Le Morte d’Arthur

DAY 2 — “Merlin” (pp. 21–43)

1. Arthur’s Birth

• Summarize the story of Arthur’s birth, including the roles played by Uther, Igraine, Ector, and Merlin. What problems might such an origin engender?

2. Arthur’s Character

• List concrete details that demonstrate Arthur’s heroism. List concrete details that demonstrate Arthur’s kingly virtues. List concrete details that demonstrate Arthur’s weaknesses. In what three ways is Arthur’s right to the throne validated? Consider the roles of Sanam, King Pellinore, and Margawse in Arthur’s life. What does each contribute to our understanding of Arthur?

3. Merlin’s Character

• List concrete details that demonstrate Merlin’s personality, attitudes, and values.

Reading for Detail — Identify the Following

• Duke of Tintagil
• Ulfius
• Elayne
• Morgan le Fey
• Kay
• King Ban
• King Bors
• King Lot
• Borre
• King Lodegreaunce
• Questing Beast
• Gryfflette
• King Royns

DAY 3 — “Balin, or the Knight with the Two Swords” (pp. 43–57)

1. Merlin and Magic

• What role do Merlin and magic play following each of Sir Balin’s violent encounters or experiences?

2. Chivalry and Judgment

• Is Sir Balin pure of heart? Is Arthur justified by the code of chivalry in his exiling of Sir Balin? Does Sir Balin try to live by the code of chivalry?

3. Merlin’s Omniscience

• To what extent does Merlin’s near-omniscience make him a controller of events?

4. Vengeance and Unification

• To what extent is the unification of Arthur’s kingdom dependent upon acts of vengeance (and the acts that incur vengeance)?

Reading for Detail — Identify the Following

• Lady of Avalon
• King Mark
• Garlot
• The Sick Princess
• King Pellam
• The Red Knight

“Torre and Pellinore” (pp. 57–69)

1. Arthur’s Wedding

• Summarize the wedding of King Arthur. Include all pertinent names, circumstances, events, gifts, and prophecies.

2. Chivalric Values

• What chivalric values are demonstrated by Torre’s actions?
• What chivalric values are made evident by their absence in Gawain’s and Pellinore’s actions?

Reading for Detail — Identify the Following

• Aryes
• Alyne
• Lady of the Rule
• Nyneve

DAY 4 — “The War of the Five Kings” (pp. 69–73)

1. Merlin’s Fate

• Why does Merlin not resist or avert his own destiny?

2. Gwynevere’s Choice

• Why might Gwynevere “rather die in the water than at the hands of one of Arthur’s enemies”? What promise does Gwynevere make Kay?

3. Replacement Knights

• What eight replacement knights does Pellinore suggest? What do you already know about each of them?

“Arthur and Accolon” (pp. 73–81)

1. Damas and Outlake

• What is the situation between Damas and Outlake?

2. Arthur’s Moral Values

• Why does Arthur choose to fight? What moral value lies behind that decision? How does Arthur emphasize that value in his reply to Accolon’s demand that he yield? How does Arthur emphasize that value in his treatment of Accolon after the fight?

3. Morgan le Fey

• Who is behind the enchanted barge and the battle between Arthur and Accolon? How is her message ironic?

4. Nyneve

• What role does Nyneve play in this episode?

5. Judgment on Damas

• What is the significance of Arthur’s next-to-last judgment on Damas?

6. Uwayne’s Choice

• Why does Uwayne spare his mother? What moral value underlies that decision?

Reading for Detail — Identify the Following

• Damas
• Outlake
• Uryens
• Uwayne

“Gawain, Uwayne, and Marhaus” (pp. 81–94)

1. Banishment

• Why does Arthur banish Uwayne but not Uryens? Why does Gawain accompany Uwayne?

2. Marhaus

• How is Gawain’s conclusion about Sir Marhaus’ attitude toward women based on an illogical assumption? Is he right? Explain.

3. Gawain’s Strength

• What is the miracle of Gawain’s strength? What is Marhaus’ most chivalrous reason for ending his battle with Gawain? How is the outcome of their battle like that of the battle between Gilgamesh and Enkidu? Why does Marhaus treat Gawain and Uwayne especially well?

4. The Three Noblewomen

• Why does each of the three knights choose the noblewoman he does?

5. Pelleas and Ettarde

• How does Gawain break his promise to Pelleas? Why does Pelleas not kill Gawain and Ettarde? Who is more chivalrous? What is the outcome of the story for Pelleas? For Ettarde? Is the ending just?

6. Marhaus’ Virtues

6.What moral value underlies the hospitality extended to Marhaus by the Duke of the South Marches?

• What value is illustrated by Marhaus’ decision to fight the giant on foot and his refusal of half of Earl Fergus’s estate?

7. Uwayne’s Virtues

• Which virtues of chivalry does Uwayne best demonstrate in his adventures?

8. Gawain and Pelleas

• How are matters left between Gawain and Pelleas for the rest of their lives?

Reading for Detail — Identify the Following

• Identify: Pelleas
• Identify: Carados
• Identify: Ettarde
• Identify: Edwarde

DAY 5 — “The Tale of King Arthur and the Emperor Lucius” (pp. 95–117)

1. Arthur’s Qualifications

• Evaluate Arthur’s qualifications as both king and hero.
• What are his claims to the Roman emperorship?
• What actions and attributes actually justify his taking that title?

2. Love and Loyalty

• What events in this section emphasize the themes of love and loyalty by positive example? By negative example?

3. Treatment of Women

• What assertion does Malory make about the proper treatment of women?
• What assertion does he make about the improper treatment of women?

4. Gawain vs. Launcelot

• Compare and contrast Gawain’s and Launcelot’s personalities.

