Arthur Flashcards
What happens when Gawain takes his swing in the “axe game” against the Green Knight?
The green knight’s head comes off, but he picks up his head and rides away, meaning the game is not complete.
How much time does Gawain have to meet the Green Knight for his turn?
One year and one day.
When he’s staying at the Green Chapel, what does the lord share with Gawain and what does Gawain share with him?
Gawain is asked to share everything that is given to him while the lord is away, and so Gawain shares kisses with the Lord- but not the sash given by the Lady.
What happens the first, second, and third times the Green Knight swings his axe at Gawain’s head?
idek
What is the symbolism of the sash that Gawain wears (and shares with the other knights) when he returns to Camelot?
Human imperfection, the struggle of upholding chivalry which instinctively can go against human nature but ultimately symbolizing the strive for being a better person.
How does Arthur plan to execute his wife?
Burning her at the stake
In the final confrontation, who charges who, Arthur or Mordred?
Mordred charges.
What happens when Bedivere takes Excalibur to return it to the lake?
A hand reaches out of the water, grabs the sword and takes it under which symbolizes the end of Arthur’s reign.
What is the fate of Guinevere? What does this say about the attitude towards women in the Middle Ages?
She becomes a nun to atone for her infidelity towards Lancelot because it led to the downfall of the kingdom. This represents how she was used as a scapegoat to explain why Arthur’s kingdom fell to ruin and how she saw herself as the cause of the end of the kingdom.
What is the fate of Lancelot? What does this reveal about his character?
He decides to become a monk, and starves himself to death because he feels really bad- showing that he is really extra about everything that he does because he’s french and gay
What does it say on Arthur’s tombstone?
“Here lies Arthur, the once and future king.”
