1. The title includes the LAST crusade simply because the grail is the most coveted item one could find. There is no higher achievement one could aim for. His crusades or missions after finding the grail would be of no comparison. As a whole, the titles adds to the brevity and importance of Indiana's quest compared to everything he has ever accomplished.

2. I think the director included young Indiana to show that he is worthy of his quest. From a young age, he was fearless, had reverence for the church, and waned to do the right thing. He had no personal use for the cross, but he stole it to have it be where it belongs. Later, he talks with his father about how heartbroken and torturous it would be if the Nazi's found the grail- this is because they are "unworthy." Indiana on the other hand, has no mal intentions, he is finding it for all the right verses the wrong reasons.

6. In order to get the grail ultimately, Indiana must believe. I think this stipulation sounds so simple, but it is also the most difficult thing. Once he crosses the three obstacles, he must choose which grail is the right one. Indiana uses all his knowledge to pick the correct grail. Finding the grail is not simply a mission, more than that it is a spiritual passage. Indiana's father was healed with holy water. This is an extremely religious "event." He would not have been healed if he himself did not believe in the grail/ god himself.

8. As stated above, I liked the three challenges and the stipulation to find the grail. Although Indiana chose the right grail, I thought it was a little absurd that they had to choose one blindly. Overall, it satirizes the notion of "questing" for the grail- how it truly is the most holy and beloved of all things, yet unavailable to mortal man. One can go through many hardships and still not attain what they are after, due to little mistakes or big ones.

My prediction was right! Cheryl is infatuated with Persse! I thought it was interesting how Angelica impressed highly upon both of them- both with Persse's desire and Cheryl's choice in literature. Both Cheryl and Persse seem to be on a similar journey. They are both exposed to the non-ideal and the truth of their career oaths, though they both make the best of it.

Swallow disappointed me a little. I thought he was a coward. Rather than owning up to his affair with Joy, or coming up with a cover, he just falters. It is not as if he didn't flaunt her at all the other academic conferences!

I see many similarities to Perceval in Part three of the text. We learn that Angelica leads a secret second life as a stripper/ show girl. The knight (Perceval/Persse) is being exposed to deviance and the sexual world, while discovering his ultimate grail. For Persse, it is recognition as a professor of literature and the love of his maiden, Angelica. He is having his innocence shed from his while on his quest for Angelica and as he gets more emerged in culture of the conferences. Nothing ever is as it seems. He wants to somehow save Angelica, to keep her innocence and well being, although it is completely out of Persse's hands; instead ,like Perceval, he loses himself. Persse looks for Angelica until he is not longer able, and he must travel back to a place he is familiar, and, re-evaluate his work.

I found that the professors within the novel are simply putting on a mask within the world of academia of what a professor "should be," when in fact they lead interesting lives outside their passionless work. Swallow often groups himself in comparison with others saying "University teachers would never..." when in reality they are just like everyone else. The character of Cheryl is interesting in regards to this. Though her work is very repetitive and boring, like Persse, she makes the best of what it is to find joy in her life. It is almost the opposite of all the professors- they esteem their job very highly yet at the heart of the matter they truly do not enjoy what they do. Lodge says that in Cheryl's "hands she made an art of seat allocation." On a whole, Small world satirizes careers and work in general. Though the job does not make the man (as some of the professors seem to believe), the man truly makes the job (as seen with Cheryl, Angelica, and Persse). No matter what esteem society may hold your job or position, it says nothing about the character of the person.

It is ever more clear that this novel is a modern medieval tale. Persse has this unjustifiable desire for Angelica, yet she is unattainable. The conventions and travels are like a knight's quest or journeys for a greater purpose. His meeting with Angelica is perpetually prolonged, adding to his pining lust for her. As we have spoken in class in regards to other novels, I do not believe this love Persse has for Angelica to be pure- rather I think he loves the chase of it all, and the image in his head of her.

2. Persse seems to be the average person, caught up in this academic world solely by chance. Like Chretien's perceval, he is emnamored by all the experianced professors at the conferance, yet feels strange in this new world. "He stumbled against the wall and remained pressed to it for a moment while his sight accomondated to the gloom." Persse seems to be very out of place compared to the other characters.

4. Angelica is like the maiden or mistress in the medieval romances we have read. Everyone seems to be drawn to her based off her looks. "Angelica found someway to elude to him for the rest of the morning." Persse is completely in love with her although he has not truly gotten the chance to get to know her yet. Like Persse, her age and experiance also puts her out of place in the whole conferance.

6. I enjoyed MOrris Zapp's comparison of literature to a stripe tease! Although it is a little crooked, I think what he is saying makes perfect sense. More than just words and stories, literature has to be dug into to find or gain any true meaning.

2. Perceval begins to weep when he goes to repent to the hermit. When the hermit himself asks why he is weeping and why he is repenting, Perceval confesses it because he ever asked about the lance and the grail. Although he says this, it becomes immediately clear this is not something that bothers him, rather everyone else around him. Finally the Hermit is the one to shed light on the situation, bringing up the fact that Perceval caused his mother's death, and sub consciously, this has affected all his actions. His self image is stripped away here to reveal someone who can finally understand themselves. Perceval is his most vulnerable because the thing he is most passionate for- the knighthood- has changed the person he once was, for a new one that does not have a stable ground to stand on. Perceval has been trained to be a knight and a person by everyone else's standards but his own, and now, though it is unattainable, he wants to begin a journey back to the world he knew as a child with his mother, when things were simple.

