Arthurian Project
Choose 1 of the options below. The project is due 1/9.
Option 1: King Arthur Satire Essay or Visual Presentation
I. MAIN ASSIGNMENT: Explain how Monty Python and the Holy Grail satirizes courtly love and chivalry as
portrayed in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and the film First Knight. Basically, explain in an essay or in a
visual presentation (PowerPoint, Prezi, poster board, etc.) how Monty Python takes the Arthurian ideal in
SGGK and First Knight and makes it ridiculous and farcical.
II. WHAT TO LOOK FOR: In both SGGK and First Knight, try to find specific examples of courtly love and
chivalry. For example, here are some generally known examples of both; however, you will not find examples
of all of these in SGGK or First Knight but you are certain to find some:
CHIVALRY:
Displays of courage
Christian values in warfare (“fair fight”)
Self-sacrifice
Generosity and courtesy in all situations
Gallantry towards women
Nobility, diligence & strength
Integrity and honesty in all dealings
COURTLY LOVE:
Attraction to the lady usually from a distance through the eyes/glance
With some exceptions (Lancelot), the love is generally unattainable or knight may only get a kiss
The knight shows great courtesy to the lady
The knight may be conflicted between his loyalty to the lady’s husband or fiancé and his devotion to her
The knight secretly announces his love for the lady
Rejection by the lady and then possibly lovesickness for her
Heroic deeds of valor to win the lady’s heart (“damsel in distress” is an example)
Secret love between the knight and lady
III. PREPARATION:
A. Be sure to completely read Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and locate some examples of chivalry &
courtly love – makes notes of these on your copy of the story.
B. Pay attention to First Knight and locate at least two examples of chivalry and two examples of courtly love—
write these examples down in your notes.
C. As you watch some selected scenes from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, write down two examples of
chivalry being satirized, one of which can be applied to an example of chivalry from SGGK and the other of
which can be applied to an example of chivalry from First Knight; also from Monty Python and the Holy Grail
write down two examples of courtly love being satirized, one of which can be applied to an example of courtly
love from SGGK and the other of which can be applied to an example of courtly love from First Knight.
IV. ESSAY/Presentation:
A. Introduction for Essay: Write an introduction that introduces the themes of courtly love and chivalry; also,
define satire and its purpose. Finally, end with a thesis statement which indicates your purpose. Your thesis
should focus on how chivalry and courtly love can be satirized. (For presentation: must have definitions of
courtly love, chivalry, satire and its purpose, at least 2 slides)
B. Body Paragraph #1 (for presentation: at least 2 slides): Focus this paragraph on chivalry, explaining how a
real example of it appears in SGGK and how it can be seen in satire in Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Use at
least one direct quote from the story). In the same paragraph, transition to an example of chivalry in First
Knight and, again, explain how this can be seen in satire in Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
C. Body Paragraph #2 (for presentation: at least 2 slides): Focus this paragraph on courtly love, explaining how
a real example of it appears in SGGK and how it can be seen in satire in Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Use
at least one direct quote from the story). In the same paragraph, transition to an example of courtly love in First
Knight and, again, explain how this can be seen in satire in Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
D. Conclusion (for presentation: at least 2 slides): Finish this essay with your own thoughts concerning chivalry
and courtly love. Are they to be taken seriously today? Are these romantic ideals still alive? Are they dead or
are they dying? Should they be dead or die?
Requirements for essay: 5 paragraphs (submitted through myaccess)
Requirements for presentation: 8 slides, must provide the same analysis as requested by the essay
Option 2: Character Analysis (5 paragraph essay or 8 slide presentation)
Character Analysis - Do a character study of any important character in Arthurian legend (Arthur, Lancelot,
Guinevere, etc.), and compare/contrast the representation of that character in at least two of the works. You can
examine how they are alike, how they are different, how they are a product of the time period represented in the
work, etc.
Option 3: Arthurian Webquest
Refer to my teacherweb site. Open up ArthurianWebquest pdf file. Your answers to the web quest must be
either emailed or shared with me in electronic format. Answers must be in complete sentences and in your own
words. I will be submitting your responses through Turnitin.com.
Option 4: Create Your Own Pentangle
1. Answer these questions on a sheet of paper.
How does the Pentangle represent Sir Gawain?
What knightly characteristics are NOT emphasized in the pentangle?
What is the code of chivalry?
How does Gawain embody that code?
What is the significance of the star by itself?
How does the Pentangle represent infinity or eternity?
What is the symbolism—both pagan and Christian—of the triangle?
What symbolism is there in the interconnectedness of the triangles that make up the Pentangle?
What symbols are in our culture -- like the circle of life and other circles that symbolize eternity?
2. After rereading the description of Gawain’s pentangle and its significance, create and design your own
pentangle star.
For this part, you will:
 Draw, color, and decorate your star to represent you;
 Label the five points of your star with the virtues that each point on the star stands for
 Provide explanations (in separate piece of paper if necessary) why you chose the virtues you did and
their importance to you.