Parzival: Reading Questions


Everyone must turn in answers to one set of reading questions on Parzival. If you turn in more than one, the extra grades will be applied first to replacing any zeros in the "shorter assignments" category, and then to replacing any low grades. However, no more than three sets of Parzival reading question will be graded. If you wish to turn in additional sets, just for writing practice, I will be glad to comment on them for you.

Books 5 and 6 (pp. 120-175).

When questions involve the plot, do not feel that you have to mention every possible detail. Give enough information to make the most important events clear, just as you would do if you were trying to tell someone the story. When questions ask "how are we supposed to feel" or "what are we supposed to think," be sure to give evidence for your answer.

Answer each of the following in some detail, and carefully consider the significance of the events you are describing.

  1. How does Parzival come to the Grail Castle? How does he happen to find it?
  2. What does Parzival see in the Grail Castle?
  3. What does Parzival do or not do in the Grail Castle, and what is/are the result/s of this action or lack of action?
  4. Whom does Parzival meet shortly after leaving the Grail Castle, and what does he learn from her?
  5. Who comes to Arthur's court with a sort of message for Parzival, and what does she say to him or about him?
  6. What are we supposed to think about Parzival at this point?
  7. Who comes to Arthur's court with a sort of message for Gawain, and what does she say to him or about him?
  8. At the end of Book 6, Parzival and Gawain have both left Arthur's court on their own quests. Can you say anything about the differences between Parzival's quest and Gawain's quest and do these differences tell us anything about the differences between Parzival and Gawain?


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