Plot
Why is Morgause spending time with the knights?
She is trying to be the bait as a virgin in order to catch a unicorn and distract King Pellinore from his love.
How is Queen of Flander's daughter characterized? Find a quote. What is her role in the story?
Characterization: "This was fine so far as it went - for the lady of his choice was a managing, middle-aged, stout-hearted creature, who could cook, ride a straight line, and make beds..." (page 249).
Role: The Queen of Flander's daughter is named Piggy. King Pellinore falls in love with Piggy and they plan to get married. Piggy highlights Pellinore good qualities despite the fact that he is a fool archetype.
What type of archetype is Morgause? Why?
Morgause is a villain archetype. She causes King Arthur's downfall by seducing him. In addition, she also has little care for her children.
How do Sir Grummore and Sir Palomides cheer up King Pellinore? What is the point of this scene?
Sir Grummore and Sir Palomides dress up as the Questing Beast. This provides comic relief. While it is a sad situation, this scene makes the situation funny.
What is the magic Spancel? What does the magic Spancel do? Be specific.
The magic Spancel is a magic tape that is made from human skin. If it is tied around the head of a person who is sleeping, that person will fall in love with you.
What does Arthur create in order to avoid jealousy of knights who want to be at the top of the table?
King Arthur creates the Knights of the Round Table.
Why were King Lot of Orkney's men not reverent about bishops blessing their armies before the Battle of Bedegraine? (HINT: on page 284)
King Arthur's men were outnumbered by King Lot's men by three to one. Therefore, King Lot's men were believed to win.
Who kills the unicorn? What does this say about the character?
Agravaine kills the unicorn. This shows that Agravaine is the cruelest and most bloodthirsty compared to his brothers. He kills the unicorn without any hesitation or sorrow, unlike his brothers. This also shows that he is very aggressive and that he wants to impress his mother who he has curious feelings for.
How does Morgause get lead Arthur to his downfall?
She uses the magic Spancel to seduce King Arthur. This causes him to sleep with his half-sister.
What does Merlyn forget to tell/warn Arthur?
Merlyn forgets to tell King Arthur that Igraine is actually his mother and that Morgause is his half-sister.
How many magpies did King Pellinore see? What do the magpies symbolize?
King Pellinore sees 7 magpies. One is for sorrow, two for joy, three for a marriage, and four for a boy. Because there are 7 magpies, this symbolizes 4 boys.
What is King Arthur's downfall?
On page 312: King Arthur sleeps with his half-sister, Morgause, without knowing it and has a son named Mordred. In addition, Arthur will die in a year because he had woken up while Morgause was using the spancel on him.
What Latin phrase means "the once and future king"? Try to pronounce the entire phrase. Where will the Latin phrase be found?
On page 287: Hic jacet Arthurus Rex quandam Rexque futurus means "the once and future king." This Latin phrase will be found on Arthur's Tombstone.
What does the unicorn symbolize? How does the symbolization of unicorns change throughout the chapters?
Unicorns symbolize innocence since it is attracted to virgins. This symbolism changes when the brothers kill the unicorn-symbol of innocence. During the unicorn hunt, the symbolization of unicorns changes to a loss of innocence. The brothers' violent nature cause the symbol of innocence to be killed.
What does kay’s statement foreshadow? Why is King Arthur's reasoning for war flawed?
On page 267: Kay's statement foreshadows that King Arthur will impose his ideas on King Lot and his enemies. King Arthur's reasoning for war is flawed because ideas should be not be imposed on people but instead, made available.