Key Questions
Religion, sexuality, and magic are important components of the Arthurian legends. Closely connected, all three of these motifs reflect cultural attitudes and social value systems experienced by the society of specific periods. Christianity has traditionally played a central role in the legend of King Arthur; however, for contemporary literature, as well as contemporary culture, the notion of a goddess figure has once again become important. The concept of woman as deity is becoming more acceptable as popular interest in Goddess Worship, Wicca, and Neopaganism continues to grow. Whether the literature of the period dictates cultural attitude and change, or whether cultural attitude and change affect literature is less important than the fact that these changes have occurred. Aided by feminist thought, progressive cultural perceptions now exist concerning sexuality, gender, and religion. The treatment of female characters has changed a great deal over the years, leading authors such as Marion Zimmer Bradley to reconceptualize prominent women such as Morgaine le Fay and further reaffirm notions of the powerful female.
1. Marion Zimmer Bradley's account of the story of Arthur differs greatly from traditional tales. While there are several contemporary versions of the legend of King Arthur, The Mists of Avalon seems to be unique in its feminist focus.
Why do you think Bradley chooses to set up Christianity and paganism in opposition as a major theme of her story? Moreover, why does she choose to set Morgaine and Gwenivere against each other? Is her feminist vision the only factor that should be considered in this case? Or does she display elements of antifeminism in pitting these two women against each other?
2. The legend of King Arthur is a prominent myth that has been the starting point for literary fiction for centuries.
Why do you think this is so? What is it about this particular story which is so appealing for audiences?
3. The Mists of Avalon has been criticized for its radical deviations from traditional works. In particular, Bradley's treatment of Lancelot and Arthur's homoeroticism, as well as the incestuous encounter between Arthur and Morgaine has been called "vulgar." Do you agree or disagree? Why?
4. Are Morgaine's actions when championing for the cause of the Goddess any less tyrannical than those performed by the Christians? Why or why not?
5. How do you think sexuality and morality are depicted in this text? Why do think that sexuality is such a prominent theme?
1. Marion Zimmer Bradley's account of the story of Arthur differs greatly from traditional tales. While there are several contemporary versions of the legend of King Arthur, The Mists of Avalon seems to be unique in its feminist focus.
Why do you think Bradley chooses to set up Christianity and paganism in opposition as a major theme of her story? Moreover, why does she choose to set Morgaine and Gwenivere against each other? Is her feminist vision the only factor that should be considered in this case? Or does she display elements of antifeminism in pitting these two women against each other?
2. The legend of King Arthur is a prominent myth that has been the starting point for literary fiction for centuries.
Why do you think this is so? What is it about this particular story which is so appealing for audiences?
3. The Mists of Avalon has been criticized for its radical deviations from traditional works. In particular, Bradley's treatment of Lancelot and Arthur's homoeroticism, as well as the incestuous encounter between Arthur and Morgaine has been called "vulgar." Do you agree or disagree? Why?
4. Are Morgaine's actions when championing for the cause of the Goddess any less tyrannical than those performed by the Christians? Why or why not?
5. How do you think sexuality and morality are depicted in this text? Why do think that sexuality is such a prominent theme?