First year Seminar:
In Search of Camelot
(Wri. 130-8)
Fall Term: 2004
I. Introduction to the Legend
Video: The Historical Arthur(See below: Writing
Assignment 1 ).
Reading:.
a.
Background: Arthurian Britain
b.
"Arthur in the Latin Chronicles"
(Romance of Arthur, 3-9). (Reading Assignment 1).
Reading: "The Tale of Culhwch and Olwen" (Romance
of Arthur, 25-57). (Reading Assignment 2 )
.
IV. The Classic Medieval Legends: Geoffrey of
Monmouth and Chrétien de Troyes
a.
Background: Medieval England
b.
Reading:
"Arthur in Geoffrey of Monmouth" (Romance of Arthur, 59-93)(Reading assignment 3)
b. Chrétien de Troyes: Lancelot or The Knight of
the Cart (Romance of Arthur, p121-199) (Reading Assignment 4) (Writing Assignment 2)
V. The Medieval Summa of the Legend: Thomas Malory: Le Morte D’Arthur
a. Reading: Malory: Le Morte d'Arthur:
"The Tale of the Sangrael"
b. Malory and Hollywood: Indiana
Jones and the Last Crusade
VI. Survivor in the Library Research Project: (Writing
Asssignment 4)
VI. The Legend in the 19th Century
a. Reading: Tennyson: Idylls of the King: "Lancelot
and Elaine”, “The Last Tournament", "Guinevere", "The
Passing of Arthur" (Reading Assignment 6)
VII.
Arthur in the 20th century: symbolism, silver screens and satire
a. Malamud: The Natural
b. Film: The Natural (Writing Assignment 5).
c. Mike Barr: Camelot 3000
Required Materials:
Mike Barr, Camelot 3000
James Wilhelm ed. The Romance of Arthur
Bernard Malamud, The Natural
Thomas Malory: Le Morte D’Arthur
Alfred Lord Tennyson, Idylls of the King
NATURE OF THE COURSE
This course has three interrelated aims:
1. The primary purpose is to add to your appreciation of the dual nature of the Arthurian stories: as an intriguing historical puzzle and as a continually evolving literary and romantic myth. All assignments will be geared to furthering this understanding.
2. A second major aim is to develop your writing skills. The course will consist of at least five short papers, usually summaries and analyses of the texts that we will be reading. Some of these papers will require revisions. Most of your grade will be based on your skill at fulfilling these assignments.
2. A third major aim will be
the development of your oral skills. This is a small seminar group of people
with a common purpose and I will expect you to speak regularly, both formally
and informally. Some assignments will involve an oral component.
ASSIGNMENTS
(Note: all assignments are to be typed, and double spaced unless otherwise specified; set font size at 11 or 12 points. Do not use italic or bold face fonts.)
N.B. All work must be submitted in order to receive a passing grade for the course. Late work will be penalized up to one half grade per day.
Writing Assignment 1.
Write a three page essay on the video Quest for King Arthur considering the following questions Due Monday, Sept 27th in class.
Questions
to consider for Paper #1 (Video)
1. Who are the core figures and what are the core
events of
the
Arthurian legend, according to Sir Thomas Malory?
2.
What are the political and ethical values of Arthur, his
knights
and his court?
3.
What objections are raised to the idea of the historicity of Arthur?
4.
Why are the writings of Gildas so important to the growth
of
the Arthurian legend?
5.
Why is the figure of Aurelius Ambrosianus central to the
growth
of the legend?
6.
What is the significance of the Battle of Badon Hill to the
Arthurian
legend?
7.
How did the Arthurian stories influence the culture of
Anglo
Saxon and Celtic England in the centuries before the
Norman
Conquest?
8.
What did the writings of Geoffrey of Monmouth contribute to
the
growth of the legend?
9.
Evaluate the video as an educational tool: how did its
overall
structure, its graphics, narrative devices, sequence
of
events etc help or hinder the story it was telling?
