- Jun 2019
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pressbooks.pub pressbooks.pub
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hawthorn
a small tree which has sharp thorns and produces white or pink flowers
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palisade
a fence of wooden posts which are driven into the ground in order to protect people from attack.
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barbican
a walled outwork or tower to protect a gate or drawbridge of a fortification
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finials
an ornament
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disrobed
undressed
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pelts
animal's skin
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prowess
skills
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eventide
evening
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thither
to the place that has already been mentioned
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chancel
the part of a church containing the altar
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swarthy
dark
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trefoils
three-leaved herb
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trellised
a frame which supports climbing plants
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bleary
tired; dull
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unstintingly
generously
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aloft
in the air
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perchance
perhaps
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dalliance
brief involvement
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wend
direct
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Christmastide
Christmas season
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burg
history
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requite
repay
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Forsooth
Indeed
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wend
travel
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loath
against
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warbles
high-pitched sounds
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beseeched
asked; begged
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tykes
kids
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wrought.
created
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now achieved is my goal, I shall at your will dwell here, and do what else you deem fit.’
I wonder if Gawain is staying because the king wants him to or because he wants to be with the young lady longer.
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Dwell until New Year’s Day, and rise and ride on then. You shall be shown the way; it is not two miles hence.’
Since the king wanted him to stay so badly I'm wondering if he's lying about how far the green chapel is.
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The green chapel upon ground grieve for no more;
He is very close to the green chapel.
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with clean courteous chat, closed from filth, their play surpassed every princely game with which it compares.
This is another test; if Gawain will give into temptations and desire for the woman or if he will continue on his journey to death.
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They crave his acquaintance, and he quickly asks to be their sworn servant, if they themselves wished.
He seems to be a very courteous guest and treat the women with respect.
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She was the fairest in feature, in flesh and complexion, and in compass and colour and ways, of all others, and fairer than Guinevere, as the knight thought
This is beginning to remind me of Lanval- where a knight has temptation over a women who is more beautiful than those he's known.
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He rode as he prayed, And cried for his misdeeds;
I still think the true test is the journey. There's the harsh conditions and the psychological aspects of isolation. He also believes that he did something wrong to deserves this.
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and guide him to some home.
I think this is foreshadowing that he will find a shelter that is very comfortable and hard to give up before he goes to his battle.
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if they had heard any word of a knight in green, on any ground thereabout, of the green chapel; and all met him with nay, that never in their lives saw they ever a sign of such a one, hued in green.
I'm starting to winder if the true test was if he'd go on the journey.
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dukedom
He should have been given the rank of a duke ( I wonder what he did previously to deserve this). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dukedom
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Now geared was Gawain gay, lifted his lance right there, and gave them all good day – as he thought, for evermore.
I wonder if the writer is being so descriptive and prolonging Gawain's journey. I believe Gawain's desires to take the journey slow and extend his life/fate as long as possible.
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five wounds that Christ caught on the cross
5= a religious reference to Christian beliefs.
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Gringolet
The name of Gawain's horse. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gringolet
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with rich coat armour,
A contrast with the Green Knight, who had no armour, and Gawain is decked out in armour.
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what can men do but suffer?’
The wheel of fate and fortune has seemed to turn against him.
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‘Why should I falter? Such destinies foul or fair what can men do but suffer?’
Gawain is already recognizing his fate. He acknowledges that there's nothing he can do, so he might as well accept his outcome.
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All this courtly company came the king near, for to counsel the knight, with care in their hearts.
The entire kingdom and all of the knights and people seem to love and support Gawain.
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If any so hardy in this house holds himself, is so bold of blood, hot-brained in his head, that dare staunchly strike a stroke for another, I shall give him as gift this weapon so rich, this blade, that is heavy enough to handle as he likes, and I will bear the first blow, as bare as I sit. If any friend be so fell as to fare as I say, Leap lightly to me; latch on to this weapon – I quit claim for ever, he keeps it, his own.
If any of you are brave enough, step up and swing this ax. If you do, it's yours to keep.
