Instructions
Pray, attend to the following exercises with diligence. They concern the grand tapestry of European history and the noble tales spun in both the English and French tongues. A dictionary, such as the good Larousse, may prove a most useful companion in your endeavours.
Part I: Ordering the Ages
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a scholar in possession of good sense must be in want of a timeline. Arrange these significant events and personages in their correct chronological order, from the earliest to the most recent, by placing a number from 1 (earliest) to 6 (most recent) in the space provided.
- [ ] The life of Joan of Arc
- [ ] The reign of Charlemagne (foundation of the Matter of France)
- [ ] Marie de France composes her Lais
- [ ] Mark Twain publishes Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc
- [ ] The Battle of Hastings
- [ ] Chrétien de Troyes writes of Arthur's court
Part II: Two Great Matters
The storytellers of old drew from two great wells of legend: the Matter of Britain and the Matter of France. One must possess a discerning mind to separate the court of Arthur from that of Charlemagne. From the list below, assign each name or concept to its proper Matter by writing it in the correct column of the table.
Lancelot du Lac Roland The Holy Grail Excalibur Charlemagne King Arthur Durendal
| The Matter of Britain | The Matter of France |
|---|---|
Part III: Le Défi Bilingue
A command of both English and French is the mark of a truly refined education. Match the English term of chivalry to its French equivalent, as one might find in the tales of Chrétien de Troyes or the Lays of Marie de France, by drawing a line between them.
| Knight | Château |
| Castle | Quête |
| Sword | Dame |
| King | Chevalier |
| Quest | Roi |
| Lady | Épée |
Part IV: Reflections on Character
Consider the character of Joan of Arc, as presented by Mr. Twain, and a heroic figure from the Matter of Britain (such as Lancelot, Perceval, or King Arthur). In a paragraph of no fewer than five sentences, compare their motivations and the nature of their heroism. What divine or chivalric codes compelled their actions? On what grounds might you declare one to be of a superior character to the other? Express your judgement with clarity and well-supported reason in the space below.
Answer Key
Part I: Ordering the Ages
- [ 1 ] The reign of Charlemagne (c. 768–814)
- [ 2 ] The Battle of Hastings (1066)
- [ 3 ] Marie de France composes her Lais (c. 1160–1215)
- [ 4 ] Chrétien de Troyes writes of Arthur's court (c. 1170–1190)
- [ 5 ] The life of Joan of Arc (c. 1412–1431)
- [ 6 ] Mark Twain publishes Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc (1896)
Part II: Two Great Matters
| The Matter of Britain | The Matter of France |
|---|---|
|
|
Part III: Le Défi Bilingue
- Knight - Chevalier
- Castle - Château
- Sword - Épée
- King - Roi
- Quest - Quête
- Lady - Dame
A Governess's Observations on the Scholar's Reflections (For the Tutor's Eyes Only)
In assessing the merit of a scholar's composition, particularly one concerning matters of such moral and historical weight as that posed in the fourth exercise, one must look not only for accuracy but for a certain sensibility and elegance of thought. A response may be judged against the following standards of accomplishment, which a discerning tutor will find align with the modern expectations of the Australian Curriculum for the eighth and ninth years of study.
| Standard of Accomplishment | Qualities Observed |
|---|---|
| Perspicacity and Judgement |
Most Accomplished: The scholar displays a most admirable perspicacity, discerning with great clarity the subtle distinctions in character and motivation. Their judgement is sound, well-reasoned, and supported by particular references to the texts, demonstrating a mind of superior penetration. Of Good Standing: The composition is, on the whole, quite sensible. The comparison is drawn with tolerable accuracy, though it may lack that finer degree of nuance that separates a good mind from a great one. The reasoning is present, if not expressed with the utmost force. Requires Further Polish: The scholar's understanding appears somewhat wanting. The reflections are of a superficial nature, comparing the characters on trifling points and failing to grasp the deeper codes of honour or faith that govern them. |
| Elegance and Propriety of Expression |
Most Accomplished: The prose is composed with a decided elegance; the sentences are well-formed, the vocabulary is varied and precise, and the entire paragraph flows with a pleasing rhythm. It is an exposition worthy of a person of quality and education. Of Good Standing: The scholar expresses their thoughts with sufficient propriety. The language is clear and the meaning is not in doubt, though the style cannot be said to possess any remarkable grace. There are few, if any, errors to offend the eye. Requires Further Polish: The expression is regrettably plain, and at times, awkward. The sentences are constructed with little art, and errors in grammar and spelling mar the overall effect, suggesting a want of attention during its composition. |
| Command of Historical & Literary Context |
Most Accomplished: It is evident the scholar possesses a fine command of the subject, understanding not only the characters themselves but the very worlds from which they spring—be it the chivalric society of Arthurian romance or the tumultuous landscape of fifteenth-century France. They perceive how one tale is a product of its age, and the other, a later age’s reflection upon the past. Of Good Standing: The scholar shows a general awareness of the differing contexts, acknowledging the chivalric code or the religious nature of Joan's quest. However, this understanding is not explored with any great depth. Requires Further Polish: There is a lamentable confusion of eras and conventions. The scholar treats the characters as if they were contemporaries, without regard for the centuries and sensibilities that separate them, thus rendering their comparison fundamentally flawed. |