1.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Gildas (On the downfall and Conquest
of England) as a source for the early history of Arthur?
2.
What is the situation of the British (native) inhabitants of England vis-a-vis
the invaders according to this source.
3.
What does this source tell us about Aurelius Ambrosianus?
4.
What does this source tell us about the “siege of Mount Badonicus”?
5.
What are the indications that Bede’s account was based on the history of Gildas?
6.
What does Bede add to the story (i.e. details or ideas that are not found in
Gildas).
7.
Why does Nennius’s account differ so much from that of Gildas/Bede tradition?
8.What
details in Nennius suggest that his account might not be entirely factual?
9.
What details in Nennius might one consider valuable information not elsewhere
found about Arthur?
10.
What does the Annals of Cambria add to the story of Arthur?
11.
What elements in the Deeds of the Kings of England by William of Malmesbury
suggests reliance on earlier accounts? What does he add that is original?
Evaluate Malmesbury as a historical source: what are his strengths and
weaknesses as a historian?
12.
What new elements of the story of Arthur are provided by Giraldus Cambrensis?
Which of these elements do you think might be factual and which imaginary or
“romantic”. Explain your reasoning about this issue.
Reading Assignment 2: Culhwch and Olwen
Issues to consider:
1. Why would a society of this early sort find this sort of theme interesting or important?
2. What characters, incidents and themes are evident here that become part of the Arthur legend? How are they different from the legend in its finished, late medieval form? What is Arthur’s character and role in this story? Describe his court.
3. What is the status and function(s) of women in this tale? Give examples.
4. What do you think was the purpose of the long "Catalogue of Arthur’s Companions"? What does it reveal about the society and its values? Be specific in your examples.. Who are Arthur’s close companions? What is the primary characteristic of each?
6. Discuss some of the "unrealistic" or 'supernatural’ elements of the story. What purpose do they serve? Give some examples of similar elements in modern popular stories and show what purpose they serve.
7. What objects or events are most carefully described in this tale. How do you account for that?
8. What seems to be the religious culture of the stories: pagan, Christian. Comment.
9. What is the purpose of the constant use of numbers? and of the repetitious "formulas"(such as the curses of Ysabddaden, and the tasks that Ysabddaden sets before Culhwch).
10. What problems of interpretation,
both of history and literature, may arise from the fact that elements of this
story date from probably the 5th or 6th centuries A.D. but were not written
down until about 1100, and that our earliest copy of them dates from the 14th
century?
Reading Assignment 3:
Questions on Geoffrey of Monmouth, History of the Kings of Britain
1.What are the main themes and events of this account? What seem to be the major values of the author, and the main virtues of the characters. What part do "romance" (define this term) and women play in this story?
2.The author gives no dates for the events he describes. How might the historian try to give some dates to these events?
3. How is Arthur’s status and character different in this story from that of Culhwch and Olwen?
4. Explain the use of the heavenly imagery in the discussion of the succession to the throne of Uther.
5.Several of Arthur’s traditional “knights of the "Round Table" appear in this story. What are their roles here?
6. What is the role of Merlin in this source? Where do his powers come from. How are they used?
7. What is the attitude of this source towards adultery?
8. What role does Christianity play in this story? What is Arthur’s attitude towards religion and the church? What is the role of clergy and what is their relationship to Arthur?
Why do you think the author included so much detail about military matters and fighting in his narrative?
9. No justification is given by the author for the imperialist wars that Arthur wages against other kingdoms, such as Ireland, Iceland, the Roman Empire etc. Why does the author seem to approve of these conquests? What are the reasons given to justify taking provinces from Rome and going to war against the empire to gain its possessions (pp. 77-9)? Why do you think the author gives these justifications?
10. What is the importance to the legend of the crown-wearing and celebration at Caerleon?
11. The Roman Empire, though pagan, was regarded with great reverence in the middle ages as the fountain of culture; and the "real" Arthur of history is thought to have been a champion fighting to save Roman civilization from Saxon barbarism. Why then do you think that in Geoffrey’s account, the Roman Empire is made to function as Arthur’s greatest enemy?
