From Word of Mouth to Pen

  Think of a 1-sentence story (something simple) then write it down. Write a 1-Sentence Story

  …and EMBELLISH it (add details to make the story more fantastic/attractive) Now, pass it back…

  Beowulf  Iliad  Three Little Pigs Origins of…

  What happens when a story from oral tradition gets written down? What do you gain? What do you lose? Essential Question:

 King Arthur?

 Man or Legend? Painting by Charles Ernest Butler (1903)

  Legend : A story (or group of stories) told about a particular person or place. DEFINITION of Legend Encyclopedia Britannica

 Watch this!this A&E’s King Arthur: His Life and Legends

  5 th -6 th Century Celtic King?  ( ? – 1100 C.E.) Celtic stories  Near mythic figure  (1138 C.E.) Monmouth’s The History of the Kings of England  Great King / Military leader Embellishing Arthur

  History of the Kings of England  Presented as a “history”  based on an “ancient book” of British history that he alone had.  Arthur & Merlin are woven into a grand history of English kings Geoffrey of Monmouth

  1066 C.E. – Norman Conquest  For a European (Norman) audience (written in Latin)  Geoffrey’s History fills “gaps” in knowledge  Makes Britons seem grand (European connections)  Makes Norman conquest seem legitimate Why Write it? For Whom? See “Geoffrey of Monmouth” in the “Camelot Project” (Rochester University)

  Answer in your notes…  Who was Chrétien de Troyes?  How did his Arthurian “model” differ from Geoffrey’s?  What is Chivalry? AGAIN!!?!?!AGAIN!!?!?! (9:00-11:52)

  Great French Writer  Wrote entertaining narratives about King Arthur ( C.E.)  Invented “heroic model” for Arthur  (“single hero adventure”)  Not just about fighting, about upholding “Chivalry ” Chrétien de Troyes

  The medieval system, principles and customs of knighthood  bravery  courtesy  honor  gallantry toward women What is Chivalry? (thefreediectionary.com)

  Literary form developed in France  Mid 12 th century  narrative of many quests (“single hero adventures”)  Characterized by Chivalry  Teaches Chivalric values (including courtly love) Medieval Romance

  Each quest represents the pursuit of a virtue  Ex. Quest for Holy Grail = seeking oneness with God Quest

  Characters actions serve as EXAMPLES  To teach VIRTUES (Chivalry)  Loyalty to God, King, and your Lady  Bravery  Courtesy to all (but NOT the infidel!) Purpose: Teach Readers

  Q: How does a work of literature reflect the values of the people/culture of the era? Beowulf vs. Arthur

  With your group, prepare a short (~ 2 min) presentation about your assigned topic  Take responsibility for your role  Help group members with their roles Arthurian Investigation

  Teach the rest of the class  Use assigned questions to help guide your presentation  Work together to present  Presentation leader organizes, but at least 2 members should speak  See rubric For the Presentation

  Be respectful and attentive!  Peers = teachers  (part of your grade)  Take notes!  Important information  Will help with the HW During Presentations

  What happens when a story from oral tradition gets written down? Essential Question: