English Language
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
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 and satire 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. Watch the film (preferably with your fellow classmates)
2. Examine the notes and come up with some responses
3. Write your responses in the provided spaces
4. Type it and turn it in before April 16th for credit
5. Be ready to explain your findings on April 16th
Thematic Questions
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?
Chivalry/heroism
o In the Middle Ages the Knights (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?
Violence
o What makes violence funny? How does Python make us laugh at a limbless knight or at slaughtered wedding guests?
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?
Futility
o Why will this Arthur not find the grail? What message does this pose towards England?
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?
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?
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.
- 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.
- 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.