3. Perceval has failed to act noble in almost all f his quests. Beginning with not turning around for his own mother, Perceval still acts as if the very principals of knighthood do not apply to him- ignoring the woman in authors court who was slapped, and effecting any innocence that surrounds him. The most charitable thing one can give is himself- and that is one thing Perceval will not give. His selfishness leads him into destruction- acting only upon things that will benefit his knighthood. Similar to how Perceval was first exposed to the knighthood- being completely enamored by the portrayal of the knight rather than what they do/ and/or represent, he only wants the one aspect of it all, the image.

1. Chretien writes a very long opening prologue. He gathers information from different sources, and leaves analyzation open to the reader. First, he opens with a quote that could possibly illustrate the actions of his main characters. " He who sows sparingly, reaps sparingly, but he who wishes to reap plentifully casts his seed on the ground that will bear him fruit a hundredfold; for a good seed withers and dies in worthless soil." Chretien opens with this quote for a purpose. Whatever effort one puts into things, will be the outcome of it all; rather than wish for things to happen, one must take action in order to achieve it. Next, Chretien shows the purity of "the count" but also his almost contradictory gospel quote that he lives by- "let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing." IN other words, it is acceptable to sin if it does not interfere with the other aspects of life. I think that Chretien will create a man who is not a bad person, yet he lusts. He will put all his effort into everything he does, and unlike some of the other characters we have focused on, with this romance the characters can 'have a life' too.

2, Perceval is completely enamored with the knights. Whatever they say to him seems to be clouded by his sheer curiousness and wonder. Chretien plays upon the senses to make the knights seem larger-than-life. At first, Perceval can only hear them approaching; he things it is someone from the devil coming after him. Next, the knights step into the sunlight and Perceval can see their glory. Once they are in the light, they are the next extreme: angels. Perceval must touch their lances and their armour, he is not satisfied by letting the knights pass as they wish. Perceval puts them at God's level, and meanwhile the knights do not care about their positions at all-one said he was just knighted five days before. Chretien draws ultimate irony when the one thing the boys wants to be, a knight, is what he was destined for, but ultimately cannot be, according to his mother.

3. Perceval's mother is afraid of losing her son like she lost her husband, and references him to her only happiness and joy. She knew that he would be drawn to such a life if he was exposed to it. Like the conversation with the knights, Perceval only hears what he wants to hear. He ignores her words, and makes a plan to be knighted, gets dressed and leaves. For being his mother's only joy in life, he is completely insensitive to her feelings at all. His mother tries to give him last advice before he departs, yet Perceval YET AGAIN, asks about chapels and churches. I think his ignorance will ultimately lead to his downfall. You cannot be an ignorant knight.

I am annoyed it Perceval's character!

7. Do you have any interpretation to the final moments of the film?

Matthieu seems to be drawn to a woman resewing a piece of lace in a window shop. There is this dirty, broken piece of what used to be beautiful lace that is being repaired. I think the lace could represent Matthieu's first vision of Conchita, what she stood for in his mind, then the broken lace is Conchita in reality. The lace is meant to be ripped because like Matthieu's desires, the lace must be used and aged in order to be fully appreciated. Matthieu is still enthralled by the broken lace. It is being resown just like his relationship, if you could call it that, with Conchita. Now that perhaps he is all to aware of the real person she is, what happened in the past can be mended into something that is real and able to be used. And unlike the brand new beautiful lace, it is appreciated with all it's flaws, if not better.

2. Why do you think that terrorism is an ever pervasive "background" to the events in the film?

More than anything, I believe that the terrorism speaks as the voice of lust/desire/love in this film. Matthieu's desire or blinded love for Conchita is corrupt and twisted. He is no more in love with her, than he is for what she represents. Conchita is an unattainable person to him, thus the "perfect" figure to have in Mattieu's eyes. This is what ultimately leads to his down fall, because Conchita knows the game of the chase. And like wise, she does not wanted to be treated as the object Matthieu alludes to her as. She obviously says this at one point to Matthieu... 'I am not just an object or item you can have.' The terrorism also illustrates that love of value must be fought for. Though Conchita is not the person Matthieu is in love with, she is what Matthieu must have. Only at the end, after all the downfalls, heart break, and flaws can they MAYBE have a real relationship. The terrorist attack that kills (?) or strikes them in the end, is the emotion washing over them. If their relationship is going to continue, it will not all be flowery pastures. Instead, it must be continually worked on, and their problems will not just disappear.

1. I feel that Melibea and Calisto meet in the dead of night because, like their relationship, the darkness clouds the truth. They are in love with being in love, simply for the chase. Sex is the only thing central t tehir relationship. Nighttime is ofte reguared as a time for lust- a time when wild things can happen without the reason of the daylight. It is symbollic of what both charactors want out of each other, and also the appearance of their relationship to society.

2. Calisto an Melibea do not truly love each othr. As we hv taked about many times, Melibea is committed to the chase, not the relationship. Calisto on the other hand, is in love with an ethereal figure that does not exist. The word love is thrown around often by many characters, but most of all, I think it is part of Celestina's motive to let her plan follow through. Melibea's suicide is not driven by love, I feel it is out of shame. She is descending from the tower as a woman who has been defeated by her shame. I call it shame because she disappointed herself more than anyone. Rather than be broken by Calisto's death or Celestina's, Melibea points blame and suffers for it all.

3. Both characters die while descending from something. This is significant because they are both falls from grace. Neither Calisto or Melibea remain the person they began. Instead, the greediness and chase of love consume them. Celestine represents desire- once she is dead, all the characters get a reality check. They know love is not what drive them, lust does. When they all continue this game knowing the truth, their fall from grace is inevitable. They know the truth yet refuse to let it set them free.

Calisto questions if consummating his desires was worth the fight. He is aware of what this love has done to himself- all that he has lost and changed in order to have it. He find it fulfilling overall, but he is probably left with an even bigger burden. Though he is completely sexually satisfied, this does not seem to be the "problem," the problem is wanting more. So, though he is almost ashamed of his happiness, he embraces it. however,he is not as fulfil ed as he expected. Once he has gotten a taste of Melibea's love, he wants the whole thing (or, more). As a whole, this reflects human desire. Human beings can never be satisfied with what they have- it is what we cannot have, what he hope for and what we want the drive us. Though he is disillusioned by what he wants out of her, sex, he realizes it is not enough at all.

2. How do you explain Areusa and Elicia's comments about Melibea in Act IX? Is this mere jealousy or is something more going on here? (Or, you can comment about this entire scene within Celestina's house -- what does this scene reveal about this house and what occurs here?)

Elicia and Areusa's comments regaurding Melibea are purely out of jealousy. Considering her social status and the fact that THIER LOVERS are commenting upon her beauty, that could be the steam. Following, I think they are picking her apart because they themselves are insecure. Like Celstina must talk herself up to build a reputation, these two feel they must break Melibea down for comfort. The conversation takes place in Celestina's house. It is a whore house, where woman are degraded and taken advantage of. The fact that it takes place here says more about what they are talking about- Melibea herself is worthless to Elicia and Areusa as women. She must be broken down in order to be of any use.

In the beginning of act 7, Celestina feels she must illustrate her love for Pameno. She says to him "You must love if you would be loved." I think this is one statement that can be taken as genuine from Celestina. Considering her profession and her role in the community, none of it is true love. It is all an act that just build off the other. The fact that she confesses this in a way to her "almost son" does indeed show her love for him. She know that her life is not filled with love- though she is content with this, she also knows it will not come to her if she doesn't change. She wants Pameno to realize she chose her ways, but if there was love to be had, and he wanted it, he could have it. In essence, she is also saying things are what they are. Celestina is a prostitute, and that is also her lifestyle. She gets what she puts in.

1. At the end of Act III we see Celestina preparing her thread with a potion for Melibea. How do we see her lack of confidence? What do you make of this?

Celestina is begging the gods to make the potion work. I found it interesting that she threatens the gods, rather than asking for their powers/help. Perhaps this is because she is notoriously getting away with things, and getting what he wants. Even though she seems powerful to everyone else, it is clear that even she knows it is an act. She has nothing in her other than to beg for their help, and rather than be nice about it, her threats make her more powerful in her mind (build upon her own ego/ appearance to others).

3. How does Melibea’s reaction to Calisto’s name either strengthen or weaken your initial reaction to their first meeting?

It strengthens my opinion that Melibea's argument was genuine in the garden; but then again, it is probably all an act of "hard to get." She certainly plays it well... everytime she hers his name she gets so angry and frustrated she makes it extremely obvious that she wants nothing to do with him at all. Its quite comical!

Celestina Acts 1&2

1. Analyze the opening scene in Melibea’s garden. Why a garden? What might a garden signify? How do you interpret the words of Calisto and Melibea? Why does Melibea react in this manner? Can we read these words as genuine?

The opening scene takes place in a garden. Perhaps this is because Calisto is confessing his feelings for Melibea, and like the plants and flowers, their relationship may begin to bloom, or die, through the play. Calisto is willing to led a fufiling life if it means later suffering through eturnal damnation (hell). He lives completely in the resent, and though his words are very straight forward, it reflects his lifestyle. he does not want to waste another minute without Melibea. I do believe Melibea has a genuine reaction. Unlike "beating around the bush," leading him on or tricking him, Melibea is not trying to get something out of him because of his emmotions.

3. What are our initial impressions of Celestina? What type of character is this? What does she say which influences your analysis? What about her later exchanges with Parmeno? (And this back history with Parmeno’s mother – what do you think happens here?)

Celestina is very complex. I do not think that she fits into any one category. On one hand, she is very caring for her son Sempronio and takes in Pamero as her own, on the other she is covering up her daughter's "client" so that she can have a nice visit with Sempronio. Today, I dont think it would be acceptable fo a mother to let her daughter do this, yet she is a respected person in society for her many "talents." She is used as a go between, which makes her trusted. She is upset when Parmno judges her, yet she is quick to forgive him. She is very paradoxal, at least that is how I view her. She runs a prositution house with her daughter, yet still goes to church, and although it is very obvious to everyone in town, she has many alias to cover everything up. Overall, I think with the situation between Melibea and Calisto in her hands, it should be a very interesting play!

7.3

How does the friar use language to reverse his role (and trick the woman)? What is the reality of these "titles" the characters hold?

The friar is able to sleep with the woman, clearly through trickery. However, language is his tool in doing so. He compares the closeness of the child's relationship to him (this godfather) and her husband... he differentiates roles in reguard to the child, but reasons that because the each take care of different aspects in the child's life, he should be treated like her husband. The woman DOES NOT have wit in this tale, only when it does come to trickery and fooling her husband (not logic wit). Titles such as the "god-father" the actual "father" and even religion become irrelevant. Each uses one for the advantage of the other, and are not the typical, "genuine" roles you would expect to hold.

