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 7 through 9 (pp. 176-255).

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.
     
    1. If this is the story of Parzival, why are several chapters devoted to the adventures of Gawan–chapters in which Parzival appears only fleetingly, if at all? Do these Gawan chapters have anything to do with Parzival’s story? Do they somehow help us understand Parzival better, or do they contribute something to the overall themes of the work?
    2. What are some of the differences between Parzival and Gawan? What are the differences between their two quests, for example? Might the answer to this question shed some light on question #1?
    3. What advice does Sigune give Parzival early in chapter 9? What happens when he tries to follow this advice?
    4. Fairly early in chapter 9, Parzival fights with a knight and takes his horse. Given what kind of knight this is, where must Parzival be? Why is this important? What kind of horse is Parzival now riding (in other words, where is the horse from)? Why might his be important?
    5. When Parzival encounters the Gray Knight and his daughters, what day is it? What about Parzival does the Gray Knight find shocking? What do this knight and/or his daughters invite Parzival to do? Why does he decline their invitation?
    6. What does Parzival do, or what decision does he make after leaving the Gray Knight and his daughters? What happens as a result of this decision or action?
    7. What are the most important words spoken by Parzival or Trevrizent during their time together?


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