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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. To whom does King Arthur trust the governing of England during his leave?

2. What is at the end of a row of stakes?

3. What is discovered about the man King Arthur left in charge of England?

4. When Cliges finally reveals his identity to Sir Gawain and King Arthur, what do they do?

5. What does Erec decide to do with the daughter of the vavasor?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is an example of nurse Thessala's cunning in Cliges?

2. What foreshadows the eventual discovery of the two secret lovers in Cliges?

3. How does Guivret prove his friendship towards Erec after being told Erec is dead, in Erec and Enide?

4. The story of Empress Fenice has had what consequences on future royalty, and why in Cliges?

5. How does Enide convince the count who wants to marry her to not kill Erec after he implores her to leave him?

6. In Cliges, what is the irony behind the golden hairs stitched into the shirt that Alexander receives from the Queen?

7. Briefly describe Erec's robe of watered silk in Erec and Enide.

8. Give a brief description of the knight, Erec, from Erec and Enide.

9. In Cliges, Alexander and Alis make a pact. What is this pact, and what does the agreement of the pact say about Alis' character?

10. Briefly describe the initial attraction and relationship between Alexander and Soredamour, in Cliges.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the general concept of the universal and timeless battle of Good versus Evil. How is this depicted in the Arthurian Romances? What is considered good, and who are the good characters? Why? What standards must they follow? What is considered evil and who are the evil characters? What standards must they follow? What happens when good battles evil? Who issues the challenge first? Who stirs up the commotion and how does it end? Is there a typical pattern followed in the Romances? Use specific examples.

Essay Topic 2

A large part of Arthurian Romances centers around the idea of knights in shining armor. Explore this idea and research the codes and morals of knighthood. What did it mean to be a knight, especially a knight who served King Arthur? What rules were meant to be followed? What was the difference between King Arthur's knights and others, if any? Who are the knights in the five tales? How does each knight depict knighthood? What are the similarities? What are the differences?

Essay Topic 3

The fifth story in the Arthurian Romances is The Story of the Grail. Choose one of the following topics to discuss in regards to the tale. Be sure to use specific examples from the text and use additional outside research where necessary to completely answer the questions.

a) The Story of the Grail tells two separate stories about two separate individuals. Compare and contrast Perceval and Sir Gawain and their adventures.

b) It is said that this story is seen as one of the more puzzling tales. Why is this so? You may use critical analysis as reference and other tales for comparison.

c) Choose either Perceval or Sir Gawain. Discuss how his adventures reveal his character and explore his relationship with others.

(see the answer keys)

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