight." It also looks at the hero quest and the journey to obtain it in both stories.
From the Paper "Among the many themes that dominate all Arthurian literature is that of the hero on a cyclic quest in pursuit of some greater good or cause that speaks to the obligation of the knight to protect others. In this brief.."
Tags: King Arthur, Holy Grail, hero quest, hero cycle
Abstract A discussion of Arthurian literature that includes information of the time period and the main characteristics of the literature. The paper also includes where it was first popular, the main writers associated with it, why it was unique to the time period in which it was popular and why it is significant to modern audiences.
From the Paper "During the Renaissance, the popularity of a former alleged king of Britain, King Arthur, grew rapidly. Being as the Tudor line of royalty traced its legitimacy of kingship to King Arthur, it is not surprising Arthurian legend blossomed in this era. Likewise chivalry, romance, magical science, war and the battle between pagan and Christian influence are embodied in Arthurian literature."
Abstract The paper shows that we can perhaps best come to an understanding of the role that women play in the Arthurian legends by examining the love story of Lancelot and Guinevere. It explains that we see in Guinevere the different roles and functions that women are supposed to meet in this world ? and the impossibility of their being able to fulfill each and every one of those roles. The paper discusses however, that we do not see these things in her as an independent character but rather in her relationships to Lancelot and to Arthur. This is in fact only appropriate, for women in the Arthurian ring do not stand by themselves. They are continually defined through their relationships to men. The paper discusses the works of several writers of Arthurian legends including Sir Thomas Malory and Chr?tien de Troyes.
From the Paper "Within the Arthurian legend, Morgan le Fay is often referred to as a queen and she is one of the three queens who tempts Lancelot, making her in this important way a parallel to Guinevere. But while Guinevere is as loyal as she can be to Arthur and betrays him reluctantly and at great personal cost, Morgan stands in opposition to Arthur with ease. Like the fay in the Cu Chulainn tale, this Morgan is a sort of semi-divine adversary whose role in this world is not to love Arthur (or Lancelot) but to serve as an agonist, as an antagonist who helps to keep Arthur and his knights on their guard."
Abstract Although no actual historical accounts of a King Arthur exist, his reputation is certainly legendary. Whatever the case, the deeds of Arthur, fictitious or not, developed into an immense body of romantic stories that have provided a glorious past for the Britons. This paper looks at the history of the Arthurian legends beginning with "De Excidio et Conauestu Britanniae" (c.540) by the Roman-Welsh citizen, Gildas, through Geoffrey of Monmouth's popular "History of the Kings of Britain" (c. 1136) and concluding with Sir Thomas Malory's "Morte D'Arthur (c. 1470), based on both English and French Arthurian traditions.
From the Paper "The development of the Arthurian legend reflects medieval political and nationalistic concerns. A great deal of fiction in the guise of fact, the legend of Arthur provided a glorious past for the Britons who wanted to believe that they could trace their ancestry to Aeneas in Troy, as suggested by Geoffrey and Layamon. Geoffrey indeed realized this desire to satisfy the need to know one's roots when he created what he did not know in his History. In a turbulent age when acts of violence founded countries, kingdoms, and even families, the emergence of a strong leader capable of combating the discord with violent acts of his own appealed to the people and gave them both justification for their present state and hope for their future. With his series of expanding conquests, power being the ultimate authorizing force (might makes right), Arthur embodies the Celtic good by legally legitimizing and glorifying territorial victories much like the Norman Conquest. Thus, Arthur was a national hero who unified the Britons and prevented them from fighting amongst themselves so much that outside forces could easily defeat them."
This paper examines the continuation of the Arthurian tradition established in Malory's 14th Century "Le Morte d'Arthur", particularly in the story line dealing with the quest for the Holy Grail, in the post-medieval (1965) juvenile novel "Over Sea, Under
3,150 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 10 sources, 1994, $ 111.95
From the Paper "The purpose of this research is to examine the continuation of the Arthurian tradition established in Malory's "Le Morte d'Arthur", particularly in the story line dealing with the quest for the Holy Grail, in the post-medieval juvenile novel "Over Sea, Under Stone" by Susan Cooper. The plan of the research will be to set forth the Grail story line in Malory's work, and then to note similarities and differences in Cooper's treatment, with a view toward suggesting the purpose Cooper had in using the Arthurian legend in her book.