5. Sir Priamus

• What message is communicated by the episode involving Sir Priamus?
• What name from Greek mythology parallels that of Priamus?

Reading for Detail — Identify the Following

• Lucius
• Saracen
• Constantine
• Mount St. Michael

DAY 6 — The Tale of Sir Launcelot du Lake (pp. 118–136)

1. Launcelot Leaves Court

Why does Launcelot leave court? What does his reason suggest about lies at court? Whom does Launcelot ask to accompany him?

2. Launcelot’s Captivity

• Who takes Launcelot prisoner? Why? What “secret” does Morgan know? What choices do they offer him? Who frees Launcelot? On what condition? Why does Launcelot agree to the condition?

3. Belleus

• How does Launcelot harm Belleus? How does Launcelot help him? What knightly virtues does Launcelot’s promise illustrate?

4. Bagdemagus’ Tournament

• Name the three Round Table knights Launcelot defeats on King Bagdemagus’s behalf. What knightly skills does Launcelot exhibit in this joust? What virtue do his parting words to the king’s daughter suggest?

5. Tarquine

• Why does Tarquine hate Launcelot? How does Launcelot end the battle?

6. The Lady Rescued from Sir Percy

• What question does the lady ask Launcelot? What possible answer does she offer? What is Launcelot’s two-part answer?

7. The Giants’ Castle

• What virtues are reflected in Launcelot’s parting words to the ladies he rescues? What virtue is reflected in his request that the castle be restored to its rightful owner?

8. Sir Kay

• Why does Launcelot come to Kay’s aid? How does his behavior compare to Gawain’s? What does Launcelot force the knights to do? Why? Why does Launcelot exchange armor with Kay? What virtue does that act illustrate?

Tawtere, Raynolde, and Glymere

• Who are the knights past whom Launcelot rides? Why? Who do they think he is at first? Why do they change their minds? Why do they decide to fight Launcelot? Who do they hope he is NOT? In whose name does Launcelot require the three to yield themselves? To whom? What do these answers suggest about Launcelot?

10. Gawain, Uwayne, Ector, Sagramour

• Whom does Launcelot next encounter? Why do they challenge him? Whom do they come to suspect he is?

11. Sir Gylberd’s Widow & Sir Melyot

• How does Launcelot come to meet Sir Gylberd’s widow? What virtue does his treatment of her illustrate?
• Whom does Launcelot next encounter? What does she want? Why? Why does Launcelot agree to help her?
• With what new emotion does Launcelot enter the Chapel Perelous? What strange phenomena does he experience? Why was the Chapel Perelous built? What had Gawain done there? Who built the Chapel Perelous? What became of her? Why?
• What is the outcome of this adventure for Sir Melyot?

12. Sir Phelot & Sir Pedivere

• Why does Launcelot NOT want to help Sir Phelot’s lady? Why does he help her? What was she actually doing? Why?
• What ancient trick does Sir Pedivere pull on Launcelot? Why? How is Sir Phelot the opposite of Launcelot?
• What was Sir Pedivere’s punishment? What was its effect on him?

Reading for Detail — Identify the Following

• Gaheris
• Lyonel
• Ector de Marys
• Kay
• Tristram

DAY 7 — The Tale of Sir Gareth (pp. 137–154)

1. Gareth at Court

• What physical traits indicate the young stranger’s nobility? What is his request? What is his secret?
• In what way does Kay obey Arthur’s command regarding the young suppliant? In what way does he disobey? Why does Kay call the young man “Beaumains”?
• Who are the young stranger’s greatest supporters? What virtues motivate each of them? What inspires Kay’s pride in Beaumains?

2. The Noblewoman’s Request

• What is the young noblewoman’s request? Why can Arthur not grant it? What are Beaumains’ two final requests? How does the noblewoman respond? Why? ow does Kay respond?
• What do Kay and Launcelot learn about Beaumains? What proof does Malory offer that Beaumains is superior to Launcelot?

3. Gareth’s Early Deeds

• What virtue does Gareth add to his prowess when the knight he saves offers to reward him?
• How does the noblewoman explain Gareth’s success against the two knights in the river?

4. The Black Knight

• What request does the lady make of the Black Knight?
• How does Gareth administer poetic justice to him?

5. The Green Knight

• How does Gareth play off the chivalric values of mercy and respect for women during his encounter with the Green Knight?
• What does the lady seem to use her insults to accomplish? What amazes the Green Knight concerning her? What is the outcome for Gareth?

6. The Passage Perelous

• Who does the lady name as candidates for successfully traversing the Passage Perelous? What request does she make of the Puce Knight?
• What is the outcome for Gareth?

7. The Indigo Knight

• How does their approach to the Indigo Knight’s lands affect the lady?
• What evidence does she see of Gareth’s nobility?
• How has her anger actually affected him?
• Why did Gareth spend a year in Arthur’s kitchens?
• What will make him invincible?
• How does Gareth prove his chastity and respect for women in the Indigo Knight’s lands?

8. The Red Knight

• Who is the lady?
• Who is her sister?
• For whom has the Red Knight waited?
• How does the Red Knight deal with those he defeats?
• What is the Red Knight’s magic?
• What is Gareth’s reaction to it?
• What is the effect of the imprisoned lady on Gareth?
• Why does the Red Knight pursue the life he does?
• How does Gareth display justice and mercy?

9. Gareth as Ideal Knight

• In what ways is Sir Gareth an ideal knight?
• How does he measure up against the Code of the Round Table?
• How does he compare/contrast to Gawain?
• How does he compare/contrast to Launcelot?

10. Symbolism and Comparison

• Offer interpretations of the purpose behind Gareth’s encounters with the variously colored knights.
• Interpret the purpose of his changing colors in the last tournament.
• Compare/contrast Sir Gareth to King Arthur.

