Questions and Answers
How does William become a knight?
William becomes a knight at the end of the movie when Prince Edward knights him.
What is William's argument about the unfairness of the system that only allows nobility to be knights?
People should be treated equally. You should be able to become a knight if you are capable of being one, not just because you are royalty.
Why is it not surprising that the three had not heard of Chaucer or his book 'The Book of the Duchess'?
It's not surprising because during medieval times, hardly anyone knew how to read, and books were rare.
What does Chaucer mean when he says, 'I will eviscerate you in fiction - every last pimple, every last character flaw'?
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What do you learn about William from his conversation with his father in his childhood flashback?
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Why does the statement 'His people starve while he sits at banquet' inspire William to fight harder?
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What does William's decision not to force a joust against Sir Thomas Colville show about him?
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What country do the jousting tournaments take place in?
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Who did Sir Thomas Colville turn out to be and why did he disguise himself?
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Given the location of their tournaments and the level of society each represents, what language should each character speak? William: _______________________________ Jocelyn: _______________________________ Chaucer: _______________________________ Wat & Roland: ______________________ Count Adhemar: _____________________
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Why doesn't William write his own letter to Jocelyn?
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For how long was William's commitment to Sir Ector and why would his father send him away?
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Who says the line, 'He that strives to touch a star oft stumbles on a simple straw' to William, and what does it mean?
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Study Notes
Becoming a Knight
- William achieves knighthood when Prince Edward officially knights him at the film's conclusion.
Social Inequality Argument
- William argues against the notion that only nobility can be knights, advocating for equal treatment and opportunities based on merit rather than lineage.
Literacy in Medieval Times
- The character's ignorance of Chaucer is reflective of the historical context; literacy was scarce, and books were rare and difficult to obtain during medieval times.
Chaucer's Foreshadowing
- Chaucer's line about eviscerating characters in fiction serves as a nod to his work on "The Canterbury Tales," indicating his literary prowess and foreshadowing future events.
Family Connection
- A flashback reveals William's deep affection for his father and his hope to show him that he can change his destiny.
Inspiration from Injustice
- The plight of starving people resonates with William, inspiring him to fight harder in jousts due to his own experiences with poverty.
Honor in Jousting
- During a joust, William chooses to uphold the honor of Sir Thomas Colville, showcasing his respect for nobility and values, which later earns him favor from royalty.
Tournament Locations
- Jousting tournaments are held in various locations, including Paris and London, where William reunites with his blind father, highlighting his humble origins.
Identity of Sir Thomas Colville
- Sir Thomas Colville is revealed to be the Prince of Wales, who disguises himself to avoid risking his life by participating in jousts.
Language Expectations
- Characters should ideally speak their respective languages based on societal standing and context:
- William: English
- Jocelyn: English
- Chaucer: English
- Wat & Roland: English
- Count Adhemar: French
Writing Limitations
- William refrains from writing to Jocelyn due to his lack of education, fearing that a poorly written letter would expose his common origins.
Early Commitment to Knighthood
- William's father sends him away to serve Sir Ector as a squire, aiming for him to learn skills necessary for becoming a knight.
Count Adhemar's Challenge
- Count Adhemar confronts a trapped William in prison, emphasizing his superiority and taunting William about his perceived weaknesses in a moment of defeat.
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Description
Explore the key moments from the movie 'A Knight's Tale' through these flashcards. This guide focuses on William's journey to knighthood and his arguments against the social hierarchy. Perfect for fans and students alike!
