1. Tennyson and Arthurian Legend Idylls of the King: “The Passing of Arthur”

2. Arthurian Legend Body of myths about legendary King Arthur—supposedly ruled England in 5 th century AD Camelot, capitol of Arthur’s nation— symbolized ideal of national harmony Knights of the Round Table, Arthur’s order of knighthood—knights were dedicated to fighting for moral purposes

3. Arthurian Legend Lancelot, Arthur’s greatest knight and best friend—had love affair with Arthur’s wife Guinivere Loss of Round Table’s moral values—led to civil war and destruction of Camelot

4. Victorian Revival of Arthurian Legend What did the legend of Arthur mean to Victorians? Background: Joseph Noel Paton. I Wonder Who lived in There?

5. Heroic inspiration for progress Nostalgic connection to past greatness Warning about loss of traditional values Sense of order and national identity in a time of threatening change

6. Idylls of the King Idyll—narrative poem treating a romantic theme Tennyson wrote 12 separate Idylls based on Arthurian legend Published as a collection in 1888 Intended as a modern epic Expresses need for moral order to survive in the face of change

7. “The Passing of Arthur” The Final Idyll p. 1293

8. Recounts final battle of civil war that destroyed Arthur’s kingdom Narrated by Sir Bedivere, Arthur’s First and Last Knight Modred, Arthur’s corrupt nephew, revealed Lancelot and Guinevere’s affair, usurped Arthur’s throne, and instigated civil war Introduction

9. Arthur laments that his kingdom has returned to chaos but continues to fight evil despite defeat (Christ figure) Sir Gawaine’s ghost warns Arthur of his passing (loss of spiritual values) Arthur kills Modred but receives a mortal wound The Battle

10. Sir Bedivere tries 3 times to return Excalibur to Lady of the Lake Arthur passes away to Avilion, promising to return again Claims that the loss of his order will lead to a new and better order Arthur’s Passing The Once and Future King

11. Tennyson’s Message In times of change and loss, keep the faith in moral order While cultures and traditions change, a greater, divine order remains Remaining true to the greater order can cause growth and progress to come from destructive change

12. Monty Python and the Holy Grail 1974 Reflects a 20 th -century, postmodern attitude to notion of an orderly universe Satirizes forms of order—political, religious, military, etc. Influence of Theater of the Absurd –Life is absurd, without fixed meaning/absolute truth –Responds to life’s absurdity with bizarre satiric humor