Reading for Detail — Identify the Following

• Identify: Sir Perarde
• Identify: Sir Pertelope
• Identify: Sir Perymones
• Identify: Sir Persaunte
• Identify: Sir Ironside

DAY 8 — The Tale of Sir Gareth (pp. 154–169)

1. Lyoness’s Tests

• What requirement does the Lady Lyoness now lay on Gareth?
• What is her professed motive?
• What is her real motive?
• To what two proofs of Gareth’s nobility does Lynet point?

2. The Castle of Gryngamour

• What new scheme does Lyoness fabricate to test Gareth?
• Exactly what about him is she testing?

3. The Illuminated Knight

• What does the illuminated knight prevent?
• What does Lynet do that perplexes Gareth?

4. Arthur’s Rejoicing

• Why does Arthur rejoice at the surrender of the knights Gareth overcomes?
• How does Gareth advise Lyoness to respond to Arthur’s query? Why?

5. Avalon

• Where are Lyoness’s and Gryngamour’s castles?
• What promise does Lynet make Gareth?
• What gift does Lyoness give Gareth to help him remain incognito?

6. The Tournament

• Why does Launcelot decline to joust with the multi-colored knight?
• What does he speculate is the source of that knight’s prowess?
• How does Launcelot guess the knight’s true identity?
• How is Gareth’s identity revealed to all?

7. Later Adventures

• What chivalrous values does Gareth demonstrate at the castle of the Brown Knight?
• What chivalrous values does Gareth demonstrate in his encounter with the Duke de la Rowse?
• What chivalrous values does Gareth demonstrate in his encounter with Gawain?
• How does Gareth feel about Gawain?
• How does Gareth feel about Launcelot?

8. Marriages

• Who marries whom?
• Where do the weddings occur?
• How does Lyoness’s suggestion regarding the wedding tournament bear out Launcelot’s comment about marriage?

Reading for Detail — Identify the Following

• Identify: Sir Gryngamour
• Identify: Duke de la Rowse

DAY 9 — The Tale of the Sangreal (pp. 359–387)

“The Departure” (pp. 359–367)

1. Galahad’s Knighthood

• Who are the three witnesses from Camelot at Galahad’s knighting?
• Who had raised Galahad?
• Who knights him?
• What marvel concerning the Siege Perelous do the Round Table knights witness?
• If Christ’s Passion occurred in AD 34, in what year do the events in “The Departure” occur?

2. The Sword in the Red Marble

• According to Kay, what is the dinner custom at Camelot?
• How is that custom satisfied almost immediately?
• To whom does Arthur conclude the sword must belong?
• What is that knight’s three-part answer?
• Whom does Arthur ask next to try the sword? What is that knight’s first response?
• Why does that knight try the sword?
• What prophecy does Launcelot make?
• Who is the third knight Arthur asks to try the sword? Why does he assent?

3. The Coming of Galahad

• What marvelous event precedes the appearance of the young knight accompanied by an ancient and holy man?
• In what color is the old man clad?
• What is the color of the young knight’s armor and tunic? What weaponry does he not have?
• Is he royal or common? Who is his ancestor on both sides of his family?
• What is his destiny? Where does he sit?
• Who is his grandfather? Who is his local king (lord)?
• What is the young knight’s name?
• What two conclusions do the Round Table knights reach concerning him?
• Who is his father? Who is his mother?
• How does he prove himself to be “the best knight of the world”?
• Whose wound will he heal?
• Is Galahad related to Pelles/Pellam?

4. Launcelot’s Humility

• What is Launcelot’s answer to the young noblewoman who reminds him he is not the greatest knight on earth?
• What consolation does she offer him?
• What message does she bring King Arthur?

5. Arthur’s Tournament

• What is King Arthur’s secret reason for calling a tournament?
• What armor does Galahad refuse?
• How many knights does he overthrow?
• How does Gwynevere explain Galahad’s greatness?

6. The Appearance of the Holy Grail

• Describe all the physical phenomena that accompany the appearance of the Holy Grail.
• What spiritual phenomenon precedes the Grail’s entry?
• Who is the first knight to take up the Grail quest?
• Why does the quest distress Arthur?
• Why are the ladies dismayed?
• What two conditions does Nacien lay down on all who pursue the Grail quest?
• How many of the Round Table knights pursue the quest?

“The Miracles” (pp. 367–379)

1. The White Shield

• What are the colors of the shield? What is its device?
• To whom is it dangerous?
• Who is the first to try it?
• What is the color of the armor of the knight who overthrows him?

2. Joseph of Arimathea

• If Christ’s Passion occurred in AD 34, in what year does Joseph of Arimathea arrive in Sarras?
• Who is his first convert there?
• At the sight of what do his enemies fall back in defeat?
• What other miracle does the shield perform?
• What mysterious disappearance precedes the baptism of most of Sarras’s citizens?
• Where does Joseph next travel? With whom?
• What happens upon their arrival?
• How are they freed?
• What is the outcome of all this for Britain?

3. The Blood-Red Cross

• How is the cross restored to the white shield?
• What preternatural quality does the new device have?
• What two prophecies does Joseph make?
• Who is made the shield’s guardian?
• How does the white knight depart?

4. The Fiend in the Tomb

• What task does one of the monks ask Galahad to do?
• What does the fiend reveal about Galahad’s protection?
• Why does Galahad decide to remove the corpse?
• What is the mystical interpretation of the episode?

5. Melyas de Lyle

• Who is the squire Galahad knights?
• What is the first gift he asks of Galahad?
• Which path does he beg Galahad to allow him to take?
• On which side is the young man wounded?
• Which arm does Galahad cut from one of the two knights?
• According to one of the monks, what moves Melyas to pursue the Grail Quest and the left-hand route?
• What does left symbolize? What does right symbolize?
• What do the two knights symbolize?
• Why is Galahad able to overthrow them?

