Marie De France's Lanval
This quiz is for the virtual class for Medieval English Literature and is a brief, easy one; just 10 questions on the important points. Again, this is option and you won't be graded on the results of the quiz. This is for you, not me.
- 1.
When did Marie de France write her lays?
- A.
The early twelfth century
- B.
The late twelfth century
- C.
The fourteenth century
- D.
We don't know
Correct Answer
B. The late twelfth centuryExplanation
Marie de France wrote her lays in the late twelfth century. This period is often referred to as the "courtly love" era, where literature focused on themes of romance, chivalry, and idealized love. Marie de France's lays, a collection of narrative poems, embody these themes and were highly influential in medieval literature. The fact that Marie de France wrote in the late twelfth century is known through historical records and analysis of her works.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Why isn't Lanval a Breton lay?
- A.
Because it's too long
- B.
Because it uses the wrong form
- C.
Because it doesn't take place in Brittany
- D.
It is a Breton Lay
Correct Answer
C. Because it doesn't take place in BrittanyExplanation
Lanval cannot be considered a Breton lay because it does not take place in Brittany. Breton lays are a type of medieval narrative poem that originated in Brittany, a region in France. These lays typically feature themes and settings that are associated with the Breton culture and folklore. Since Lanval does not have any connection to Brittany in terms of its setting or themes, it cannot be classified as a Breton lay.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Why is the rural setting of the Breton lay appropriate for its subject matter?
- 4.
Whom does Marie de France dedicate her poems to?
- A.
Henry II
- B.
William of Mandeville
- C.
William of Marshall
- D.
All of the above
- E.
We're not completely sure
Correct Answer
E. We're not completely sureExplanation
While all of these are possibly correct, we can never know completely, since Marie does not name her patrons and we don't know much about her from history.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Why are the Breton lays written in French?
- A.
England was occupied by French imperialists in the twelfth century
- B.
English was the native language of the people, but French was the language of the courts
- C.
French was the native tongue of the English nobility
- D.
Marie de France and her audience were pretentious
Correct Answer
C. French was the native tongue of the English nobilityExplanation
During the twelfth century, when the Breton lays were written, French was the native language of the English nobility. This suggests that the nobility, who were the primary audience for the lays, would have been more familiar with and receptive to literature written in their native tongue. Therefore, the Breton lays were likely written in French to cater to the linguistic preferences and cultural background of the English nobility.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Why does Guinevere threaten Lanval and try to get him sentenced to death?
- A.
Because he refuses to sleep with her
- B.
Because he attempts to rape her
- C.
Because he betrayed Arthur
- D.
Because she is jealous of the fairy lady
Correct Answer
A. Because he refuses to sleep with herExplanation
Guinevere threatens Lanval and tries to get him sentenced to death because he refuses to sleep with her. This rejection of her advances may have wounded her pride and ego, leading her to seek revenge and assert her power over him.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Discuss how Arthurian literature was influential to medieval English literature
- 8.
What is gentilesse?
- 9.
Arthur's court is a just, fair place
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
The statement "Arthur's court is a just, fair place" is given as true, but the correct answer is false. This means that Arthur's court is not a just and fair place.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What was the appeal of this story to noble men in the middle ages? How about noble women?
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Current Version
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Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Nov 25, 2011Quiz Created by
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