“The Day of Destiny” from Le Morte d’Arthur By Sir Thomas Malory Geschke/British Literature The Day of Destiny

Geschke/British Literature The Day of Destiny Arthur’s Dream “He was appareled in gold cloth and seated in a chair which stood on a pivoted scaffold. Below him, many fathoms deep, was a dark well, and in the water swam serpents, dragons, and wild beasts. Suddenly the scaffold tilted and Arthur was flung into the water, where all the creatures struggled toward him and began tearing him limb from limb.” (216) Geschke/British Literature The Day of Destiny

Geschke/British Literature The Day of Destiny Arthur’s Dream Beasts of the water Serpents symbol of evil and deception Sir Modred Foreshadowing the death of King Arthur? Geschke/British Literature The Day of Destiny

Geschke/British Literature The Day of Destiny Arthur’s Dream Vision of Sir Gawain Begs King Arthur not to battle Sir Modred tomorrow. Wait for Lancelot to come back and he will defeat Sir Modred Geschke/British Literature The Day of Destiny

Characteristics of King Arthur Hero Honorable Brave “Super-natural” Geschke/British Literature The Day of Destiny

Geschke/British Literature The Day of Destiny The Snake Bites the knight The knight pulls out his sword to kill the serpent As soon as the sword is drawn, both sides see it as an act of war. Because of the serpent, many people die Allusion? The serpent in the Garden of Eden Geschke/British Literature The Day of Destiny

Geschke/British Literature The Day of Destiny The Honorable Knights The knights give their lives for King Arthur Sir Lucas the Butler Dies trying to comfort and protect King Arthur Sir Bedivere the Bold Lives with the monk to honor King Arthur Geschke/British Literature The Day of Destiny

Geschke/British Literature The Day of Destiny The End of King Arthur? Tomb stone inscription: “Here lies Arthur, the once and future king.” Legend Some believe Arthur did not die and the he will return Britain to glory. Geschke/British Literature The Day of Destiny