8.8

What are Zeppa's intentions?DO you feel they are justified?

Rather than look at this tale as being tricker, I thought it was more of a revenge plot. Zeppa creates a scene where his friend who betrayed him is EVEN MORE embarrassed/ upset than when Zeppa initially finds his wife having the affair. This creates an understanding between then men, although Spinelloccio's wife is most hidden in the dark about the whole situation. In the end, the two are able to be amicable only because they experienced each other's aggravation, and they all have "embraced" one another equally.

5.8
What are the greater implications of Nastagio's plan? Is the marriage and love between him and his great love genuine? How might it be viewed by society?

Nastagio had to witness the fate of a man whose life was devoted into an unrequited love in order to change. Nastagio could have been destined for eternal damnation just as knight Anastagi is. He would have kept loving his maiden regardless of his trip outside of town; he did not want to be there or learn from his actions/situation. Nastagio, unlike the knights or protagonists in other stories we have read, is in a relationship where his maiden is actually cruel and spiteful towards him to the point where he is physically/mentally wounded. The tale is almost tragic in the fact that the maiden loves Nastagio simply to avoid going to hell! Though he tricks her and ultimately gets what he is after, his marriage to the maiden is not genuine. The love she has for him is out of self preservation and fear. In turn, I don't think the marriage is viewed respectable that society. They all viewed knight Anastagi's destiny and heard what he had to say. The effects of this were almost immediate in Nastagio's love. I thought the story had a very sad tone after all, even though everyone ended up "happy" at the end.

6.7
How is language used yet again? What are the wife's views about life/death? How are her actions/ testimony viewed?

Woman and the use of language to gain power is yet again present. In this case, it is the simple matter of life or death. Madonna does not attempt to lie or twist her feelings to save herself from death. To Madonna, it is worse to live a lie and go against the love that was "more worthy" than her own life, than to die. Death was not the easy way out for her. Furthermore, she used language to gain sympathy and trust by the jury. However, she also used the right timing of language. She did not deny the affair, but asks if it is a legitimate case if she has never displeased her husband? She claims that she never robbed him of anything. In the tale, and much of the other stories in The Decameron, sex is placed above all else. Giving her husband her body is all that mattered; thus she is free. I really enjoyed this one because I feel like the woman is extremely genuine. Reason and rationality are used to get what each character is after (the husband and his trial, and the wife's innocence). Though the woman is immersed in this "perfect love" she does not go CRAZY like most of the other protagonists we have read about.

2. story 3.6: How does Ricciardo play to Catella's emotions to trick her into meeting him at the baths? How do you feel about the way he keeps her from revealing what happened?

Ricciardo attacks what Catella loves the most: her husband. If the one thing she passions for is tainted suddenly, he feels he will have a better chance with her due to the fact that he looks like the honest and noble man. Ricciardo not only makes Filippello look like the bad guy, but he uses his wife's name in order to trick Catella. Sh is over taken with jealousy that she believes everything he tells her. It is similar to how someone might act today- puting pieces of stretched evidence to make what we believe to be true. For example, if someone in the school has swine flu, other students start thinking back to the past and give not fabricated, but altered reasons why they too may be sick. Catella starts to think back and trust Ricciardo's story based on 'things' Filippello did/ did not do. She actually sleeps with Ricciardo when she believes it is her husband. He basically blackmails her so that their "acts" remain a secret. She realizes that nothing can be erased, and how pleasurable Ricciardo is compared to Filippello, so they continue to act in secrecy to be together. I am uncomfortable the way he tricked her, but than again, how did she not know it was her husband she was sleeping with? They are together but I don't think the roots of the relationship are legitimate or respectful.

5. story 4.9: As the preface stated it was the king who happened to be telling this particular tale, what can be interpreted about him from what we have read here? How does he seem to feel about treachery such as this?

The king respects both knights, as he says: "those of whom I speak happen to be of a much nobler rank and the misfortunes they suffer are far more cruel." The king touches upon the power each knight had, though it was twisted into something evil. In comparing the fate of these two knights to other tales, it is clear the king feels this is the worst possible fate. He obviously does not hold on particular knight over the other, rather he feels sympathy towards their heart's passion. In this tale, the lovers fell for each other very irrationally like in some of the other texts we have read in class. Unlike most however, the king sheds understanding on the situation.

2.7
I liked Panfilo’s view of womanhood in the text. He believes it is a sin for a woman to focus on her outwardly beauty instead of improving upon other things. Panfilo thinks that a woman is at her best when she is in her natural state, concerned with other, perhaps more important things. Although Alatiel has natural beauty, she sins with it another way: through lust. She sleeps with various men, eight in all, and causes great battles to occur over her looks. She is taken from land to land, even in places where she cannot speak the same language, and yet she is content. She does not play the typical role of a woman of the time period, even today. She enjoys sex and uses her looks as simply a tool for power. Alatiel, though she is deceitful, is a strong example of a woman in charge who knows what she wants. It must have been very outspoken then, although the queen must have enjoyed listening to it.
　
2.5
Andreuccio annoyed me so much! I though the story was VERY repetitive, but it was the only was Andreuccio ultimately learned his lessons. He just kept on trusting people even though they are shady characters from the start- the prostitute, and the pair of thieves. Andreuccio simply has a very trusting and gullible personality, BUT he learns his mistakes. Besides watching who it is that you are trusting( the prostitute taking all his money), he learns to keep things to himself (the ring) in the end. He also discovers that even though he was fooled easily and learns from his mistakes, he too has the power to trick people (like the priest). Andreuccio must look out for himself, and also take advantage of a situation when he sees it. All of the lessons he learns the hard way, and his new way of viewing society speaks for itself. We all must watch what he are doing at all times, and use our wits!

