Style
The Mists of Avalon Style Point of View
The Mists of Avalon is a story told from the perspective of the women, although it is told from a third person omniscient point-of-view. Different chapters are told by different female characters: Igraine, Viviane, Morgaine, Morgause and Gwenhwyfar. Each one of these characters has a distinct voice, so that none of them sound like another. With the different perspectives, a well-fleshed picture takes shape early on. Although the times indicate that women are not respected for their opinions, these women, whether or not their opinions are respected, shape the story and influence the actions that ensue. It is also easy to see how their backgrounds affect their perspectives. Viviane and Morgaine are powerful with the Sight and do the work of the Goddess; therefore, their perspectives are peppered with visions and priestess work that is related to Mother Earth. Morgause is full of ambition and is therefore very direct. Gwenhwyfar is the embodiment of Christian piety; therefore, her view is guilt-ridden and full of images of a vengeful God. Although they do not know it, the men truly are at the mercy of the women in their lives.
It is critical to see how important these women are in shaping the history of Camelot and King Arthur. If this story had been shared by the men, it would have a very different feel to it. The men during Arthur's time were hardened by battle and naturally domineering. The story as told by the women gives the tale a nurturing and heartfelt quality that would otherwise have been lost on the reader.
Setting
The setting for this story is important. It is during the Dark Ages in Britain at a time when Arthur and his men won a decisive battle that gained peace for Britain for many years. Half this story takes place in a castle setting--in the beginning it is Caerleon, and for the last half, Camelot. The other half of this story takes place in Avalon. These are two worlds that come together only to come apart at the end: the civilized world of kings and soldiers and maidens, and the pagan world of those dedicated to the Goddess and earth worship.
Language and Meaning
The story takes place in Arthurian England. The flare for the times truly comes out in each character's portrayal. The language is mostly proper and archaic. This also can be discerned from the way the characters phrase some of their sentences. There is a definite distinction between the way different characters speak and their status. For instance, King Arthur speaks differently from the Saxons, who make a visit during a Pentecost feast. Also, Gwenhwyfar's language is particularly distinct as High Queen from Morgaine's, who becomes the Lady of Avalon. At the time of this story, Britain is undergoing a transformation from its older, "pagan" ways to a more civilized, Christian realm. The characters' language clearly depicts this evolution; there is a discernable distinction between the old tongue of Avalon and the new Christian land.
Structure
The book is separated into four sections, or books: Mistress of Magic, The High Queen, The King Stag, and The Prisoner in the Oak. Each book marks specific points in Camelot's history from before the creation of Camelot to its demise at the end. Each section also simplifies the story by breaking it down into these four parts. The first part leads up to Arthur's ascension to the throne as High King. The second section begins with Gwydion's birth and ends in the culmination of years of frustration and sexual tension between Arthur, Gwenhwyfar, and Lancelet. The third book starts with Gwydion's tutelage at Avalon and ends with his knowledge of how it is up to him to challenge Arthur for the throne and take it from him. The fourth book brings Accolon to the forefront to battle Arthur for Excalibur and ends with Morgaine, all alone, in Avalon. The story takes decades to come full circle; i.e., it ends where it began before the interference of those schooled in the ways of Avalon, with Avalon receding into the mists.
The Mists of Avalon is a story told from the perspective of the women, although it is told from a third person omniscient point-of-view. Different chapters are told by different female characters: Igraine, Viviane, Morgaine, Morgause and Gwenhwyfar. Each one of these characters has a distinct voice, so that none of them sound like another. With the different perspectives, a well-fleshed picture takes shape early on. Although the times indicate that women are not respected for their opinions, these women, whether or not their opinions are respected, shape the story and influence the actions that ensue. It is also easy to see how their backgrounds affect their perspectives. Viviane and Morgaine are powerful with the Sight and do the work of the Goddess; therefore, their perspectives are peppered with visions and priestess work that is related to Mother Earth. Morgause is full of ambition and is therefore very direct. Gwenhwyfar is the embodiment of Christian piety; therefore, her view is guilt-ridden and full of images of a vengeful God. Although they do not know it, the men truly are at the mercy of the women in their lives.
It is critical to see how important these women are in shaping the history of Camelot and King Arthur. If this story had been shared by the men, it would have a very different feel to it. The men during Arthur's time were hardened by battle and naturally domineering. The story as told by the women gives the tale a nurturing and heartfelt quality that would otherwise have been lost on the reader.
Setting
The setting for this story is important. It is during the Dark Ages in Britain at a time when Arthur and his men won a decisive battle that gained peace for Britain for many years. Half this story takes place in a castle setting--in the beginning it is Caerleon, and for the last half, Camelot. The other half of this story takes place in Avalon. These are two worlds that come together only to come apart at the end: the civilized world of kings and soldiers and maidens, and the pagan world of those dedicated to the Goddess and earth worship.
Language and Meaning
The story takes place in Arthurian England. The flare for the times truly comes out in each character's portrayal. The language is mostly proper and archaic. This also can be discerned from the way the characters phrase some of their sentences. There is a definite distinction between the way different characters speak and their status. For instance, King Arthur speaks differently from the Saxons, who make a visit during a Pentecost feast. Also, Gwenhwyfar's language is particularly distinct as High Queen from Morgaine's, who becomes the Lady of Avalon. At the time of this story, Britain is undergoing a transformation from its older, "pagan" ways to a more civilized, Christian realm. The characters' language clearly depicts this evolution; there is a discernable distinction between the old tongue of Avalon and the new Christian land.
Structure
The book is separated into four sections, or books: Mistress of Magic, The High Queen, The King Stag, and The Prisoner in the Oak. Each book marks specific points in Camelot's history from before the creation of Camelot to its demise at the end. Each section also simplifies the story by breaking it down into these four parts. The first part leads up to Arthur's ascension to the throne as High King. The second section begins with Gwydion's birth and ends in the culmination of years of frustration and sexual tension between Arthur, Gwenhwyfar, and Lancelet. The third book starts with Gwydion's tutelage at Avalon and ends with his knowledge of how it is up to him to challenge Arthur for the throne and take it from him. The fourth book brings Accolon to the forefront to battle Arthur for Excalibur and ends with Morgaine, all alone, in Avalon. The story takes decades to come full circle; i.e., it ends where it began before the interference of those schooled in the ways of Avalon, with Avalon receding into the mists.