Then made Sir Lancelot great cheer of Sir Gareth and he of him, for there was never knight that Sir Gareth loved so well as he did Sir Lancelot, and ever for the most part he would be in Sir Lancelot’s company.

And this Sir Gareth was a noble knight and a [well-ruled and fair-languaged].

NOTES AND QUESTIONS

Discussion. 1. What classes of people are mentioned in this story? 2. Were the people of one class on terms of equality with those of another class? Do all have equal opportunities under such a system? 3. Upon what ideal was our government founded? 4. What reason can you give for Gareth’s wish to keep his name and rank secret? 5. One who wished to become a knight must first prove himself worthy of the honor; would it be easy for a kitchen boy to give this proof? 6. If, under such circumstances, he won the honor, could he feel sure that he had rightfully earned it? 7. What is the test to apply in judging others? 8. What characters in the story made rank their test? 9. Which one of these acknowledged the mistake? 10. How did Arthur, Lancelot, and Gawain judge Gareth? 11. Point out lines that help to portray the character of Gareth by showing: (1) that he wished to win knighthood through ability, not through influence of his rank and wealth; (2) that he would take no reward for helping the distressed; (3) that he was not afraid when outnumbered; (4) that he could not be turned from his purpose by ridicule or injustice; (5) that he granted mercy to those who asked it; (6) that he would not take an unfair advantage of an opponent; (7) that he was always courteous; (8) that he was ready to forgive wrongs done to him; (9) that he desired to help in righting wrongs in Arthur’s kingdom. 12. What reasons had Arthur for founding such an order as the Knights of the Round Table? 13. Is it necessary now to become a member of such an order if one wishes to help right wrongs? 14. Read the lines that tell of Gareth’s love for Sir Lancelot.

Phrases

The Peerless Knight Lancelot
THE TOURNAMENT AT WINCHESTER