Lanval: Characters & Plot
What does Lanval’s fairy lover promise him?
A. Wealth B. Freedom and love C. Power D. Revenge
A. Wealth
Which of the following is a theme in Chevrefoil?
A. Loyalty and love B. War C. Punishment D. Wealth
A. Loyalty and love
Which medieval societal value is emphasized in both poems?
A. Feudal loyalty and honor B. Industrial work C. Religious pilgrimage D. Town trade
A. Feudal loyalty
Compare how secrecy and loyalty operate in Lanval vs Chevrefoil, citing textual evidence.
In both poems, keeping secrets is part of staying loyal. Lanval hides his fairy lover to protect them both, and Tristan and Iseult use secret messages. Secrecy shows trust and how risky love can be back then.
What triggers Queen Guinevere’s accusation against Lanval?
A. He insulted her B. He rejected her C. He stole treasure D. He abandoned the court
D. He abandoned the court
What role does the forest play in Tristan and Iseult’s story?
A. Danger B. Private meeting space C. Battlefield D. Religious site
B. Private meeting space
What does the forest in Chevrefoil reveal about medieval cultural norms?
A. Dangerous B. Public space C. Secret meeting space D. Irrelevant
D. Secret meeting space
Analyze how nature imagery in Chevrefoil conveys emotional tension.
Nature reflects the tension in the story. The forest is a hidden, risky place to meet, and the honeysuckle shows Tristan and Iseult’s secret, fragile love. It makes the love feel urgent and intense.
Who helps Lanval avoid punishment?
A. Hidden wealth B. His fairy lover C. His sword D. His royal lineage
D. Queen Guinevere
How is courtly love depicted in Chevrefoil?
A. Secret, clever, and romantic messages B. Publicly obvious C. Legal obligation D. Magic spell
B. Publicly obvious
How does Tristan’s secret communication reflect courtly love norms?
A. Clever messages B. Public Dueling C. Marriage contract D. Magic
B. Clever messages
Evaluate how gender roles and power dynamics are challenged in Lanval’s interactions with the fairy lady and Queen Guinevere.
The fairy lady flips the usual gender roles by taking charge of the relationship. Guinevere tries to control Lanval, but he stays loyal to his lover. The story shows women can hold power and that loyalty to love matters more than following the court.
What secret does Lanval keep that is central to the story?
A. Hidden wealth B. His fairy lover C. His sword D. His royal lineage
C. His sword
What does the honeysuckle symbolize?
A. Secret love B. Death C. Betrayal D. Duty
C. Secret love
How does the fairy lady challenge typical gender roles?
A. Passive character B. Obeys the king C. Empowers Lanval D. Punisher
C. Empowers Lanval
Why is Lanval brought to trial in King Arthur’s court?
A. He broke a promise B. He refused Queen Guinevere C. He stole treasure D. He betrayed the king
B. He refused Queen Guinevere
How does Tristan secretly communicate with Iseult?
A. Letter B. Messenger C. Honeysuckle D. Signal fire
A. Letter
How does Lanval’s treatment reflect medieval social hierarchy?
A. Magic intervention B. Importance of royal favor C. Power of peasants D. Shows equality
B. Importance of royal favor