It's clear from the start that this is a tale that more closely
resembles the fairy tale structure of "The Tale of Sir Gareth" than it
does the quasi-historical "Tale of King Arthur." Also, you should be
aware that it is not in the book in chronological order, since we see Sir
Modred already knighted here, whereas in "Sir Gareth," his older
half-brother had yet to be knighted, leaving Modred presumably a child
then.
In the previous section, King Arthur has most improbably conquered
Rome and been crowned king there as well. He has returned home now--and
we're unlikely to hear any more about his supposed second kingdom. While
he was away, however, it appears that his Queen and Sir Launcelot have
been gazing longingly at each other, though the implication seems to be
that their relationship is still unconsumated. As you read Sir
Launcelot's tale, you might look for clues about that very important
relationship with the Queen.
Before going on, you should also review the terms of the social
contract between Arthur and his people. What did each side promise to do?
As you read, you should try to gauge the extent to which the contract is
able to create justice, peace and order out of the chaos of individual
aims and goals.
Why does Launcelot set out on his extended quest? Who accompanies
him?
What happens while Launcelot sleeps beneath the apple tree?
What does Sir Tarquine do with the knights he defeats? What does
this tell you about his character and his chivalry?
An old friend next happens on Sir Launcelot. What does Morgan le Fay
intend to do with Launcelot? Who else in this story has the same goal?
Why does Launcelot refuse to take one of the queens as his paramour?
(By the way, what exactly is a paramour?)
How does Launcelot escape the fate of dying miserably in his cell, as
Morgan le Fay threatens? How many knights does he actually kill or
maim as a result of his promise to the young noblewoman, the daughter
of King Bagdemagus? (Yes, I want a body count.) How would he compare
to heroes like the Kindergarden Cop or John McClane in this respect?
What makes Launcelot's means of annihilating his fellow human beings
more tedious than Arnold's or Bruce's?
Like "The Tale of Sir Gareth," this story also has a certain amount
of humor woven into it. The story of Sir Launcelot and the knight of the
red silk pavilion, Sir Belleus, certainly has humorous aspects. As you
read, note other places in which Malory is trying to lighten the
atmosphere of continual killing and maiming.
Why does Sir Tarquine particularly hate Sir Launcelot?
What interesting fact about his personal moral system and his belief
about the origin of his great strength and invincibility does Sir
Launcelot reveal to the young noblewoman whom he saves from Sir Percy of
the Forest Sauvage on p. 127?
Just a detail, but what have the imprisoned ladies been forced to do
by their captors, the two giants? Does it strike you as an onerous task?
After handily defeating two giants and freeing the inhabitants of
Castle Tintagil from their imprisonment, Sir Launcelot encounters Sir Kay
under unusual circumstances. How does he meet Sir Kay and why do they
exchange armor?
Do you find it a little off-putting that Sir Launcelot uses his
disguise to provoke his friends from Camelot into challenging him--and
losing? What do you think his motive is here?
What causes the death of Lady Hallews of the Castle Nygurmous? Is
her death a great loss to the world?
Sir Launcelot seems to do a lot of climbing around in this tale; what
happens when he strips down to help Sir Phelot's lady rescue her falcon
from a tree? Is there a moral to this story?
In summary, how does one become "the most famous knight at King
Arthur's court"?