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Yule
12 day pagan winter holiday
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‘He that on high sits: to wait any while in this way, it was not my errand. But as the light of thee, lord, is lifted so high, and thy burg and thy barons the best, men hold, strongest under steel gear on steeds to ride, the wisest and worthiest of the world’s kind, proof to play against in other pure sports, and here is shown courtesy, as I have heard said, so then I wandered hither, indeed, at this time. You may be sure by this branch that I bear here that I pass by in peace and no plight seek. For were I found here, fierce, and in fighting wise, I had a hauberk at home and a helm both, a shield and a sharp spear, shining bright, and other weapons to wield, I well will, too; but as I wish no war, I wear the softer. But if you be as bold as all bairns tell, you will grant me goodly the gift that I ask by right.’ Arthur answered there,
The green knight isn't here to wait around, he heard about the esteemed knights of the round table and wants something from them. Also he is unarmed and doesn't want a fight.
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.
This story is full of detail (Sometimes I feel to a unnecessary extent), yet when the seasons pass that only takes one section.
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Both ground and groves green is their dress, birds begin to build and brightly sing they the solace of the soft summer ensuing after on bank;
The seasons seem to start passing quickly- probably because Gawain doesn't want time to pass.
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This gift of adventure
That kind of adventure is seen as a gift?
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.
This entire piece I kept wondering why this game was necessary? Is the giant just testing Arthur and his knights' characters? The word choice, rhyming patterns and descriptions are very beautiful!
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Full well they whiled that day till it worked its end on land
Everything just continues on well and calmly-like nothing has happened.
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that folk flailed it with their feet,
This almost seems almost unnecessarily cruel for the other knights to do.
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I am the weakest, I know, and of wit feeblest.
He claims he is the weakest? But he's a knight that guards Guinevere?
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Gawain, that sat by the queen, to the king he did incline: ‘I beseech in plain speech that this mêlée be mine’
Well it took him a minute but Gawain is the only knight that stands up.
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Horseman
I think there's significance in the fact that according to the knight he is a "giant" and Arthur belittles him down to a "horseman". I also think there's significance that the green knight has no name- it further distances him from the human world.
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If he had stunned them at first, stiller were then all the host in the hall, the high and the low.
I wonder if they are just confused about why he wants to have this beheading game, or if they see this as a threat to their king?
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head of this house, I, Arthur am named.
It's interesting and it says something about Arthur's character that he merely calls himself the "head of this house" instead of King Arthur, since the title of king is much more powerful.
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and all engraved with green in gracious workings;
I wonder if this is a hint or foreshadow about the survival of the beheading challenges.
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for a rider and his horse to own such a hue as grew green as the grass and greener it seemed,
Very powerful diction and imagery, with the giant and the horse being greener than grass.
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holly branch, that is greatest in green when groves are bare,
He seems to have some sort of connection to nature.
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it seemed that no man might his mighty blows survive.
I think his physical appearance is almost foreshadowing the challenge, because if he looks like that than it seems Gawain's loyalty is tested.It seems that if Gawain accepts the knights proposal then death is almost certain.
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with knots full many plaited in thread of gold about the fair green, here a thread of the hair, and there of gold.
The knots make the horse distinguishable, also with gold and green is makes the hair seem almost majestic.
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On knights he cast his eyes, And rolled them up and down. He stopped and studied ay who was of most renown
He's sizing them up
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There good Gawain was graced by Guinevere beside
Beside= Next to https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beside Gawain must be very high ranking if he's next to the queen. I wonder how Guinevere will be portrayed in this one, because in Lanval she's known for starting problems with Knights with her desires.
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And yet he had no helm nor hauberk, neither, nor protection, nor no plate pertinent to arms, nor no shaft, nor no shield, to strike and smite, but in his one hand he held a holly branch, that is greatest in green when groves are bare
It's interesting that this "Green Knight" shows up with no shield, sword or armor, and instead a handful of holly. Swords and shields are so symbolic of knighthood where as holly has historically been a symbol for magic, eternal life and even Christ's Crucifixion. I wonder if the author is trying to liken the Green Knight to some mystical or sacred being?/
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he liked his life lively, he loved the less either to long lie idle or to long sit,
Not only does King Arthur seem respectable because he had others served before him, but he also seems very active and hands on. "He liked his life lively" suggests that King Arthur isn't the type of king to have someone else do something for him.
