EN242 Arthurian Literature and its Legacy
Assessed Essay Questions (spring) 2015-16
Please submit a 5000 word essay in answer to one the following questions, by 12 noon, Tuesday 3rd
May 2016 (week 2, term 3).
1. 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.
2. Discuss the representation of warfare and/or violence in one or more texts studied this term.
3. How do Arthurian writers explore the psychological and emotional states of their characters?
Discuss with reference to one or more texts studied this term.
4. How does Arthurian literature engage with modernity? Discuss with reference to one or more
texts studied this term.
5. 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.
6. Discuss the portrayal of marriage and/or adultery in one or more texts studied this term.
7. 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?
8. Discuss the representation of childhood in one or more texts studied this term.
9. 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.
10. Discuss the function of comedy in one or more texts studied this term.
11. Discuss the role of religious faith in one or more texts studied this term.
12. Compare and contrast the representation of one of the following in two or more texts studied
this term: Arthur; Guinevere; Merlin; Lancelot; Gawain; Tristram; Isolt; Kay.
13. Devise your own question in consultation with your tutor. Your topic must be approved by 5
p.m. on Friday 18th March, 2016.