The Decameron: Day One, stories 1-4

The first quote I am choosing is from the first story, of the first day. “…we can recognize the greatness of God’s mercy toward us, which pays more attention to the purity of our faith than to our errors by granting our prayers in spite of that fact that we choose to live by His enemy…”
This quote has a larger meaning in all of the stories that I read. Although these characters choose to act with sin, they believe that in the end they will be forgiven- so who cares? First there was Ser Ciappelletto who was the manifestation of a true sinner. He never gives any regard to religion, and dies lying to a priest/ God in order to give his caretakers convenience, rather than shame, in helping him. Ciappelletto is painted as a very gregarious person despite his reputation. He is not particularly malice, as he simply enjoys his lifestyle and choices. This quote was at the end of the story. It implies that although Ciappelletto dies a man of sin, in God’s eyes he could not be perceived as solely evil. On a larger scale, this quote sheds a larger insight into the other characters I have read. Though Abraham chooses a religion based on the fact that he can ‘get away with more sin’ he is not a bad person. Saladin’s cunning wits did not initially get him the money that he desired, but with respect for his friend “the Jew” he repaid him with more than he ever borrowed in the first place. His sly motives came back to teach him a lesson, and rather than suffer from his sin, he grows from it. The monks who go against their faith with lust are not bad men either. Thus, although all of the characters seemed to be weighed down by religion, they are not restrained by it. Similarly, it does not make them unrecoverable or unable to be forgiven for this. Perhaps more than just these characters are going to have this modern view of faith.

The second quote I am choosing if from the third story, of the first day. It is a dialogue of what Saladin is saying to ‘the Jew’ after he realizes his trick did not work. “And let me say the same thing to you, my lord, concerning the three laws given to the three peoples by God our father which are subject of the question you put to me: each believes itself to be the true heir, to posses the true law, and to follow the true commandments, but whoever is right, just as in the case of the rings, is still undecided.”
Saladin asks the Jew essentially what religion is better (Christianity, Judaism, or the Saracen), in order to start a fight and get the money he is after. The Jew knew that he was being fooled, but also that not one has a higher hand than the other. Throughout history, it is speculated that religion has been the cause of almost every war. Saladin knows there is not right answer to his question, a gives in. The Jew was wise enough to know that even if he chooses one religion over another, there is no possible way his argument wouldn’t be proved wrong. His story about the rings shows his understanding of this. On a larger scale, this way of thinking benefited both men in the end. It should not be applied to just religion, but equally men’s opinion and lifestyle in general.

The third quote I am choosing is from the fourth story, of the first day, and it is the last couple of lines: “…he was ashamed of inflicting upon the monk the same punishment that he himself deserved. And so he pardoned him and made him promise never to reveal what he had seen. They quickly got the young girl out of the monastery, and as one might well imagine, they often had brought her back again.”
It is interesting that at one point the Abbot is willing to punish the monk for the same sin he commits himself. It is only after he realizes that they share a mutual understanding of each other’s actions, that he pardons everything. It is clear that the Abbot is willing to abuse his power and position as long as he is not ‘discovered.’ This does not portray a typical holy figure of the church. Though both the Abbot and the monk are supposed to be sin-less for both God and THEIR OWN good, it is clear they want to get away with as much sin as they can- just like anyone else. It brings both of them to a equal level as someone outside the church. Similarly, the two’s understanding of each other allows them both to commit the same sin repeatedly (as it is implied). Almost like “I’m in it, if you’re in it.” The two use their positions to hide what they are doing, and make them all none the wiser. It is the appearance verses the reality of the situation that brings about the integrity of everyman. Not everything is what is seems, with nothing spared along the way.

5. How are the barons portrayed in the film? Do we have any ambiguity here as we do in the text? Why or why not?

In the movie, the barons play a smaller role. Rather than constantly trying to get Mark to see Tristan and Isolde's affair, the Barons simply set it up so Mark sees hem together FROM THE START. There were no false attempts to reveal the two of them. The Baron's are not marked "evil" or seen as a cause to Tristan and Isolde's problem.

3. How does the film portray Tristan, Isolde, and / or King Mark? Think of specific scenes to help you in your response. With whom do our sympathies lie?'

While reading the book, I sympathized with King Mark. In the movie, I felt for Tristan. Isolde seemed to have cared for Mark more so in the movie than in the book. Mark was not portrayed as the dumb King that he seemed in the book. He was more rational- he listened to Isolde's story and did not just lend out his trust. In the book, he took any one's word for the truth. I think visualizing the pain Tristan was enduring was also central to my sympathy. His feelings toward the King showed more in the movie. He tried to actually stop his meetings with Isolde. Tristan still went back to fight for Mark although he could have run off with Isolde. You could see that his intentions were good whereas his infatuation and love for Isolde that blinded him in the book made it seem as if he couldn't care for anyone or anything else.