6. The Maidens’ Castle

• What instructions does a “voice” give Galahad at Abblasowre?
• How many knights defend the Maidens’ Castle?
• What are its two evil customs?
• Who kills the seven brothers?
• Why will Galahad never accept Gawain’s company?
• Why does Galahad not kill the seven knights?
• What does the Maidens’ Castle represent?
• What requirement does the hermit lay on Gawain?
• What is Gawain’s answer?

7. The Grail Healing

• How is the knight at the chapel healed?
• Why can Launcelot not kiss the Grail?
• What does Launcelot say about the difference between his life before and during the Grail Quest?
• What does Launcelot ask the hermit to do?
• What is his confession?
• What penance does the hermit prescribe?
• Does Launcelot agree?

“Sir Percivale” (pp. 379–387)

1. The Recluse

• What is Percivale’s relationship to the recluse?
• What was her former rank?
• What is the symbolic meaning of the Round Table?
• What was Merlin’s prophecy concerning who would achieve the Grail Quest?
• Percivale first seeks Galahad to get revenge. How does his motive change?

2. King Evelake

• Who is the ancient man Percivale sees at the mass?
• Why is that man in pain?
• How old is he?
• What is the one thing he now desires?

3. The Fiend Horse

• From whom does Galahad rescue Percivale?
• From whom does Percivale finally get a horse?
• What must he do to get it?
• What color is it?
• What is remarkable about it?
• What is the horse in fact?
• How does Percivale escape?

4. The Serpent and the Lion

• What beast does Percivale kill on the rocky island? Why?
• What beast befriends him?
• In his dream, on what beast does the younger lady ride? The older?
• What color are the sails on the ship?
• Who appears to man that ship?
• Who does that man say the younger woman is? The older?
• What was her real reprimand for?
• What did she really want Percivale to do?
• What is the color of the second ship’s awnings?
• Who alone is on it?
• What information does she claim to have?
• What does she claim to be?
• Who is she in fact?
• How does Percivale escape her?
• Why had the Lord disinherited Lucifer?
• How does Percivale escape the island?

DAY 10 — The Tale of the Sangreal (pp. 387–406)

“Sir Launcelot” (pp. 387–392)

1. The Hermit and the Dead Man

• What color does the hermit wear?
• What is the dead man’s relationship to Aguars?
• Why could the Earl of Vale’s men not cut the man’s flesh or singe his skin?
• Who placed his body in the sanctuary?
• What observation does the hermit make concerning Launcelot?
• Why does the hermit advise Launcelot to place the hair of the hermit next to his skin?
• What two commands regarding conduct during the quest does the hermit give Launcelot?

2. The Noblewoman’s Message

• What news regarding his quest does the young noblewoman on the palfrey give Launcelot?
• What are the two attributes of the man leading the kings and knights?
• How many knights are present?
• Who blesses them?
• How many are not blessed? Why not?
• What is demanded of the unblessed knight?
• What does Launcelot get from the knight whom the Holy Grail had healed? How?
• Who are the kings and knights in Launcelot’s vision?
• What is Galahad’s beast symbol? Why?
• What two pieces of advice does the hermit give Launcelot?
• Why can Galahad not intercede on Launcelot’s behalf to prevent him from sinning?

3. The Black Knights and the White Knights

• What two colors of knights fight before the castle on the plain?
• Which color wins?
• Whose side does Launcelot take?
• What happens to Launcelot before the battle ends?
• Under what kind of tree does he sleep?
• Who speaks to him there?
• What does the speaker say?
• According to the recluse, what are the black knights?
• What are the white knights?
• Of which king is the white knights’ lord a son?
• What is the nature of the quest?
• How do the white and black knights relate to the Round Table knights?
• Who is the old man under the tree?
• What is the recluse’s warning to Launcelot?
• Who kills Launcelot’s horse?
• What is demanded of Launcelot?

“Sir Gawain” (pp. 392–397)

1. Gawain and Ector de Marys

• What is Ector de Marys’ relationship to Launcelot?
• What humble admission does Gawain make about himself (and Ector) in comparison to Launcelot, Galahad, Percivale, and Bors?

2. The Vision of the Bulls

• How many bulls does Gawain see in his vision?
• Where are they?
• Describe the color and conduct of the majority.
• Describe the color and conduct of the others.
• What is the meaning of the feeding rack?
• What is the meaning of the meadow?
• Who are the black bulls?
• Who are the white bulls tied together?
• Who is the bull with the spot?
• Which of these three will return from the Grail quest?

3. Ector’s Vision

• Where are Ector and Launcelot at the beginning of Ector’s vision?
• What does one propose to the other?
• What happens to Launcelot?
• Where does Ector go?
• What happens to him?
• In Ector’s vision, what beast symbolizes humility?
• How long has Launcelot sinned?
• How long must he do penance?

4. The Arm, the Bridle, and the Candle

• What three things do the knights next see?
• What does the voice tell them?
• What does each object symbolize?
• What is the meaning of the voice’s words?

5. Gawain’s Wounding

• On which side is Gawain wounded?
• Whom does he kill?
• How does that knight feel about Gawain’s action?

6. Gawain’s Failure

• Why has Gawain found no adventure on the quest?
• How shall Launcelot die?
• To what does Nacien compare Gawain?

“Sir Bors” (pp. 397–406)

1. Bors Begins the Quest

• How does Bors begin the Grail Quest?
• What instructions does the holy man give him?
• What is Bors’ one fleshly sin?
• What does the holy man give Bors to wear? What color is it?

