Themes

Perhaps more than anything, the text of The Mists of Avalon juxtaposes Morgaine and Gwenivere, thereby setting up a powerful dichotomy between religion, sexual freedom, lifestyle, and choice. While Gwenivere is a queen, trapped without choice in a patriarchal kingdom, Morgaine is a freespirited priestess who works against the laws of her growing Christian world. However, Bradley does incorporate aspects of medieval history (for example], in the Middle Ages women were often forced to enter into marriage against their will). Thus, while Morgaine is able to live freely in Avalon, she is exposed to the laws of man outside in the patriarchal world of Camelot. She is manipulated by both the men and women around her for social and political gain. For example, Morgaine leaves Avalon and gives up her station as priestess when she discovers that Viviane sent her to her brother's bed. As well, she accepts...