1.Yvain gains a new identity known as the knight and the lion, Why does he need a new identity?

Yvain starts to refer to himself as the "knight with the lion." Yvain's new name is a declaration of his new life. He now sees that he can redeem himself and start better than he was before; quite similar to Erec, is rebirthed after the fight with the lion and the snake. In choosing the life with the lion, Yvain chooses to be a better knight. Rather than fight for all his own glory, he wants to fight and be chivalric simply because he sees it is the better way to live.

3. Yvain and Laudine meet again at the end, What kind of reconciliation is this then?

At the end of the text, Yvain and Laudine do in fact end up together. Rather than having the mood be a mutual feeling of profound love and romance, I got the impression it was more of a business transaction for Laudine. She does not want to be accused and have her reputation spoiled. In return, Yvain's apology and profession of love seems un-reciprocated. He pours his heart out to her and she simply accepts it and sees the other benefits of reuniting.

1. Gawain gives a speech on pp. 326-327. What is the outcome of this speech (in other words, what does this speech accomplish, for better or worse)? How do you interpret the agreement Yvain then makes with Laudine? What kind of agreement is this? Would you want to accept such an agreement? Why or why not?

Sir Gawain's speech is very similar to the what the townspeople told Enide in Erec and Enide. While Gawain applauds a love as genuine as Yvain and Laudine, he basically tells Yvain he cannot simply "luxuriate in a life of constant ease." In other words, he must prove that he is a knight, and similarly, his love will only grow stronger when apart from his beloved. He asks if he my leave, and she replies that he must be back within a year's time. I would not accept such an agreement. Although it is clear that Yvain cares greatly about his reputation, I would hope that my love alone would be enough. Even more so, a year is a great deal of time, especially considering how long they have been together.

3. Why does Yvain react the way he does to Laudine’s messenger? Why do you think we have this specific reaction? What might this imply? What happens in the wilderness? Do you notice any changes within Yvain during this part of the romance? What are they? How do you interpret these changes? (And what do you make of his “cure”?)

Yvain goes crazy, again similar to Erec. He lives in naked in the woods, he hunts for his food and receives the help of a stranger. Without Laudine's love, he has no purpose or reaction with his life. She was his believed reason for being and all that he cared about. He changes in this part of the text because the reputation he left his wife for, and the wife he was thus gaining it for, become nothingness to him. Neither matter at all. Until he is magically cured by the lady, he is blinded by all that was once important to him. I think that these two elements overall make the story the fairytale that it is, irresistible, yet completely far fetched.

The Knight with the Lion part One

Chretien used the prologue in Erec and Enide as a foreshadowing. Along with that, Chretien parallels his own life with his characters in the text. However, in The Knight with the Lion, there is no prologue. In Erec and Enide, the prologue stated the overall lesson that was learned by Erec (true love and appreciation must be discovered firsthand, even if it means losing such things). Chretien most likely left it out for a purpose. Unlike Erec and Enide's love, perhaps this new romance will be unable to be compared, something new. Chretien does mention "love " on the first page of the texts. He says that "But today very few serve love: nearly everyone has abandoned it; and love is greatly abased because those who loved in bygone days were known to be courtly and valiant and generous and honourable. Now love is reduced to empty pleasantries, since those who know nothing about it claim that they love, but they lie, and those who boast of loving have no right to do so, make a lie and mockery out of it." Through this quote, I get the idea that Chretien is setting his lovers apart. He wants it to be known that actual TRUE love, does not need all the details, events, or formal labels that most people in general give it. Thus whatever he has in store, is concrete and set apart from all the rest. Incomparable to what he has read, written, or experienced before.

Yvain seems to blend in with other knights and heros we have read about. Obviously he is illustrated as the best, most abled in the court. the heroine, Laudine, is immediately set apart. Unlike Enide, she chooses to marry Yvain. Her mind is already made up. She plans in her best interests, while still being socially accepted. Chretien does not paint the perfect picture however. Though the love he gives his characters a great gift, there is obviously a price they must pay. He states that whomever falls in love is a prisoner. Like Erec whom focuses solely on his love for Enide and must regain his old lifestyle, perhaps something similar will happen to Yvain. Nothing good comes without a price!

Erec and Enide Pages 90-122

1.In the last passages that we read, Enide passed Erec's test what are the implications of this? How do we see Erec and Enide's relationship change? Has nothing changed from before they left their kingdom? If so why do you believe Erec put Enide through this ordeal?

Erec has been looking for the missing piece of his relationship with Enide. He has gone on this journey to fully understand his marriage and his life. He now has a full appreciation for Enide. Though her speech once bothered him, and was perceived as judgement, he now has grown to love it. It is the first thing he awakes to in his rebirth. Enide is no longer just a possession to him. She has suffered just as much as he has in this journey; they have both made sacrifices for one another. Erec is now assured that he can be a great knight and husband as well. The tests he has put Enide through on thier journey together were so extreme, yet she "passed" all of them. Erec is assured of her devotion, what he is willing to give up, and he can now understand her. He saw Enide when she was alone without him, in a situation he has never seen before. The entire eason for this adventure was assurance.

2. In this last passage of the text we witness an interesting event, we are told of the "death" of Erec and his later "rebirth", what does this mean? Why did Chretien choose to not only include this? Is there a deeper meaning? How does this event relate to the rest of the text?