2. The Birds

• Describe the bird scenes Bors views.
• What does the bird that bleeds itself symbolize?
• What does the black bird symbolize?
• What does the white bird symbolize?

3. The Dilemma

• What dilemma concerning his brother does Bors face?
• How does he escape the peril of the noblewoman who seeks him as her paramour?

4. Allegorical Figures

• Who does King Anyause represent?
• Who does the young noblewoman represent?
• Who does the old noblewoman represent?

5. The Fiend Priest and the Heiress

• Who is the priest on the black horse?
• Who is the heiress?

6. The Rotten Tree

• Who does the rotten tree represent?
• What do the two lilies represent?

7. Lyonel’s Wrath

• What does Sir Lyonel want when he sees Bors?
• Why does Bors not fight him?
• Who is Lyonel’s first victim?
• Why does Colgrevaunce die for Bors?
• What miracle ends the fight?
• What instructions does the voice give Bors?

8. The Ship

• What color are the awnings on the ship?
• Who else is on the ship?
• Who alone is missing?

DAY 11 — The Tale of the Sangreal (pp. 407–431)

“Sir Bors” (continued) (pp. 407–412)

1. The Ship of White Samite

• Who are the two knights Bors finds on the ship of white samite?
• What do they tell him about Galahad’s whereabouts?
• What vow do the three knights make together?
• What vision appears to them on the sea?
• What does the vision instruct them to do?

2. The Arrival at the Land of the Tower

• What structure do the knights see upon reaching land?
• What miracle occurs at the tower’s gate?
• What inscription do they find there?
• What does the inscription command them to do?
• Which knight enters first?
• What happens to the knight who enters first?
• What happens to the second knight?
• What happens when Bors enters?

3. The Holy Vessel

• What object do the knights behold inside the tower?
• What miracle occurs when they behold it?
• What command does the voice give them?
• What happens to the tower after the command is given?

“Sir Galahad” (pp. 412–420)

1. Galahad’s Vision

• What vision appears to Galahad as he prays?
• What message does the vision deliver?
• What does Galahad ask of God?
• What sign is given to him in response?

2. The Ship of Faith

• Who joins Galahad on the ship?
• What inscription do they find on the ship?
• What miracle occurs when Galahad touches the sword?
• What does the sword’s transformation signify?

3. The Castle of Carbonek

• What castle do the knights reach?
• Who greets them at the castle?
• What miracle occurs at the castle gates?
• What object is brought before Galahad?
• What does Galahad do when the object is presented?
• What miracle follows his action?

4. The Maimed King

• Who is the Maimed King?
• What wound does he suffer from?
• How does Galahad heal him?
• What prophecy is fulfilled by this healing?

“The Achieving of the Sangreal” (pp. 420–431)

1. The Final Vision

• What heavenly vision appears before Galahad?
• What message does the vision deliver?
• What request does Galahad make?
• What is granted to him?

2. The Departure

• Who accompanies Galahad in his final moments?
• What miracle occurs at Galahad’s death?
• What happens to his body afterward?
• What becomes of the Holy Grail?
• What becomes of the sacred sword?

3. The Return

• Which knight returns to Arthur’s court?
• What message does he bring?
• How does Arthur respond to the news?
• What prophecy does the returning knight recall?

Reading for Detail — Identify the Following

• Identify: King Evelake
• Identify: Carbonek
• Identify: The Maimed King
• Identify: The Sacred Vessel
• Identify: The Sword of the Strange Girdles
• Identify: The Ship of Faith
• Identify: The Tower of the Holy Vessel

DAY 12 — The Book of Sir Launcelot and Queen Gwynevere (pp. 432–453)

“The Poisoned Apple” (pp. 432–439)

1. Launcelot’s Penance and the Court’s Suspicion

• Why does Launcelot’s penance not enable him to achieve the Grail Quest?
• Who alone speaks openly of the affair between Launcelot and Gwynevere?
• What is the effect on Launcelot?
• What is the effect of his decision on Gwynevere?
• What three reasons does Launcelot offer to excuse his behavior?
• What is the queen’s response?

2. Launcelot’s Withdrawal

• Who now advises Launcelot?
• What is the advice?

3. Gwynevere’s Dinner Party

• Why does Gwynevere arrange a dinner party?
• Among the guests, whom have you already met?

4. Sir Pynel’s Plot

• Who is Sir Pynel’s intended victim?
• What is his motive?
• What is his means of murder?
• What is his opportunity?
• Who is his unintentional victim?

5. The Accusation Against Gwynevere

• Who is blamed?
• What rationale is used?
• With what does Sir Madore charge her?
• What is the punishment?
• Why can Arthur not champion her?
• Who would he have champion her? Why?
• Who does he suggest as an alternate?
• Why does that man wish not to do so?
• Why does he decide to do so?
• On what condition?

6. Launcelot’s Plan and the Trial

• What is Launcelot’s plan?
• What color does he wear when he arrives?
• What about his weaponry disguises him?
• Where does Madore wound him?
• On what counts does Launcelot declare himself beholden to both Arthur and Gwynevere?
• What is the effect on Gwynevere?

7. The Solution

• Who solves the case?

8. Evaluation of Gwynevere

• Evaluate Gwynevere’s behavior in this section, especially her rejection of Launcelot.

9. Launcelot’s Change

• How has Launcelot changed from the way he was before the Grail Quest?

“The Fair Maid of Astolat” (pp. 439–453)

1. Gwynevere’s Refusal to Travel

• What reason does Gwynevere give for not accompanying Arthur to Camelot?
• What is popularly believed to be her real reason?

2. Launcelot’s Tournament Plans

• What are Launcelot’s plans regarding the tournament?
• How does he accomplish his desire to go incognito?
• What does Sir Barnard ask in return?

