Character Development & Symbolism in Le Morte d’Arthur What makes a romance? Character Development & Symbolism in Le Morte d’Arthur
What do you think this image represents?
WHEEL OF FORTUNE Fortune = force that humans can’t control Wheel = symbol of Fortune Female figure = personification of Fortune Symbol: something (usually tangible) that represents something else (usually intangible) Personification: using human characteristics to describe something non-human
Reading Warm-up Read Arthur’s Dream (Pp. 176-177) Take notes with this Q in mind: What is Arthur thinking and feeling?
1-paragraph ANALYSIS What does Arthur’s dream vision tell us about his current thoughts and emotions? Quote specific words/phrases to support your claims.
How does each narrative show us the hero’s thoughts? Characters over time How does each narrative show us the hero’s thoughts? After
Description of Actions Description of Character Narration techniques Point of View? 3rd Person Omniscient Description of Actions Description of Character Dialogue Internal Monologue Symbolism
Evolution of form Epic ME Romance Modern Novel Author Oral Tradition (Bards / Scops) Taking Other Sources Single Author Plot 1 Central Conflict MANY Quests Varies Values Honor Chivalry ???
How are characters developed in medieval romances? Essential Question How are characters developed in medieval romances?
Read p. 178 How does Arthur act after Gawain vanishes? Why?
Character development in romances ACTIONS & SYMBOLS reveal character traits Virtues & Vices Thoughts & emotions “Inner psyche”
Reading: actions and symbols Reveal character traits Virtues/Vices Thoughts/emotions SYMBOLS Represent forces at play **1 OBJECT/IMAGE can symbolize MORE than 1 thing**
Web of Relations
(A few) character relations in Morte d’Arthur Mordred Morgause Gawain Guinevere Lancelot Lovers Married Half-siblings