Erec is 'dead' for a long period of time before his miraculous 'rebirth' or awakening. Erec's physical calapse symbolizes his old attitudes toward life and his relationship with Enide come to a change. His old feelings for mistrust and judgement from his wife disappear. Her unending love for him is so prevalant once she believes him dead, that it is impossible for their realtionship to be as it was before. Erec is able to absorb her emotion and feeling. Rather than have thier marriage be an agreement, or business, as the rest of society views it, Erec now gets the justification he needs to freely love his wife as he once did. He does not have any stipulation. He knows that what they have together is real. Similarly his 'rebirth' leaves him a a better man. He can now see things through his wife's perspective. Not only can he be the physical "hero" but he can share the emotion of it all. Erec's 'death' period ironically opened his eyes from his old life, to his new one. By including this, Chretien raises Erec on a christ-like pedistal. He is now stronger than ever in every aspect of his life. He is the ultimate knight.

Erec and Enide Pages 60-90

2. Enide also speaks for the first time in the text in this part of the romance. What are her first words? How do you interpret her speech? How does Erec interpret her speech? How do you explain his reaction? Why?

Enide speaks for the first time in this section of the text. She lies awake next to Erec and mumbles: "Wretch, unhappy me! Why did I come here from my land?" Enide is concerned for Erec's reputation, though it is clear she is truly upset over her new lifestyle. She plainly says that she is unhappy. While she lived a very simple life with her parents, protected and highly respected, she now has a very complicated life. Though her father treated her as a possession, Erec does not treat her with respect. His reaction to overhearing Enide was concern , but more so for himself. He demands to know why he is "unfortunate." When Enide does not wish to divulge any further, she is threatened by Erec. The fact that he can go from making love to Enide, then waking up and threatening to leave her if she does not tell the truth, says a lot about their love. Enide simply wants to protect him, despite the fact that she is uncomfortable with her new role/life.


3. What do you think are Erec’s intentions in taking Enide on this journey? What kind of journey is this (from Erec’s perspective)? One of adventure? Self-discovery? Renewal? Something else? Point to specific scenes within the text to support your argument.

Erec has been void of any other passions than Enide since their marriage. Although it is Enide discovers the people's disdain for Erec's decision to abandon the knighthood, Erec makes a rash decision to leave the kingdom, in full armor, with only his wife. The fact that Erec refused to bring any other company, even for protection's sake, makes it clear that he wants to be alone with Enide. The marriage and his relationship with Enide happened quite quickly. The journey with his wife is perhaps a self discovery and an affirmation that he can still have elements of his old life within his new one. However, it is also an adventure. Erec wants to travel as far as possible. He does not want any tending to his wounds, he simply wants to continue on. he welcomes any fight, and even tries to conceal his identity until it is no longer possible. Erec wants to fade out Enide for a short time, while he discovers that the rush of his old life is not dead. In modern times, many couples getting married have "cold feet." They feel that they need to experience as much as they can before marriage, or make sure they are with "the one." Even after marriage, couples need to adjust to the new lifestyle. Erec is a perfect example of this.

Erec and Enide Pages 37-60

1. We always need to pay special attention to the beginning of a text, for here the narrator orients the reader on the journey that is to start. What information does Chrétien provide for the reader in the opening lines of this romance? Why the proverb/s (and how do we interpret this in conjunction with the story that follows)? What is Chrétien trying to do here in this prologue?

Chretien implies that much will be lost in Erec and Enide's tale. Similarly, the tangible items (people or things) or intangible things such as love and emotion, will be gone before their true value is realized. I got the impression that metaphoric blindness is going to lie ahead. Thus far, Enide is a very simple, yet well explained character. She remains silent, yet everyone accepts her without question. Will we ever get to know the real Enide? Perhaps this preface to the text suggests that Enide herself is the one that will be under-appreciated. "A man does well to make good use of his learning according to whatever understanding he has, but for he who neglects his learning may easily keep silent something that would give much pleasure."


5. What does the scene in which Queen Guenevere dresses Enide imply? What does this dress represent? What does this have to say about Enide’s character and about the way Erec views this woman?

Erec insists that Enide stay dressed in her ragged clothes for a clear purpose. He admits he would like for her to be 'properly fitted,' though more symbolically, he wants a physical change from her father's possession and lifestyle, to his own. We get this image of Enide throughout the reading, as being a gift from nature- someone who is naturally meant to be stunning. While she remains silent, the new adornments she now wears show a more outward and materialistic beauty. Perhaps she is being "corrupted" or led into this royal society, verses the simple, hard working life she is now leaving behind. The clothes are a physical symbol of the inevitable(?) or implied trouble ahead.

The Romance Of Tristan Parts 14-19

3. How are we to read Tristan’s madness? Is it far-fetched? More trickery? How might these symptoms manifest themselves today for instance?

Tristan goes mad because he has been apart from Yseut for a long period of time. He talks to his ring she has given him - to no avail. He lives a life with the "other Yseut" passionlessly and suffering. Throughout many points in the text, we see clearly that Tristan lives solely for his love. Though risking his life, blinding himself to reason, and isolating himself have been great sacrifices Tristan has made, his madness is a great culmination of everything. His "madness" leads him to walk day and night, making himself unrecognizable to even his truest of loves. It is not trickery, it is the result of the mind set he has lived in, and the loss of reason for living- his lover. Today one would be having a "mental breakdown." Though in Tristan's times he is simply considered mad, in a modern relationship he would be justified.



