Instructions
This worksheet explores the world of Arthurian legends through the lens of Nicolas Cauchy's books and the French language. Complete each section to the best of your ability.
Part 1: Le Vocabulaire de la Table Ronde (Vocabulary of the Round Table)
Using a French dictionary (such as Le dictionnaire Larousse du collège), find the English definition for each of the following French words. These terms are essential for understanding the tales of King Arthur.
- 1. le chevalier:
- 2. l'épée:
- 3. le château:
- 4. la quête:
- 5. le roi:
- 6. la légende:
- 7. le courage:
- 8. la trahison:
Part 2: Who's Who in Camelot?
The stories of King Arthur are filled with unforgettable characters. Match the character with their correct description below. Write the letter of the description in the blank space next to the character's name.
Characters:
- Le roi Arthur (King Arthur)
- Lancelot du Lac (Lancelot of the Lake)
- Perceval le Gallois (Perceval the Welshman)
Descriptions:
- A. One of the three most famous Knights of the Round Table, whose story often involves a quest for the Holy Grail. He is known for his innocence and purity.
- B. The legendary king who pulled the sword Excalibur from the stone, established Camelot, and created the fellowship of the Round Table to bring peace to the land.
- C. Considered the most famous and skilled of all the knights. He was King Arthur's greatest champion but also his greatest failure due to his affair with Queen Guinevere.
Part 3: A Knight's Tale
Imagine you are a knight setting out from Camelot on an important mission. Write a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) describing the beginning of your journey. In your writing, you must use at least three of the French vocabulary words from Part 1.
Part 4: The Code of Chivalry
The knights of the Round Table were bound by a code of chivalry, but they often embodied different aspects of that code. Based on their descriptions in Part 2, which character do you think better represents the "ideal" knight: Lancelot or Perceval? Consider their strengths and flaws. Explain your reasoning in the space below.
Answer Key
Part 1: Le Vocabulaire de la Table Ronde
- le chevalier: the knight
- l'épée: the sword
- le château: the castle
- la quête: the quest
- le roi: the king
- la légende: the legend
- le courage: courage / bravery
- la trahison: betrayal / treason
Part 2: Who's Who in Camelot?
- Le roi Arthur (King Arthur) B
- Lancelot du Lac (Lancelot of the Lake) C
- Perceval le Gallois (Perceval the Welshman) A
Part 3: A Knight's Tale
Answers will vary. A good response should be a short paragraph that creatively uses at least three of the French vocabulary words.
Example: "My quête began at dawn. I left the grand château, my hand resting on the hilt of my épée, ready for the dangers ahead. As a chevalier of the Round Table, I knew I must show courage no matter what."
Part 4: The Code of Chivalry
Answers will vary. The student's response should be well-reasoned and supported by the character descriptions. There is no single correct answer.
- A response favoring Lancelot might argue: The ideal knight is defined by martial prowess, loyalty, and service to their king. Lancelot, as the greatest warrior, best embodies the practical duties of a knight in protecting the realm, even if he had a personal flaw.
- A response favoring Perceval might argue: The true ideal of a knight is spiritual purity and dedication to a higher purpose, like the quest for the Holy Grail. Perceval's innocence makes him a more morally perfect knight than the flawed Lancelot.