3. Elaine of Astolat

• What is Launcelot’s effect on Elaine?
• What does she ask of him?
• Why does he at first decline?
• Why does he change his mind?
• What is the token?
• What color is it?
• What color are the shields he and his companion carry?

4. Arthur’s Concern

• Whom does Arthur wish to protect from Launcelot? Why?

5. Gawain’s Suspicion

• Why does Gawain suspect the mystery knight is Launcelot?
• Why does he conclude he cannot be?
• Who unhorses and wounds Launcelot?
• Who comes to his aid?
• Who wins the prize that day?
• Why does he decline to go receive it?

6. Launcelot’s Healing

• To whom does Lavayne take Launcelot? Why?
• How does the physician recognize him?

7. Arthur’s Concern and Gawain’s Quest

• What does Arthur say he would trade to retrieve the wounded mystery knight?
• Who proposes a quest to find him? Why?
• From whom does Gawain gain knowledge of the knight’s identity?

8. Gawain’s History with Launcelot

• How long has Gawain known Launcelot?
• How does he describe the man who wounds Launcelot?

9. Gwynevere’s Rage

• Why is Gwynevere enraged?
• Whom does Launcelot send to keep watch for Bors? Why?
• How is he to recognize Bors?
• Who nurses Launcelot?
• How do Launcelot and Lavayne get the opportunity to test Launcelot’s fitness for the next tournament?
• What is the result?

10. Bors and Gwynevere

• How does Bors attempt to gain Gwynevere’s sympathy for Launcelot?
• Does it work?

11. Gareth

• What four reasons does Launcelot give for loving Sir Gareth?

12. Elaine’s Love

• What reason does Launcelot offer for not marrying Elaine?
• What reason does he offer for not becoming her paramour?
• What does he offer her?
• Who else seeks Launcelot’s company?

13. Reactions at Court

• Who among the Knights of the Round Table do not welcome back Launcelot?
• Who else refuses to welcome him?

14. Elaine’s Death

• What kills Elaine?
• What does Launcelot say about the heart and love?
• What observation does Arthur add?
• What is the effect of the episode on Gwynevere?
• What is Launcelot’s response?

15. Character Evaluations

• How has Gwynevere changed at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end?
• How do different people detect Launcelot despite his disguise?
• How has Launcelot changed?
• How does he now feel about disguise?
• What about his comments on Gareth?
• What about his reaction to Elaine’s request that he become her paramour?

16. Arthur’s Irony

• What is the irony of Arthur’s statement: “the knight who puts his heart in bondage loses himself”?
• What does he mean when he says, “The heart must be free; it cannot be ordained whom it shall love”?

DAY 13 — The Great Tournament; The Knight of the Cart; The Healing of Sir Urry (pp. 453–471)

“The Great Tournament” (pp. 453–457)

1. Candlemas Tournament

• What is the date of the Great Tournament?
• What warning does Gwynevere give Launcelot? Why?
• How will she ensure he follows her warning?

2. Before the Tournament

• With whom do Launcelot and Lavayne spend their time before the tournament?
• Who wounds Launcelot?
• Where on his body is he wounded?

3. Disguises and Recognition

• As what do Launcelot and Lavayne disguise themselves?
• Who is the first to see through their disguises? How?
• With whom does Gareth exchange armor?

4. Gareth’s Prowess

• Whose prowess surprises Launcelot?
• How does Arthur feel about Gareth’s “defection”?

5. Emerging Bonds

• What relationships or bonds are surfacing?
• What obligations does Gareth feel toward Launcelot?

“The Knight of the Cart” (pp. 458–467)

1. Malory on Love

• According to Malory, what is the month of love?
• What is his definition of love?
• Who/what must a man first love?
• What is the effect of the love a man feels for a woman?
• What two qualities must love have?
• What was the strength and role of love in Camelot?

2. The Queen’s Knights

• Who are the ten knights who accompany Gwynevere a-Maying?
• What are they called?
• Who takes advantage of their small number?
• Why had he not tried before?
• What covenant does Gwynevere strike with him?

3. Launcelot Learns of the Abduction

• How does Launcelot learn of Gwynevere’s plight?
• Whom does he select as his backup?
• How is he hindered?
• What does Launcelot say about the endangerment of a good man?
• How does he get to Mellyagraunce’s castle?

4. Launcelot’s Challenge

• How does Launcelot challenge Mellyagraunce?
• How does he prove his ferocity?
• What is the effect on Mellyagraunce?
• What does Launcelot suspect when Gwynevere greets him?
• What do Launcelot and Gwynevere arrange?

5. The Blood on the Sheets

• How does Launcelot wound himself?
• What evidence leads Mellyagraunce to believe he has Gwynevere at an advantage again?
• What belief emboldens him to accept Launcelot’s challenge?
• What are the precise terms on which Launcelot challenges Mellyagraunce?
• What does Malory say about treachery and suspicion?
• How does Mellyagraunce ensure his victory?

6. Launcelot’s Escape and the Trial

• What price does Launcelot pay to escape his prison?
• Who volunteers to take Launcelot’s place as champion?
• How does Launcelot avoid granting Mellyagraunce mercy?
• What is the outcome?
• What is the effect on Arthur and Gwynevere?

7. Launcelot’s Changed Character

• How is Launcelot’s changed character demonstrated?
• How is his old sin demonstrated?
• What evidence shows Gwynevere’s power over Launcelot?

“The Healing of Sir Urry” (pp. 467–471)

1. Sir Urry’s Curse

• Who wounded Sir Urry? Why?
• What revenge is exacted upon Urry?
• What will break the spell?
• How does Urry’s mother respond?
• How long does the quest last?

2. Attempts to Heal Urry

• Who is the first to attempt to break the spell?
• What virtue do his words illustrate?
• How many knights make the attempt?