12. Do some research on King Henry II (1154-89), who ruled England when Geoffrey published his History of the Kings of Britain. Why might Henry have particularly enjoyed this work? What use might he have made of it as "history" or "propaganda".
13. How is Guinevere described in this story? What is her role?
14. What motivates Modred’s
treachery?
Reading Assignment 4: Chrétien de Troyes: Lancelot or the Knight of the Cart
Consider the following issues while you read:
1. What motives cause Lancelot to do what he does?
2. What were the purposes of knightly combat?
3. What are the effects of love on Lancelot’s attitudes and behavior. On Guinevere’s?
4. How did a knightly lover behave: toward his beloved: towards others.
5. How did a noble lady in love behave towards her lover.
6. In what ways do the attitudes towards love in this story parallel your own beliefs about the subject of "love".. In what way are they different? How would you account for these similarities? How would you account for the differences?
7. What part does sexual activity play in this story?
8. What influence does society and its expectations have on the course of lover’s behavior and attitudes?
9. What is the relationship of marriage to romantic love in this story?. What parts do marriage and family relationships play in this story?
10. What is the influence of religion on the attitude and actions of the lovers?
11. Discuss the character and actions of Meleagant, as an example of the evil, or unchivalric knight.
(In answering the above
questions be sure to give specific examples from the text).
Writing assignment 2
Write
a four to five page paper imaginative reconstruction of how some minor
character might have experienced the events of one (or more) of the Arthurian worlds we have examined: the
6th century histories, Culhwch and Olwen, Geoffrey of Monmouth, and
Chrétien de Troyes. Unlike the previous paper, this paper asks you for a less
structured, more imaginative approach. I would suggest that you take the point
of view of one of the peripheral characters: such as the dwarf, Guinevere,
Gawain, Modred, Kay, Bedevere,
etc. (or make up an appropriate figure of your own) and answer some of the
following questions: how would this individual have reacted to the various
events that occur? How might a woman have experienced this story quite
differently than did a man , a commoner rather than a knight? Although you are
free to assign thoughts and emotions to your character which are not attributed
to them in these sources, you
should try to keep their thoughts and emotions within the range of values and
experiences of the Dark Age and medieval people as we have learned about them.
Reading
Assignment 5a: Le Morte d’Arthur: “The Tale of the Sangreal”
Malory: Tale of the Sangreal
1. Describe the function/symbolism/meaning of the character of Sir Galahad in this story.
2. Why are the knights so concerned to find the Holy Grail? What is the meaning of the object in the story? What would “finding the Holy Grail” mean to you? i.e. what in your own life and hopes would be equivalent to finding the Grail?
3. What does Sir Lancelot learn about himself in this quest?
4. Why does Gawain fail to experience the Grail?
5. What is the meaning of the temptations of Sir Percival?
6. What is the symbolism or significance of the ship?
7. Discuss the color symbolism of the story.
Writing assignment 3
Write a five page paper that centers on the similarities and differences between Malory’s Tale of the Sangreal and the film Indiana Jones and the Holy Grail. The differences in particular might reflect cultural differences between the author and audiences of Malory’s 15th century book and Spielberg’s late 20th century film. (You could also include references to Chrétien’s Lancelot and/or Culhwch and Olwen as “quest stories” if it seems appropriate to your thesis.)
(Suggestion: different ideas
about love and sex, adventure, killing, male relationships, about religion and
political leadership might account for a number of differences between Malory
and Spielberg.)
Reading
Assignment 5b: Le Morte d’Arthur: "Le Morte D’Arthur"
1.
What
was the cause (or causes) of the civil war between Lancelot and Arthur’s court?
2.
Discuss
the actions and character of Sir Gawain in this section.
3.
Discuss
the motives and actions of King Arthur in this section.
4.
Why
do you think it was necessary to the story for Arthur and Modred to kill each
other?
