Apolinario: English Literature
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
EXTRA CREDIT ASSIGNMENT
Much of the humor in Monty Python and the Holy Grail derives
from the pure absurdity of its characters and situations. King
Arthur roams the British countryside on an imaginary horse‚ evil
enemies can only be appeased with offerings of shrubbery‚ and
the knights of the Round Table battle a bloodthirsty killer
bunny‚ to cite just a few examples. The movie contains a great
deal of such explicit comedy‚ but much of its humor works on a
more subtle level‚ plot and dialogue shrewdly satirizing the
unjustness of such Arthurian conventions as autocracy‚ severe
social class distinctions‚ and vainglorious codes of chivalry.
There are many examples of parody throughout Monty Python
and the Holy Grail. In fact, the whole movie itself is a parody. In
" Holy Grail " the group unleashes its comic satire upon their
homeland of Britain and its greatest legend, King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. The
narrative is centered around Arthur's divinely ordained quest for the Holy Grail, and the exploits of his
most trusted knights in its pursuit. Contained amidst the off the wall comedy and timeless absurdity,
are very real satirical insights into the medieval way of life for every social distinction and the two most
powerful forces of the age, the Church and monarchy. From peasants wallowing in the mud to the
mighty company of Arthur's knights, the people of England are represented wholly. Scattered about
the film, however, are numerous anachronisms that detract from the film's satire for the student of
history. While unnoticed by the casual viewer, these mistakes are blatant in an academic approach. Let
us see how you do.
TASK
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Watch the film without any of these notes (preferably with your fellow classmates)
Examine the notes and come up with some responses
Watch the film AGAIN, but this time with the notes (stop as often as needed)
Type in your thoughtful responses in the boxes provided
Turn it in before MARCH 1 for credit
Be in my room on March 1 after school to discuss
(Parts 1-5 only give ½ credit; you will need to be a participant in room A1 on March 1 to get full credit)
Monty Python Extra Credit 1
Apolinario: English Literature
QUESTIONS
Presented by Tim the Enchanter
Themes:
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Historical inaccuracies
o It is supposed to be 932 AD in the movie. What is wrong with the costumes?
o Why are castles and the concept of a feudalistic society a clear sign of incongruity?
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chivalry/heroism
o In the Middle Ages the Knight (esp. the legendary Arthurian Knights) were deemed to
represent the height of chivalry (a knight’s code of honor and conduct) and heroism.
How does the movie mock this idealistic, yet archaic belief?
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Violence
o What makes violence funny? How does Python make us laugh at a limbless knight or at
slaughtered wedding guests?
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supernatural
o What role do the Knights of Ni, the Three headed knight, the sorcerer Tim and the
vicious killer Rabbit represent in Arthurian legends?
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Futility
o Why will this Arthur not find the grail? What message does this pose towards England?
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the government
o Near the opening of the film, King Arthur comes into contact with a peasant couple who
have some ideas about government that are not to his taste. What is the satiric comedy
found in this scene with Arthur and the peasant Dennis?
Monty Python Extra Credit 2
Apolinario: English Literature
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religion/Christianity
o What’s wrong with the scene depicting the monks practicing asceticism (the practice of
mortifying the flesh to be closer to God; note the monks banging themselves on their
heads while chanting, “Pie Jesu domine, donna eis requiem,” which means “Holy Lord
Jesus, grant us peace”)?
o What message is provided when the church leaders provide the knights with the Holy
Hand Grenade of Antioch, which destroys the mighty Killer Rabbit.

Reality / Fantasy
o Why does the movie have modern day events intrude upon Arthur’s realm?
o Arthur’s tale has always been in question as to its veracity. Where do we see
characters questioning Arthur’s very reality in the medieval world?
Apolinario’s Final Notes
Monty Python is considered both parody and satire.
A parody imitates another work to make fun of it or to ridicule it. Synonyms include caricature, travesty,
skit, satire, farce, and spoof.
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Parodies are not done to be serious; instead they are for laughs.
The original work is not damaged by the parody, but is just used for comedy. An example of
parody is the work of Weird Al, where he changes words around in famous songs for
amusement.
A satire attempts to make a point when it imitates another work.
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It uses humor to influence people’s opinions or to try and change something.
Satire is usually funny or at least clever; but, its main objective is to criticize something or
someone.
Satire may criticize the attitudes of people or an industry in general. An example of political
satire would be the works of Stephen Colbert, where the intent is to point out certain things
that are wrong or need to be changed.
Thus, while both parody and satire imitate and/or make fun or another work, like a play, piece of
literature, movie, or song, there are some differences. Both of them are humorous; but, the main
difference is the intent of the imitation. A parody is done for fun and entertainment whereas a satire
may be entertaining, but makes a point.
Monty Python Extra Credit 3