To discuss the quest for the Holy Grail in Malory is to discuss the principal feature of moral content in the narrative that legitimates the entire environment of chivalric adventurism. As Malory's tale makes plain, the pull of priorities among affairs of the heart, assorted court intrigues, ... "
Abstract This paper compares the development of the character of Sir Gawain, one of the most influential figures in Arthurian legend, in two texts from different time periods and different authors. The paper presents Sir Gawain in "Le Morte d'Arthur" and "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight". The paper considers the style and contexts of the two works and their effects on the portrayal of Sir Gawain, both in terms of his humanistic qualities and those of the ideal knight.
From the Paper "The importance of chivalry and the perfectionist edicts of knighthood are a central facet of the Arthurian Legend and the legends that stem from it. Such concepts are, in fact, what many claim to find as their original attraction to the subject matter. Reasons such as this lie behind the popularity of characters like Lancelot, Yvain, and even Arthur himself. When one delves deeper into the legend and mythology, however, it is impossible not to notice importance of the roles of other human traits, such as the capability to fall in love, and the conflict these traits invariably impose on the perfection of knighthood."
Abstract The grail is one of the most difficult problems of Arthurian legend, introducing as it does features of Christian story, Celtic myth, and ancient fertility cults. To identify the impact of this legend on 21st century literature, this paper provides a review of the relevant literature to develop the background, history, religious significance, and historical efforts to locate the grail. A summary of the research is provided in the conclusion.
From the Paper "The Holy Grail is a fascinating feature of medieval legend and literature. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, the name refers to a legendary sacred vessel, variously identified with the chalice of the Eucharist or the dish of the Pascal lamb, and the theme of a famous medieval cycle of romance. "In the romances the conception of the Grail varies considerably; its nature is often but vaguely indicated, and, in the case of Chrestien's Perceval poem, it is left wholly unexplained" (Remy 1909:2003). The Grail appears in various accounts as a chalice, a cup, or a dish and sometimes as a stone or a caldron into which a bleeding lance drips. It was identified by Christians as the chalice of the Last Supper brought to England by St. Joseph of Arimathea. Miraculous in its powers, the Grail could provide food and healing. However, it would be revealed only to a pure knight, and the Grail Quest appears in different stories. In Arthurian legend the purest knight is variously Parsifal or Galahad."
Abstract The writer of this paper contends that just as people use the bible and tales from Greek mythology as guides for moral behavior, Arthurian codes of chivalry can also be used as such a source. This paper lists the 10 basic rules of chivalry and compares them to the 10 commandments. This paper defines chivalry as a set of ideals and duties that changed throughout the middle ages to meet new socio-economic realities. Chivalric virtues were a clear distillation of what it meant to be a fine human being as well as a person in search of justice and humility.
Topics covered in this report include:
Chivalry
The Code of Chivalry
Bibliography
From the Paper "To be honorable means to treat other people fairly and to keep our word when we promise something. It also means that we are willing to admit our mistakes and ask forgiveness. We don't attempt to cover up mistakes and hope no one notices. First, we tell the other person without mincing words that we have screwed up and that we will do what we can to correct the matter. Then we ask for forgiveness without expecting it. Finally, we take whatever comes. To be courageous is easy when no one else is involved. It is when we have to deal with other people that we sometimes get terrified and run. But to have courage (to be brave) does not mean that we don't have fear."
Abstract In examining both Geoffrey of Monmouth's "History of the Kings of Britain" and "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," one finds that, while the works are similar in many regards, the notion of history that each work espouses differs significantly from the other. The paper shows that both works include the Arthurian court, the chivalric code, and the plight of the British Empire, but as the Gawain poet advances a more cyclical notion of history, Monmouth's history is fervently nationalist. A close look at the language and presentation of both works clearly reveals such differences.
From the Paper "The Gawain poet, however, does not fully employ the nationalist banter of Monmouth in his description of a very similar court. As Monmouth dedicates paragraph after paragraph to the documentation of the arrival of the invitees and exquisite nature of Arthur's court, and thus of the Empire itself, the Gawain poet focuses on the festival atmosphere surrounding the court and the triviality that it implies. While both authors address the grandeur and spectacle of the elaborate culinary displays and the contests of physical prowess, the Gawain poet's account seems more implicating satire than patriotic reenactment."