5.
Why
did Guinevere become a nun? Why did Lancelot become a hermit?
Writing assignment 4: "Survivor
in the Library" session Friday, Nov. 5th
Reading
Assignment 6:
Tennyson, Idylls of the King
a. Consider the following issues when reading “The Coming of Arthur”:
1. Be aware of the various descriptions of the environment and the seasons and weather in this episode. Why does Tennyson pay so much attention to these elements? Relate this to the use of images of light and darkness. Notice the use of such images esp. on p 21. Pay attention to the descriptions of Guinevere’s beauty. Connect these description with Tennyson’s constant reference to “beasts” and “animals” and with the imagery of light and darkness used throughout the section.
How do Arthur and Guinevere react differently to each other on first meeting? Why do you suppose Tennyson has them react this way?
Why does Arthur want to marry Guinevere?
What does the following passage suggest about the future of Arthur and Guinevere’s marriage and lives: “Behold [said Arthur] thy doom is mine. Let chance what will, I love thee to the death.” To whom the Queen replied with drooping eyes. ‘King and my lord, I love thee to the death’.”
Consider the following while reading Lancelot and Elaine:
What are the two senses in which Elaine is “living in fantasy” (p139 and 147)). Comment on the relationship between Lancelot and Guinevere at this point. Why have they come to these problems?
Why does G so dislike her husband, King Arthur? Show how Tennyson constructs this scene in terms of continuing the images used in “The Coming of Arthur”.
Discuss the effectiveness of the color imagery used to constructing this story.
Does King Arthur know about the relationship between Queen Guinevere and Lancelot/ If he does, why does he take no action?
What is the function of Sir Gawain in this story?
The core of the story seems to be contained in the following lines:
Think about them:
And peradventure had he seen her first, She might have made this and that other world Another world for the sick man; but now The shackles of an old love straiten’d him, His honor rooted in dishonor stood, And faith unfaithful kept him falsely true.”
Do you approve of Lancelot’s rejection of Elaine?
Why does Elaine kill herself? Do you think that was an appropriate act under the circumstances? Why or why not.
Consider the following while reading The Last Tournament:
How would you describe the atmosphere, the psychological situation at court in the opening pages. Referring to specific examples, show how Tennyson establishes the mood. What does the reader feel might happen in a tournament held in this environment?
What is the function of Dagonet, the fool? What are is the functions of fools in general in the Medieval courts?
Think about the character of Tristram. Why does he present a danger to the courtly values that Arthur is trying to establish? Compare his history and resulting character with that of Lancelot. What are their similarities and differences? How might you account for these?
What is the significance of Tristram being a knight “of the woods” rather than of the court?
How does Isolt justify her adultery with Tristram. Compare her reasons with those of Guinevere for loving Lancelot.
The tragedy of the Round Table is well summarized in Tristam’s speech about vows on p 222. What is in essence his view of such matters? How does his attitude affect his relationship with Isolt?
How does Tristram’s presentation of the necklace of “ruby carconet” to Isolt add to the drama of the final scene?
Consider while reading Guinevere
Why does G decide she and L must part?
What is the function of the novice in heightening the reader’s understanding of G’s moral situation?
Describe Arthur’s attitude towards G during their meeting in the convent. Do you find this Arthur to be a loveable person? Is he worthy of the love of G ?
Characterize in a single sentence G’s final judgment is of herself as a human being.
Consider while reading The Passing of Arthur:
How does the image of the “death-white mist” set the tone for (or define the issues of) the final battle between Arthur and Modred? What other images flow from this or join with it to further define the mood of the final scenes.
How does Bedevere’s refusal to abandon Excalibur epitomize the tragedy of Arthur’s court?
How
does Tennyson symbolize the belief in a return of Arthur in a better time? Is
there any element in this final scene that suggests that this return will also
fail?
Reading
Assignment 7: The Natural
1.
Why
would baseball be a good context in which to place a 20th century version of
the Arthurian story? Is it a better choice that any other sport or activity of
our times? Explain.