4. Why do you think Tristan and Yseut must die at the end of the text? How do you interpret these deaths? How does the text present their deaths? Why do you think this is the case? How might the ending comment upon the text as a whole?

Tristan and Yseut die at the end of the text because their love has finally broken them to the point of unrepair. They have been through struggle after struggle, that they finally realized their love simply cannot exist within the world they live. Often, they would confess they're love is free from malice, that it is "right." Clearly, it is not by the standards of their society. One can only fight for so long. In he text, the lovers simply die for their love and each other. This is the case. They can no longer go on physically, though it is suggested that they remain together in death. Death is the only way they can peacefully be together.

The Romance Of Tristan Parts 7-13

1. Discuss Tristan and Yseut’s stay in the woods (apart from their ‘repentance’). How are they living / surviving? What must they do? Why? What do you think is the deeper significance of this? Reference specific points in the text to support your answer.

Tristan and Yseut live a very hard life on the run. They have no way of getting any sort or bread, thus they must live off what they hunt (meat only). Though it keeps them alive, their diet is not fulfilling nor does it fully nourish their bodies. Often, Beroul writes about the hardships of constant moving and the character's physical lack of energy. Tristan and Yseut cannot stay in one place for more than a night, for fear of getting caught by Mark's men. Similarly, they must make their own shelters once they get to their place of rest. They must keep to themselves and not enter into towns.
While they could indeed be living in excess and luxury at the palace, they choose to live a very taxing life together. The characters have both physically and emotionally sacrificed heavily to be with one another. Tristan has lost his relationship with his uncle, one that used to mean a great deal to him. The king has everyone after him for a reward. Yseut has lost all her morals she used to live by. She is with a man that fought with her family, and concealed his identity. Her marriage was doomed for failure because of a "potion." However, it is not necessarily the potion keeping these two together. Whatever the case, their love is proven to be more important than all else in their lives.

4. We are told the love potion has ‘worn off’ after three years. Describe the reactions Tristan and Yseult have regarding this fact. Why is this the case?

Tristan and Yseut have very selfish reactions at first to the love potion wearing off. At first, they think off all that they themselves have given up for their relationship. While Tristan thinks of the kingdom, his knighthood, and the relationship he had with his uncle, Yseut similarly thinks of her marriage and the lifestyle she could have had. It is only until they both realize they are in equal position, that they start to really see 'the truth.' They love each other regardless. The three years they have spent together have been difficult, yet they have grown together and truly fell in love- not magically through a potion. Furthermore, once Tristan and Yseut decide to part, the promises they make to one another seem like it is an experimental plan rather than a future. Tristan promises to come to Yseut and take her from the palace if she is unhappy, while Yseut promises to come to Tristan no matter where he is or in any condition. Basically, they want to see if it was just a potion working it's magic. Although it is evident that this is not the case, Tristan and Yseut will more likely find this out once they have parted. With all the the two have been through alone, it is hard to imagine them splitting apart. Emotionally, the two have become different people because of one another. Their "love" changed their lives. Thus, the potion may have worn off, and they may be apart, but I predict this is not for long.

The Romance of Tristan Parts 1-6

1. Tristan acts as if he has nothing to loose. His confidence most likely stems from his title as the king’s nephew. Clearly, his title is earned. Tristan fights fair, such as letting his enemy have equal title and “self worthy” death, but he uses his physical strength to gain even more power in society. Had Tristan never gained the trust of the people, Yseut would surely have been burned or left with Ivain’s army. His fearlessness and over confidence do not end up failing him. Another possible root to all this is his unwavering faith in God.
Starting from the journey where he met Yseut, to finding the chapel on the hill, Tristan considers himself a follower of God’s word. He believes that he is in turn a very loyal servant. In reality Tristan is actually sleeping with his uncle’s wife- his “aunt”- and has betrayed honest men to do it. Tristan’s lies to cover up his affair have caused the death of many servants. He is not following the church’s commandments, rather he is breaking them. The fact that Tristan relies heavily on God to save him, so much so that he leaves God to physically guide him, is ironic.
The text illustrates Tristan to be the ultimate hero. Though he may not be altogether holy, it is clear that his faith in God gets him places. Without his unwavering confidence and stamina, his name would simply not be as respected in society. Tristan needs these characteristics to get what he wants- Yseut.


2. Language has tangible power in this text. Although Tristan and Yseut claim to have God’s will on their side, it is truly their speech that is key. When the king spies on the two of them in the tree, Tristan and Yseut know exactly the right words to handle the situation. The King could have very easily been dissuaded by their little act, but instead he is left in tears at their “genuineness.” As a whole, the plot of the text is driven based upon sure fate of situations. In real life, “magic” is not real. Circumstances such as Brangain and the bed chambers, the King in the tree, the roses sent down the river, ect., add a fairytale-like element to the text. Yseut is able to see Tristan not because she is physically strong or extremely beautiful, but because she can convince other’s to do what she wants. Tristan is able to escape his death by convincing his capturers that he want’s to pray. Though it is unlikely this would ever truly happen, it allows Tristan to escape. Both lie and swear that they are telling the truth throughout various times in the text. Truth is not really valued. The stories and lies told by every character in the text is used as a tool to gain whatever it is the character is seeking. Weather it is Tristan and Yseut’s love for each other, the King’s desire for power and control, or the servants gaining the trust of the King, the art of language is able to give them the tools they need to succeed.