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joyous a youth, and somewhat boyish
"Somewhat boyish" suggests to me that he is still somewhat young, considering at this time Kings could be in their 20's and have the throne.
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rich run forth to render presents, yelled their gifts on high, yield them to hand, argued busily about those same gifts. Ladies laughed out loud, though they had lost, while he that won was not wrath, that you’ll know.
Gifts are given similar to today's representation of Christmas. It seems common in these stories that giving gifts are a kind of power that people are showing off.
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Christ Himself
Christian religious reference. These knights seem to be perfect, or so remarkable that even God recognizes their greatness or heroism.
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With all that’s well in the world were they together
Foreshadowing a future problem.
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with many lovely lords, of leaders the best,
Since they are surrounded by the best men it makes Gawain stand out for his bravery since he volunteered for Arthur.
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Christmas
Christmas= a religious holiday.
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ever was Arthur highest, as I have heard tell. And so of earnest adventure I aim to show,
Britain seems to currently be the most powerful nation/region in the world. King Arthur reminds me of Beowulf, where he seems to be the most powerful born king.
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Then they showed him the shield that was of shining gules, with the pentangle painted there in pure gold hues.
Sounds like one eye-catching shield though.
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Though Arthur the high king at heart had wonder,
"At heart had wonder" meaning he didn't let himself show any real expressions on the outside?
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Thus there stands straight and tall the king himself,
I like how the adjectives "straight and tall" really gives you a visual representation of the kings formality and image. Similar to the way most kings are portrayed.
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staunch
a loyal and committed attitude
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Dutifully, he cuts the knight’s head off in a single blow; then, the beheaded knight picks his head up and instructs Gawain to seek him out in one year and one day so that he may return the blow.
is the beheaded knight magical?
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This story is told in alliterative verse, each stanza ending with a “bob and wheel” – that is, one short line (the bob) with a single stress, followed by four three-stress lines (the wheel) of which the second and fourth lines rhyme with the bob
this should be an interesting rhythm to listen to!
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mould
a hollow container used to give shape to molten or hot liquid material (such as wax or metal) when it cools and hardens.
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Each his load as he liked himself,
Interesting that the people were serving themselves. This means that they had alot of food since anyone could grab whatever
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Bishop Baldwin above, he begins the table,
This is very typical for the bishop to lead the table, usually around this time of history this was very common. Doesnt really happen anymore
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But Arthur would not eat till all were served,
This makes me respect Arthur because of this kind and caring gesture that he has for everyone
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embroidered, bright with the best gems that might be price-proved with pennies any a day.
Great form on imagery. The description of their outfits sounds very lavish and high class. I know that embroidery, especially hand embroidery can be very expensive because it takes alot of time
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mirth
amusement, especially as expressed in laughter.
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yelled their gifts on high, yield them to hand, argued busily about those same gifts.
wow, its crazy to see how much people like him. Also giving gifts to the king seems like a norm in this time
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comeliest
pleasant to look at; attractive.
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For there the feast was alike full fifteen days, with all the meat and mirth men could devise:
So does this mean that they ate alot?
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Round Table all the rich brethren, with right ripe revel and reckless mirth.
It seems that these men are drinking and having a good time
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earnest
resulting from or showing sincere and intense conviction.
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baron
a member of the lowest order of the British nobility. The term “Baron” is not used as a form of address in Britain, barons usually being referred to as “Lord.”.
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oft
archaic, poetic/literary, or jocular form of often.
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and names it with his name,
He is already giving me a vibe of being kind of self centered from him naming this with his own name.