2. Aristotle
defined tragedy as the result of a basic character flaw made worse by
unfortunate events. Does this definition explain the basic story of "the
Natural". What is ( or "are") Hobb's flaw (s)?
3. How
does Malamud use of time and
seasons similar to Tennyson's? How is it different? How does Malamud make more
use of this imagery than does Tennyson?
4. IN
a related issue, the matter of "fertility" seems to play a large part
in this story? How is the idea of "fertility" in its various senses
important to this story? How does it relate to the Arthurian stories where it
is also present if less prominent?
5.
Try to identify some of Malamud's characters with Arthurian types. What is your
evidence for the various comparisons?
6. Can
you think of some non-Arthurian persons or ideas for which some of Malamud's
characters might be named ? (e.g. Iris, Memo Paris, Goodwill Banner, Roy
Hobbes,
7. Max
Mercy, Otto Zipp, others)
8. How
do ideas of a "quest" form part of the story of "The Natural". How is it the
same as the Arthurian quests? How different? Does it share any characteristics
with the quest in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade? Explain these similarities.
9. How
does the theme of "wounds" function here in a way similar to
Arthurian stories?
10. How do
baseball legends Ty Cobb and Shoeless Joe Jackson fit into this story. How are
they parallel to some Arthurian heroes?
11. Is Chicago
Camelot?
12. Compare the
treatment of the forces of evil in The Natural with the way Tennyson treats
evil and the attitude of Malory towards evil.
13. What is the
meaning of the title of the novel?
Writing Assignment 5
Write a 6-8 page essay on the following topic:
Malamud's 20th century novel The Natural, the two films, Indiana Jones and The Natural, and the “graphic novel,” Camelot 3000 represent major departures from the medieval versions of the Arthurian tales, while at the same time preserving what the modern authors considered to be the "essence" of the legends. (You must include some discussion of each of these sources).
First, in your paper, discuss the ways in which the modern authors remain faithful to the “essence" of the Arthurian legend; second, discuss in some detail how their work abandons the traditional material and suggest reasons why they struck out in new directions. This discussion may involve issues such as changing social and moral values, such as the rise of democracy, the decline of organized religion, the increasing consciousness of women’s role in society, what will "sell" to the intended audience, the growing distinction between "high culture" (Serious literature and art) and popular culture (literature, movies, music etc designed to appeal to a mass audience.) Finally, you might suggest whether or not the modern versions are to be preferred to the medieval versions and justify your judgment.
This paper will probably work best if you take a very few themes and work them through the various works of literature and cinema that you are considering.
FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR FORUM REQUIREMENT
First-Year Forums are intended to help entering “K” students make the
best possible adjustment from home to college and continue their
academic and personal growth. Forums explore the significance of
Kalamazoo’s Honor System and are built around the Dimensions of a “K”
education: Intercultural Understanding, Leadership, Social
Responsibility, Career Readiness, Lifelong Learning. As part of the
First-Year Experience program, Forums are linked to Seminars.
First-year students choose five
to attend during fall term. If a student
attends fewer than
five, two percentage points will be deducted from the
Seminar grade for each
Forum missed (for example, a “A” grade computed
at 94% will drop to an
“A-“ at 92%).
Dates to keep in mind: Fri.
Oct 9th: No class (Prof at conference)
Fri Nov 5th Library Research session,
GRADING
(100% scale):
Papers
1-4:
15 % each
Paper
5:
20%
Class
participation: 20%
Paper
grading procedure: if the first draft of a paper is accepted as is or with a
few corrections, it will be given a grade plus a star *. Such papers will be given full credit.
Papers accepted after one or more revisions will be given a grade without a star.
Such grades represent my judgment of the merit of the paper after one or more
revisions. Such papers will therefore not be given the full credit of the final
grade assigned to the paper. Your grade for the course, therefore, may well be
lower than the sum of the
(non-starred) grades on your paper.