Instructions
Complete all four parts of the worksheet. These exercises are based on the themes found in Nicolas Cauchy's adaptations of the Arthurian legends: Le roi Arthur, Lancelot du Lac, and Perceval le Gallois. The activities will help you explore vocabulary, analyze characters, think creatively, and understand how classic stories are retold for new generations.
Part 1: Chevalier's Lexicon
The stories of Arthur and his knights are rooted in French medieval literature. A good dictionary, like the Le dictionnaire Larousse du collège, is an essential tool. Below are five important French words from these legends. First, match each French word to its English definition. Then, write a short, original sentence in English that correctly uses the concept of the word.
French Words:
- Chevalier
- Épée
- Quête
- Château
- Graal
English Definitions:
- A. Castle
- B. Sword
- C. Grail (as in the Holy Grail)
- D. Knight
- E. Quest
Your Matches and Sentences:
1. Chevalier: Match (D/E/A/B/C): ___
Sentence: __________________________________________________________________
2. Épée: Match (D/E/A/B/C): ___
Sentence: __________________________________________________________________
3. Quête: Match (D/E/A/B/C): ___
Sentence: __________________________________________________________________
4. Château: Match (D/E/A/B/C): ___
Sentence: __________________________________________________________________
5. Graal: Match (D/E/A/B/C): ___
Sentence: __________________________________________________________________
Part 2: The Round Table Roundtable
King Arthur, Lancelot, and Perceval are central figures in these legends, each with unique motivations and challenges. Based on their classic stories, complete the table below to analyze their characters.
| Character | Primary Motivation / Goal | A Key Challenge They Face | A Defining Character Trait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le roi Arthur | |||
| Lancelot du Lac | |||
| Perceval le Gallois |
After completing the table, answer the following question in 2-4 sentences:
Of the three characters, which one do you believe best represents the ideal of chivalry? Justify your choice with a brief explanation.
Part 3: A Modern Legend
The ideals of knighthood—bravery, justice, and protecting the innocent—are timeless. Imagine Perceval, known for his innocence and naivety at the start of his journey, was a student starting at a new high school today.
- What modern-day "enchanted forest" (a confusing or challenging new environment) would he have to navigate?
- What would his "quest for the Grail" be (a goal for personal growth or understanding)?
- Who would be his "Gornemant" (a mentor figure who teaches him the rules of his new world)?
Write a short paragraph (4-5 sentences) describing this modern-day Perceval's first week of school.
Part 4: From Parchment to Paperback
Nicolas Cauchy's books are modern adaptations. The original tales of King Arthur were part of a medieval oral tradition and later written down by authors like Chrétien de Troyes in the 12th century.
Conduct a brief online search for "Chrétien de Troyes" and his influence on Arthurian legend. Identify and explain one major way his storytelling style or content would likely differ from a modern novel written for a 15-year-old today. Consider aspects like language, plot structure, or the portrayal of characters' inner thoughts.
Answer Key
Part 1: Chevalier's Lexicon
(Note: Student sentences will vary but should demonstrate an understanding of the word's meaning.)
1. Chevalier: Match: D
Sample Sentence: The chevalier was praised by the king for his bravery in battle.
2. Épée: Match: B
Sample Sentence: He drew his épée from its scabbard, the polished steel gleaming in the sun.
3. Quête: Match: E
Sample Sentence: The knight's long quête for the lost artifact took him across treacherous mountains.
4. Château: Match: A
Sample Sentence: The royal family lived in a grand château overlooking the entire valley.
5. Graal: Match: C
Sample Sentence: Finding the Graal was considered the highest and most holy achievement for any knight.
Part 2: The Round Table Roundtable
(Note: Answers may vary slightly but should reflect the core attributes of the characters.)
| Character | Primary Motivation / Goal | A Key Challenge They Face | A Defining Character Trait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le roi Arthur | To create and maintain a kingdom based on justice, peace, and honor (Camelot). | Betrayal from those closest to him (Lancelot, Mordred); holding the kingdom together. | Just / Idealistic / Leader |
| Lancelot du Lac | To be the greatest knight in the world and serve his king and queen. | His forbidden love for Queen Guinevere, which conflicts with his loyalty to Arthur. | Brave / Skilled / Conflicted |
| Perceval le Gallois | To become a worthy knight and, ultimately, to find the Holy Grail. | His own naivety and ignorance of the world, which he must overcome through experience. | Innocent / Earnest / Pure-hearted |
Question on Chivalry: Answers will vary. A good answer will provide a clear choice and justification.
Sample Answer: Lancelot best represents the ideal of chivalry because he is the most skilled and courageous knight, always winning tournaments and defending the helpless. Although his love for Guinevere is a major flaw, his dedication to the knightly code of conduct in all other aspects of his life makes him the quintessential chivalric hero.
Part 3: A Modern Legend
Answers will vary greatly but should be creative and connect to the core ideas of the prompt.
Sample Paragraph: Modern Perceval's "enchanted forest" was the chaotic high school hallway during class changes. His "quest for the Grail" wasn't for a cup, but to figure out the unwritten social rules and find a group of true friends. His "Gornemant" was a kind senior on the basketball team who taught him not to walk on the left side of the hall and explained what teachers to avoid. By the end of the week, Perceval was still awkward, but he had learned not to ask so many questions in class and had managed to sit with someone at lunch, completing the first stage of his quest.
Part 4: From Parchment to Paperback
Answers will vary. A good answer will identify a specific difference based on brief research.
Possible answers could include:
- Language: Chrétien de Troyes wrote in Old French verse (poetry), which is very different from the modern prose used in today's novels. A modern adaptation would use accessible, contemporary language rather than rhyming couplets.
- Pacing/Structure: Medieval romances often had episodic plots, where a knight would wander from one adventure to the next. Modern novels for teens typically have a more focused, cause-and-effect plot structure with a clear beginning, rising action, climax, and resolution.
- Character Interiority: While medieval stories described characters' actions and emotions, modern novels delve much deeper into a character's internal thoughts, anxieties, and motivations, providing a psychological depth that was less common in the 12th century.