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liege
faithful
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linden
a large tree with pale green leaves which is often planted in parks in towns and cities
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welkin
sky
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hies
hurry
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wort
any of various unrelated plants, esp ones formerly used to cure diseases
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solace
a feeling of comfort that makes you feel less sad
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lest
in order to avoid
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comely
attractive
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rasping
harsh or grating
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ere
before
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staunch
stop
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bridle
a set of straps that is put around a horse's head and mouth
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steed
a large strong horse
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shanks
lower parts of the legs
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quoth
said
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hewn
shaped or cut with an ax
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descried
discerned
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burnished
bright
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thereunder
below
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fanned-out
move forwards away from a particular point in different directions
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garbed
dressed
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broidered
an archaic word for embroider
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tortuous
complicated
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blithe
cheerful
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agleam
glowing; gleaming
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semblance
appearance
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loins
the hips and the inner surface of the legs where they join the trunk of the body
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nape
the back of the neck
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seemlier
more appropriate
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Toulouse
a city in S France, on the Garonne River
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embroidered
If something such as clothing or cloth is embroidered with a design, the design is stitched into it.
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dais
platform
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well-nigh
almost, but not completely or exactly
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trammels
hindrance to free action or movement
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Felix Brutus
one of these warriors, is the great-grandson of the perfidious knight, Aeneas of Troy.
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blunder
careless and stupid mistake
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earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com
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I neither flinched nor fled, friend, when you let fly, nor cast forth any quibble in King Arthur’s house.
uh maybe because he knew he couldn't be killed.....
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But it was not for its richness he wore this girdle,
Bet this is what most of us were thinking.
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‘You shall not rise from your bed. I charge you better: I shall wrap you up here on this other side, and then chat with my knight whom I have caught;
She doesn't care what he's looking like right now or that he feels a bit uncomfortable. She just really wants to be with him right there.
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I would bound from this bed and dress me better, I should discover more comfort in speaking with you.’
He doesn't feel comfortable at all. I can really feel this to be honest I mean who would feel comfortable being seen by someone before getting dressed for the day? I also feel he likes her enough to care to dress more appropriately and simply just look good for her. I think that's pretty cool.
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And she stepped silently and stole to his bed, caught up the curtain and crept within, and sat her full softly on the bedside and lingered there long, to look when he wakened.
This feels so discreet. I'm not too sure he's going to like that.
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The lads were so skilled at the lower stations, and the greyhounds so great, that gripped so quickly and dragged them down, as swift I swear, as sight. In bliss without alloy the lord does spur or alight, and passes that day with joy and so to the dark night.
This was very good wordplay. I painted a very good image in my head.
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By the time that daylight gleamed upon earth,
Interesting diction. Not just simple as "The next morning."
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earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com
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The squire did according to his lord’s commandment
I mean does he really have a choice? I think he'd punished otherwise.
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If this becomes known they will make me a bondwoman for all my days.
This makes it sound very serious and surely this is a huge risk.
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To win the favour of any, he must speak to the understanding of all
If you want something you usually must give something in return. You never know when a particular somebody's favor could be very valuable. And for anyone to even want to do you a favor, you'd have to be in really good terms with them. So being understanding to all people is great.
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withdrawn from the eyes of men
Being away from the rest can always do you some good at times.
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The Bretons tell that the knight was ravished by his lady to an island, very dim and very fair, known as Avalon. But none has had speech with Launfal and his faery love since then, and for my part I can tell you no more of the matter.
I enjoyed reading this compared to the other readings we have done so far. It was very easy to follow along I did not have to go back and re read parts, I went through it and understood it fairly well. I think it was an amazing story. It truly opened up truths about the world. Such as how the world is ugly and things don't always go smoothly as we'd like them to even in love. But even then love can be seen through all odds of the world.
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“fair friend, it is for you that I have come from my own far land. I bring you my love. If you are prudent and discreet, as you are goodly to the view, there is no emperor nor count, nor king, whose day shall be so filled with riches and with mirth as yours.”
Is this fantasy type of love or reality type?
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Launfal unbitted his steed
A knight left his horse for this?? Now that definitely sets his character apart, gives him a personality.
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These two maidens were richly dressed in kirtles closely laced and shapen to their persons and wore mantles of a goodly purple hue. Sweet and dainty were the damsels, alike in raiment and in face. The elder of these ladies carried in her hands a basin of pure gold, cunningly wrought by some crafty smith—very fair and precious was the cup; and the younger bore a towel of soft white linen.
