Le Morte d'Arthur Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Why does Arthur eventually attack Modred despite the warning he receives from Gawain in a dream?

He wanted to avenge all of the soldiers that had died for him, so much that he didn't care about life anymore.

Summarize the ways in which Gawain's hostility toward Launcelot contributes to Arthur's downfall.

Gawain's hostility towards Launcelot deprives him of his 2 favorite Knights, and Gawain's hate towards Launcelot prolonged their stay in France which gave Modred the time he needed.

To what extent is Arthur's conflict with Launcelot similar to his conflict with Modred? In what ways are the two conflicts different?

Revenge on Modred for seeking the Throne and Launcelot for committing adultery. Arthur doesn't want to fight with Launcelot. However, Modred gives offering and taunting for battles with Arthur.

What characteristics of a medieval romance appear in the passages about Gawain's first battle with Launcelot and the final battle between Arthur and Modred?

Launcelot defeats Gawain and leaves him to live because of his respect for Gawain. Both armies had 100,000 men, and at the end, only 4 were left standing. Arthur asks for Excalibur to be thrown back into the lake. Signup and view all the answers

How do Launcelot and Arthur show mutual loyalty, even when they are at war against each other?

Launcelot's attempt to find peace instead of fighting; Arthur wished to reconcile with Launcelot. Signup and view all the answers

Discuss the internal conflict Arthur reveals early in the story. Use examples to show what is going on within the mind of Arthur.

Arthur reveals how mad he is at Launcelot, yet he still loves him because of how loyal he is to Arthur. Signup and view all the answers

What two ideals of chivalry does Launcelot show in lines 138-148? Use examples to support your answer.

Launcelot does not kill a fellow downed knight and shows great respect for his once great friend. He appeals to the ideal of having peace over fighting. Signup and view all the answers

What irony might you find in Gwynevere's show of loyalty to King Arthur?

When it comes down to choosing Launcelot over Arthur, she chooses Launcelot, but when Arthur is thought to be dead, she feels like she has to be loyal for him. Signup and view all the answers

What two things does Gawain ask Launcelot to do? What is responsible for Gawain's change of heart toward Launcelot?

Gawain asked Launcelot to visit his tomb and pray for him, and to bring his army to help Arthur in the fight against Modred. Gawain's change of heart is due to realizing how selfish he was being. Signup and view all the answers

What details indicate that lines 277-290 is a scene of great tension? Be specific with examples from the text.

Neither leader trusts each other, and both sides were ordered to begin fighting at the sight of a sword being drawn. Signup and view all the answers

What internal conflict does Sir Bedivere experience? How does he ultimately resolve it?

Sir Bedivere betrays Arthur twice because he doesn't want to get rid of Excalibur, but he eventually throws it in the lake because he felt that he owed the King. Signup and view all the answers

Do you agree or disagree that Arthur 'invariably chooses the wrong course of action'? Give examples to support your answer.

I disagree with this statement because Arthur isn't always going to choose the wrong answer. He has faith in the people around him and tries to please them. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Arthur's Conflict with Modred and Launcelot

Arthur's attack on Modred stems from a desire to avenge fallen soldiers, illustrating his deep sense of loyalty and loss.
Gawain's animosity towards Launcelot resulted in losing two of Arthur's best knights and extended their conflicts, giving Modred critical time to strategize.

Nature of Conflicts

Arthur seeks revenge on Modred for usurping the throne, whereas Launcelot's betrayal involves adultery; the former is provoked while the latter is more reluctant.
Modred's taunts escalate conflict, unlike Launcelot, with whom Arthur prefers to maintain peace.

Characteristics of Medieval Romance

Gawain's defeat by Launcelot reflects themes of honor and respect, as Launcelot spares Gawain despite their rivalry.
The epic scale of battles where only a few survive emphasizes heroic qualities, supporting the larger-than-life nature of the characters.
Arthur's command for Excalibur to be returned to the lake encapsulates the mystical elements of medieval romances.

Loyalty Amidst War

Despite being adversaries, Launcelot and Arthur demonstrate loyalty, with both desiring reconciliation rather than conflict.

Arthur's Internal Struggle

Arthur's feelings towards Launcelot include anger and love, revealing the complexity of their bond and Arthur's emotional turmoil.

Ideals of Chivalry

Launcelot exemplifies chivalric ideals by sparing a fallen knight and striving for peace, showing both courage and courtesy.

Gwynevere's Loyalty

Gwynevere's choice of Launcelot over Arthur highlights the irony of loyalty; her commitment intensifies when Arthur is presumed dead.

Gawain's Change of Heart

Gawain requests Launcelot’s prayers and military support, indicating personal growth and regret for earlier selfishness as he faces mortality.

Tension in Conflict

The imminent fighting between Arthur and Modred is charged with distrust; both sides are prepared for battle at any provocation.

Sir Bedivere's Dilemma

Sir Bedivere struggles with betraying Arthur by not discarding Excalibur, but ultimately resolves his conflict by fulfilling his duty to the king.

Arthur's Decision-Making

Arthur's choices, often perceived as misguided, stem from his desire to please those around him; however, his faith in his companions leads to complex dilemmas.

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Description

Explore key concepts and themes from 'Le Morte d'Arthur' with these flashcards. Delve into character motivations and the impact of relationships on the narrative. Perfect for students seeking to enhance their understanding of this classic text.