A comparison of the different forms of presentation of the Arthurian Legend, such as "L'Morte d'Arthur" in Mabinogion and "How Cullhwch won Olwen" by Chretien de Troyes and Thomas Mallory.
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the changing character of King Arthur and the ideals of the society in "How Cullhwch won Olwen" in Mabinogion, with those displayed in later forms of the Arthurian legend, such as "L'Morte d'Arthur" by Chretien de Troyes and Sir Thomas Mallory. This paper argues that King Arthur in "Cullwhch and Olwen" is a paragon of ancient Welsh ideals, which were heroic, but different and less refined than the ideals of the later medieval European society.
From the Paper "From the early days of Welsh folklore up to the present time, King Arthur has been a symbol of the ideal king, and his kingdom has been seen as an ideal society. Arthur, his knights, and his kingdom have gone through many changes throughout history as new versions of the legend were written. Each time the tale of King Arthur was rewritten, it was different, as it was reconfigured to conform to the morals and ideals of the culture it was written in. In the story of How Cullwhch won Olwen in the Mabinogion, Arthur and his knights are legendary Welsh heroes."
Abstract This paper compares these two works and examines what was the source of these two writers' anti-religion feelings, if a specific source can truly be found. The paper speculates that even though these writers are from different periods, they have the same view of religion in both their time period and that of the Arthurian legend. It questions whether or not the works by the same two authors share this religious theme, or whether this is limited to books that are written in a setting very near the Arthurian time period. The paper also considers whether or not mark Twain was speaking entirely for himself when he wrote Connecticut Yankee, or whether he had been influenced somewhat by Sir Walter Scott's works, and Scott's opinion of religion. Whether or not mark Twain was considering revising his attitude toward the Church before he died is also speculated. This paper also attempts to get into the heads of these authors, and examines where their anti-Church attitudes came from and why it was put into their novels. Whether they were trying to make a specific point about the human condition, or whether they were just revealing their own upset about the Church and their personal beliefs. Criticisms relating to these authors, both recent criticisms and criticisms from the authors contemporaries, are also tracked down and evaluated, as they are important indicators in examining what others thought of the views that the authors expressed. Biographical sources on the authors are also examined in order to determine whether specific events that happened in their lives led them to their opinions on religion.
Introduction
Sir Walter Scott: His Hatred of the Church
Mark Twain: His Hatred of the Church, and More
Conclusion
From the Paper "It is clear from the works of both Sir Walter Scott and Mark Twain that they barely managed to conceal a deep-seated hatred for the Church. The purpose of this paper will be to examine the reasons behind this hatred, and whether or not it spreads into other works that they have created. By examining the available literature on both Scott and Twain, it will not likely be difficult to determine what situations in the pasts of these two writers caused their intense dislike for the medieval church.
Sir Walter Scott was regarded at one time as the greatest English novelist (Wright, 1996). This was largely due to the success of the Waverly novels that he wrote, but some of his other work in joy to success as well. Ivanhoe came along later on, and by then Sir Walter Scott was already quite famous. His book did well, but critics of his day complained that it seem to be more of a children's novel, and was quite poorly and somewhat hastily written in spots (Works, 1963)."
Abstract This paper discusses how the character Sir Gawain appears in many versions of the Arthurian Legends and how the characteristics and attitudes of Sir Gawain seem to show a shift over time. It examines how the most widely accepted version of the character of Sir Gawain is the version that is attributed to the poet known as the Pearl Poet who paints a picture of Sir Gawain that is virtuous and kind and embodies all of the qualities that are favorable for a good knight. It supports the primary thesis that at the time when the Pearl Poet was writing his version of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight", several versions of the story were already in existence and that the Pearl Poet takes this opportunity to examine what went wrong with Arthur's court. In doing this he blames a very young and inexperienced Arthurian Court and posits that for this reason it was doomed from the beginning.
From the Paper "As any author knows, it is nearly impossible to write about something or a subject of which one knows very little. For this reason, the content of the poem would suggest that the poet knows something about aristocratic life and that he took both Christianity and chivalry very seriously. However, as the exaggerated godliness of Sir Gawain suggests, he also is not immune to viewing its absurdities as well and is not afraid to poke fun at them. He was not afraid to express opinions in an open manner even if they went against Typical Medieval beliefs, such as the ideal of courtly love seen in Sir Gawain. The Pearl poet shows us a character that is quite different from the conventional ideal of courtly virtues."