Absolutely love how she recognizes these maidens in more of a glorified manner than the knights or other men in the stories. You can really see the gender role part of writing appearing here
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squire.
a young nobleman acting as an attendant to a knight before becoming a knight himself.
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King Arthur—that fearless knight and courteous lord—removed to Wales,
Starting off with fearless knight and courteous lord then saying he is removed is confusing just because the reader wonders if he has these qualities than why is he being removed.
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baron,
lowest order of British nobility
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narrative tradition of Northern France. Keep in mind that Marie wrote the lais from memory since they were stories that were told and sung to her. At the time, most other writers would merely translate from one language to another but Marie composed original stories
She seems to appear as a very brave writer. She has taken upon writing styles that are different than others. Makes her stand out a lot more than the other writers.
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depiction of gender roles.
I could imagine how big of deal this must have been during the 12th century. Woman power all the way.
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Breton lays (lais)
Form of medieval French and English romance literature. They are often only 600-1000 words which is fairly short.
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first female French poet, Marie de France.
Her work was known by Royal Court, King Henry II of England. Great to see a woman's name in these writings.
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.
This story was honestly kind of confusing to me. It seemed as if he was cheating. Either way my favorite part of this story was the words that he had used to describe the women that he was admiring. It seemed quite romantic which is what I love about any story so it was a good read.
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“Launfal,” she said, “fair friend, it is for you that I have come from my own far land. I bring you my love. If you are prudent and discreet, as you are goodly to the view, there is no emperor nor count, nor king, whose day shall be so filled with riches and with mirth as yours.”
I'm actually really surprised that she is the one to step out and go for it and not him. It is so common to see the guy make the first move or most the efforts in starting a relationship. It's very cool to see even at this time that the girl was the one and stepped out to get what she wanted.
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The knight came before the bed, and stood gazing on so sweet a sight. The Maiden beckoned him to draw near, and when he had seated himself at the foot of her couch, spoke her mind.
Seems a little over the top for just meeting them. But at this time and situation it could've been a flirtatious gesture maybe? I'm not sure but to me it would be creepy.
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He gave no heed to his horse
Seems to not be thinking straight. I feel like this lustful act of men is seen throughout a lot of romantic stories.
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shapen to their persons
They must have been wearing some tightly revealing clothing which seems as its noted what took his attention.
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He was of the King’s household, but since Arthur gave him naught, and he was of too proud a mind to pray for his due, he had spent all that he had.
Seems like some kind of envy going on between the two.
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f Pentecost
This is actually today. A holiday that is still celebrated by Christians in the belief of the Holy Spirit.
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first female French poet, Marie de France
Excited to see a writing by one of the first female writers. I'm sure at this time it was a big deal.
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.
This is an easy read, compared to Beowulf and Sir Orfeo. I like it being unconventional telling of a powerless man being rescued by a "supernatural" woman. It makes me think of Wonder Woman, but Wonder Woman is more like a real, flesh and blood woman to me, while the Maiden is too good to be true. On the other hand, their "romance" doesn't really touch me, because their encounter is really brief and focuses more on physical intimacy, and also the Maiden is too surreal to me.
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begone
depart
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friend
I wonder why they keep using the word "friend"?
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You may receive a queen’s whole love, if such be your care.
Women in this lay play an active role in romantic relationships, especially a physical one.
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In the hope of freeing Launfal from his bonds, I have obeyed thy summons. Let now thy barons look boldly upon my face, and deal justly in this quarrel between the Queen and me.”
This is very nice of her to do. This makes me respect her and it changes the way that I felt about her in the beginning of this story
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earlybritishlit.pressbooks.com earlybritishlit.pressbooks.comSir Orfeo31
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squires
Squires were young nobleman who served a knight by running him errands and such. Usually these young men would also go on to become Knights themselves. So in a way it was like they were "Shadowing" these Knights too.
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When day is fraught with happy hours, When wintry storms have passed away, And every field is full of flowers,
This is awesome. It shows what exactly makes May so good to them.
