1. The name “King Arthur” brings to mind certain images when we hear it. We think of King Arthur as a brave, kind, honest—an almost magical figure that tried to make a perfect kingdom for his people. The King Arthur legend, which seems to have originated in England in medieval times, is an example of myth.
2. The romantic story of King Arthur and his knights is so appealing that many poems, stories, books, and films have been created with this theme. But who was King Arthur? Was he a fictional character, or a real man? How has his story influenced society's values and ideals, especially the notions of chivalry and honor?
3. Give half the class the King Arthur Character Analysis and the other half Camelot. Give them time to read and become an "expert" on what they have. Have them meet in groups of four to share knowledge and prepare for a Socratic discussion on:
- What do you think Arthur was like in history? Speculate on why and how you think the Arthurian myth developed.
- How do our images of mythical characters such as King Arthur and his knights affect our modern ideas about correct and admirable behavior?
- Do you think chivalry exists today? Why or why not?
- Can you think of any ways in which these ideas about honorable behavior might affect your expectations of yourself?
4. Time to work on model paper.
