English literature Essay 2

Essay Two

You may write on any of the literature discussed in class this semester (“History of the Kings of England,” “Parcival,” Capellanus, Chretien’s “Lancelot,” "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," or any of Malory’s tales).  You can continue a theme from Essay One as long as you discuss different works in this essay. You can write about a single work, or you can compare several. See the handout on the website for possible SGGK topics. Keep in mind the overarching themes of this course as you select your topic: the evolution of chivalry in Arthurian literature.

*This paper requires research. You will want to look on the Essay Information page to read more about research requirements. You must consult at least two secondary scholarly sources. If you write on "Sir Gawain," you can use the articles in our textbook (the ones you summarized) as secondary sources. For any topic, you can use the Notes and additional readings under Content. The successful paper must accord with MLA style manual.  You must include a Works Cited page, and quotes are mandatory Successful papers will probably average three and a half to four pages.

Here are a few suggested topics:

-Does Gawain and Arthur's court pass the Green Knight's test?

-What it the significance of the pentangle, and does Gawain live up to it?

-Compare Geoffrey's and Malory's versions of Arthur's birth. What elements are changed, and what difference to they make?

-Compare Chretien's and Malory's versions of "The Knight of the Cart." What elements are changed, and what difference to they make?

-Malory claims that Balin is a good knight despite the many people who die in the wake of his adventures. Why does Malory make this claim?

-Discuss the portrayal of Guinevere and her role in the courtly code.

-Discuss Arthur's role as king and as duped husband. Why does he make certain choices? Is he ultimately a successful king?

-Discuss Lancelot's actions as they relate to the chivalric code of conduct.

Research Requirement

Research papers should be approximately 4-6 pages.

More to remember:

1. Distinguish between primary and secondary sources, if you consult any scholarly material beyond the main texts.

2. Your own voice should predominate.

3. Employ a variety of quotes, paraphrase, and summary.

4. Quote only when necessary.

5. All quotations must be integrated into the discussion. All quotations must be introduced.

6. Typically, quotes are introduced and followed by interpretation or discussion.

7. Paraphrases and summaries must be documented.

8. Any secondary sources must be scholarly and reputable. Use web sources with great discretion; avoid general encyclopedias.

9. Be sure you have a clear thesis.

10. Use "Works Consulted" to list works which you did not use directly.

11. Use endnotes only for tangential information which would not fit elsewhere in the text.