3. Genealogies and Identities

• Who is Arthur’s brother-in-law?
• Who are Gawain’s sons?
• Who are the sons of King Pellinore?
• Who are Sir Lucas and Sir Bedevere?
• Who is Sir Constantyne?
• Who is Sir Bors’ illegitimate son?
• Who was “the most greatly loved and most deeply mourned of all knights of his time”?

4. Launcelot’s Healing

• Who is the one hundred and eleventh knight to try to heal Sir Urry?
• What values do his protest and his prayer illustrate?

5. The Tournament

• What is the prize of the tournament?
• Who may not participate?
• Who serve as dual winners?
• To whom do both devote themselves?
• Who marries Fileloy?

6. Parallels

• What episode in The Book of the Sangreal does this episode parallel?

DAY 14 — Le Morte D’Arthur (pp. 472–490)

“Slander and Strife” (pp. 472–479)

1. The Plot Against Launcelot and Gwynevere

• Who has spied on and plotted against Gwynevere and Launcelot?
• In what month does this occur?
• Which of their brothers refuse to join them?
• According to Gawain, what is Modred’s primary character trait?
• What two reasons does Gawain offer against Modred and Aggravayne’s proposal?

2. Arthur’s Response

• What is Arthur’s immediate response to Modred and Aggravayne’s proposal?
• For how long has Arthur known about Launcelot and Gwynevere before this accusation?
• What explanation does Malory offer?
• What are Modred and Aggravayne’s real motives likely to be?
• How does this exposure of the affair change things?
• What does Arthur’s reason for never saying anything earlier suggest about his character?

3. The Trap

• How many knights altogether will participate in springing the trap?
• Which members of Gawain’s family (besides Aggravayne and Modred) participate?
• Who advises Launcelot not to tryst with the queen? Why?
• Why does Launcelot go?
• What detail concerning the tryst does Malory leave in question?
• Whom does Launcelot believe will protect Gwynevere if he dies?
• What are both Gwynevere and Launcelot willing to do for the other?

4. The Battle at the Chamber Door

• Who is the first to fall to Launcelot?
• What does Launcelot gain from that move?
• What offer does he make to the remaining knights?
• Why do they decline?
• How many does Launcelot kill?
• Who escapes?
• What does Launcelot believe the price for these lives will be?
• What agreement do Launcelot and Gwynevere make?

5. Launcelot’s Supporters

• Who rallies to Launcelot’s side?
• Which knights do you recognize from earlier adventures?
• How many supporters does Bors muster?
• Why do they join Launcelot?
• What is Bors’ threefold plan of action?

6. Arthur’s Grief

• When Modred brings his news to Arthur, what is the king’s first grief?
• What is the king’s second grief?
• What are the sentences for treason and adultery?
• What is Gawain’s advice?
• Why do his views surprise Arthur?
• What is Gawain’s explanation?
• What order does Gawain refuse?
• Who accepts the command?
• With what view of it?

7. The Rescue at the Stake

• Why do the guards bear no arms?
• How many of them are killed?
• Whom do you recognize from earlier adventures?
• Whom does Launcelot himself kill?
• Where does Launcelot take the queen?

8. Launcelot’s Other Sin

• Aside from adultery, what other sin dominates Launcelot’s view of his situation?
• Has this fault appeared earlier in the book?

9. Gawain’s Losses

• List all of Gawain’s relatives killed by Launcelot in this section.

“The Vengeance of Sir Gawain” (pp. 479–490)

1. Arthur’s Griefs

• What is Arthur’s first grief when he hears of the ambush?
• What defense is offered for Launcelot’s killing Gareth and Gaheris?
• What is Arthur’s secondary grief?
• Whom does Arthur blame?

2. Gawain’s Responses

• What is Gawain’s initial response to the news?
• What is his final response?
• Why do the two sides skirmish rather than battle?
• What is Launcelot’s specific reason for avoiding battle?
• How would Launcelot prefer to settle the case?
• What does he believe would be the outcome?
• How does he justify his abduction of the queen?
• Of what fact does Launcelot remind Arthur to add emotional force?

3. The Charge of Murder

• How does Launcelot answer Gawain’s charge of murder?
• How does Gawain respond?
• What is Launcelot’s response?
• How does Launcelot compare his record to Gawain’s?

4. Arthur’s Feelings

• How does Arthur feel about the situation?
• When Launcelot decides to do battle, what plea does he make and to whom?

5. Orders for Battle

• What are Gawain’s orders to his men?
• What are Launcelot’s orders to his men?
• Who is the first to encounter Gawain?
• How does Bors almost end the battle?
• Who prevents him? Why? How?

6. The Second Day

• Who is the first to encounter Gawain on the second day?
• What is the outcome of that encounter?
• What does the encounter’s outcome lead Launcelot to do?
• What prevents Launcelot from crushing Arthur’s army that day?

7. The Pope’s Intervention

• Who ends the battle?
• How does he end it?
• Why does the Pope intervene?

8. Arthur’s Character

• Evaluate Arthur’s character at this point.
• What once-positive trait of Arthur has now degenerated into a fault?
• What does he regret even more than the loss of Gwynevere?
• What does this regret suggest about his values as a leader?
• To what does Gawain refuse to agree?
• How does Arthur respond to Launcelot’s words?

9. The Queen’s Escort

• What qualities of the queen’s escort move observers to tears?
• What is Launcelot’s interpretation of the events of the night the fourteen knights attacked him?
• Of what debts does Launcelot remind Arthur and Gawain?
• What does Launcelot say about Gareth and Gaheris’ deaths?
• What penitential offer does he make?

10. Gawain’s Ultimatum

• What ultimatum does Gawain make?
• What sentence does he declare and what promise does he make against Launcelot?
• What does Launcelot now say about his agreement to the papal bull?
• How does Launcelot’s departure affect the court?