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the merry month of May
Since May is close to summertime I picture the month full of nice sunny days and just a beautiful time to be outside.
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.
This was super hard to read, I felt some parts really contradicted themselves which made it really hard to follow along fully. Other than that the story was very well written. Really followed along the themes of love and loyalty with magical figures. Glad the ending was positive, love romantic stories that end happily.
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demesne
land attached to a manor and retained for the owner's own use
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proffer
hold out (something) to someone for acceptance; offer.
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For aye with us in fairy land; And if thou failest, woe to thee, For thou shalt feel the fairies’ hand ! ‘
Seems like a dark side of a fairy story.
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More beautiful I never spied. He showed me castles, rivers wide, Towers, and vast forests, mead and plain. Again to horse, again we ride, And so he brought me home again.
Sounds like straight out of a movie scene. A very romantic imagery.
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But we have loved as love we ought; Thou art my life, and I am thine. Now do thy best and do not pine,
If he says all this then why is he losing hope so much? At least that's what it seems with the line following these lines.
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For we must part, and I to doom ! ”
Showing a sign of weakness
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afleth
What does this mean? Couldn't seem to find it via internet
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Then sudden with a cry she rose And burst in tears of wild despair, And wrung her hands, and showered blows Upon her breast, and tore her hair.
Whoa! The tone of the reading completely shifted with these lines. It seemed so sweet and kind until this. Interesting!
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bourgeoning
to grow or develop quickly; flourish
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Full of love and courtesies; None can tell her loveliness.
If she is full of love and all then why can 'none' tell her loveliness? This line seems to be a little bit misguiding. Seems like she's highly praised other wise.
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minstrelsy
the practice of performing as a minstrel.
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And the king himself would play, Singing with a merry mind. And, as all the gleemen say, A better harper none could find.
Very cool that the King himself excels at this as well. Very well respected talented in this era.
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And that we all should featly hold In heart the mirth of elder days,
Be happy and joyful of the heroic ages
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jests and ribaldry,
blue comedy, is humorous entertainment that ranges from bordering on indelicacy to gross indecency --- Joke
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fairy lore;
Beliefs about elves, dwarfs, gnomes, trolls, mermaids, brownies, pixies, leprechauns, and many other beings found in world folklore.
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.
So far this had to be my favorite reading. Of course because it was romantic but I kept saying 'Awe' to like every other sentence. Definitely a super sweet love story that was a pleasure to read. I found this reading to be an easier read even though there were some words that were hard to define. Overall I loved it.
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Britons
Ancient people of Celtic origin who lived in the area of the United Kingdom before and during Roman times.
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For I have lost the fairest queen And sweetest lady ever born.
This is sad, but super heart heavy to see how in love he was with her and how high he thought of her.
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And oft he swooned upon her bed
Here you can see how much he misses her and probably most likely could still smell her scent.
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“Whither thou goest I will go, And where I go thou too shalt fare !
Sounds like Ruth from the Bible
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” Since we were first together, naught Hath marred our life; no smallest sign; But we have loved as love we ought; Thou art my life, and I am thine. Now do thy best and do not pine, For we must part, and I to doom ! ” ” Alas ! ” he cried, and ” woe is mine ! Where dost thou go, Love, and to whom?
Here he seems to be trying to find out where he went wrong in the relationship and how could she be trying to leave with all the love that they had.
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meat
have meal
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“Ah, dearest wife, what afleth thee?
This shows that the king truly cared for the queen and didn't marry her just because he needed a wife to rule with.
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Lady Heurodis
They seem like the perfect power couple of this time.
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King Pluto his lineage ran
Sir Orfeo is an ancestor of King Pluto and Queen Juno
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And I will sing of Orfeo.
It's kind of funny to read how extremely long how the introduction to the performance is. It seemed to be a little extensive but a great way to catch the readers attention. Especially if they are into romance type stories.
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lays
A short romance story
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pressbooks.pub pressbooks.pub
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lad hight
Highly recognized person
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he was a childless man.
Does this mean he didn't live a full life?
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