EN242 Arthurian Literature and its Legacy
Assessed Essay Questions (Autumn) 2015-16
Please submit a 5000 word essay in answer to one the following questions, by 12 noon, Tuesday
19th January 2016 (week 2, term 2).
1. Discuss the interaction between history and legend in one or more of the texts studied this
term.
2. Discuss the relationship between chivalry and love in one or more of the texts studied this
term. You may (but do not have to) consider more than one type of love.
3. Discuss the role of animals in one or more of the texts studied this term.
4. How do Arthurian writers explore the psychological and emotional states of their characters?
Discuss with reference to one or more texts studied this term.
5. Discuss the role of magic and/or the supernatural in one or more texts studied this term.
6. To what extent, and in what ways, are women able to participate in the heroic narratives of
Arthurian legend? Discuss with reference to one or more texts studied this term.
7. Discuss the portrayal of marriage and/or adultery in one or more texts studied this term.
8. Discuss the use of the narrator in one or more texts studied this term: how do these narrators
make their presence felt, and what effects are thereby achieved?
9. Discuss the role of ugliness and/or the monstrous in one or more texts studied this term.
10. To what extent, and in what ways, does Arthurian literature seek to critique or subvert the
legend of Arthur and his court? Discuss with reference to one or more texts studied this term.
11. Discuss the theme of transformation and/or renewal in one or more texts studied this term.
12. What does the Holy Grail mean and/or do to Arthur and his court? Discuss with reference to
one or more texts studied this term.
13. Discuss the role of religious faith in one or more texts studied this term.
14. Compare and contrast the representation of one of the following in two or more texts studied
this term: Arthur; Guinevere; Merlin; Lancelot; Gawain; Kay.
15. Devise your own question in consultation with your tutor. Your topic must be approved by 5
p.m. on 11th December, 2015.