11. Launcelot’s Withdrawal

• What is Launcelot’s first decree at Joyous Gard?
• What does he do rather than war against Arthur?
• Where do he and his supporters go?
• What are the first three honors he confers, and upon whom?

DAY 15 — The Siege of Benwick; The Day of Destiny; The Dolorous Deaths (pp. 490–507)

“The Siege of Benwick” (pp. 490–494)

1. Arthur’s Campaign

• Whom does Arthur appoint regent while he campaigns in France?
• What tactic does Arthur pursue in France?
• What is Launcelot’s response?
• What is Gawain’s counsel, and what is his rationale?
• How does Arthur feel?
• What is Gawain’s personal message to Launcelot?
• When will Launcelot fight?

2. Gawain’s Challenge

• What tactic does Gawain pursue during the siege of Benwick?
• Who are his first two opponents?
• What is the outcome each time?
• How long does the siege last?
• What about Gawain’s challenge obliges Launcelot to fight him?
• How willingly does Launcelot go to the encounter?

3. The First Encounter

• What is the effect of Launcelot’s entry onto the battlefield on Arthur?
• What accounts for Launcelot’s difficulty in overcoming Gawain swiftly?
• What does Launcelot decide to do?
• What blow ends that day’s fight?

4. The Second Encounter

• What accounts for Arthur’s double grief?
• What blow ends the second encounter between Launcelot and Gawain?
• Why does Launcelot not kill Gawain?

5. Motivations

• What motivates Gawain?
• What motivates Launcelot?
• What motivates Arthur?

“The Day of Destiny” (pp. 495–502)

1. Modred’s Usurpation

• How does Modred usurp the throne?
• What is his next outrage?
• How does Gwynevere handle his desire?
• Who speaks against Modred?
• What does the Archbishop do to Modred?
• Where does the Archbishop go?
• What does he do there?
• What does Modred attempt to do to him?

2. The Barons and the First Battle

• What diverts Modred’s attention from Gwynevere and the Archbishop?
• Why do the barons rally to Modred?
• Where is their first encounter?

3. Gawain’s Death

• What has happened to Gawain?
• How has his attitude changed toward the war against Launcelot?
• How has his attitude changed toward Launcelot himself?
• What two requests does he make of Launcelot?
• On what date does Gawain die?

4. The Battles at Baron Down and Salisbury Down

• Where does Arthur and Modred’s second encounter take place?
• Where and when is the third encounter?

5. Arthur’s Dreams

• What is the substance of Arthur’s first dream?
• What is the message of the second dream?
• Where is Gawain in the afterlife? Why?

6. The Truce

• Whom does Arthur send to make a truce with Modred?
• What are the terms?
• What command do both Arthur and Modred give their troops before signing the truce?
• What precipitates the battle?

7. The Final Battle

• Who are the four survivors at the end of the day?
• What would Arthur have preferred?
• Why does Arthur go against Modred at this point?
• What is the outcome for both Arthur and Modred?

8. Lucas and Excalibur

• How does Sir Lucas die?
• What is the last command Arthur gives Sir Bedivere?
• Why does Bedivere fail the task twice?
• What happens the third time?
• What is the last request Arthur makes of Bedivere?
• What explanation does Arthur offer Bedivere?
• What story does Bedivere hear the next morning? From whom?
• What change does Bedivere make in his life?
• Who recorded the story of Arthur’s death?

9. The Ladies on the Barge

• Whose names are offered to identify the ladies on the barge?
• What do some believe about Arthur?
• What does Malory believe?
• What is the inscription on Arthur’s tomb?

10. Interpretation

• Why is it appropriate that Modred causes the final downfall of Arthur’s kingdom?
• Why does Arthur attack Modred despite Gawain’s prophecy?
• What is the effect of giving two versions of Arthur’s “end”?
• Why are these three particular ladies named?
• What is the significance of the inscription on Arthur’s tomb?

“The Dolorous Deaths…” (pp. 502–507)

1. Gwynevere’s Fate

• What becomes of Gwynevere? Why?

2. Launcelot’s Regret

• Who does Launcelot regret he did not kill?
• When did he have an opportunity to do so?

3. Launcelot’s Last Quest

• Who is the object of Launcelot’s last quest?
• How is this quest like the Grail Quest?
• What does Gwynevere tell him of her new motivation?
• Who now in Heaven was as sinful as she and Launcelot?
• What three charges does she give Launcelot?
• What is Launcelot’s response?
• What is Launcelot’s last request of her?
• What is her response?

4. Launcelot at Glastonbury

• Where does Launcelot next go?
• What change does he make in his life there?

5. The Search for Launcelot

• What happens to Lyonel?
• Who are the knights who set out in quest of Launcelot?
• Who finds Launcelot?
• What do all seven do?
• For how long?

6. Launcelot’s Last Service

• What is Launcelot’s last service to Gwynevere and Arthur?
• How does he symbolically return Gwynevere to Arthur?
• How does seeing the double tomb affect Launcelot?
• To what realization does he come?
• How long does he live?
• Where is he buried?
• What causes the Archbishop of Canterbury to laugh in his sleep?
• Who delivers the eulogy for Launcelot?

7. Aftermath

• Who now rules England?
• What becomes of Bedivere?
• What becomes of Gahalantyne, Galyhoden, Vyllars, and Clarrus?
• Where and when do Bors, Ector, Blamoure, and Bleobris die?

8. Interpretation

• What is the significance of Launcelot and Gwynevere’s final meeting in life?
• What is the significance of their meeting following her death?
• What is the significance of the events surrounding Launcelot’s death?
• What is the significance of Malory’s closing words?