Imagery and Figurative Language in Tennyson’s “Morte d’Arthur”
Question 1 • *HSA 26-27 English IV A -IC
Read the excerpt from Le Morte d’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory.That is untruly said of thee, said the king, therefore go thou lightly again, and do my commandment; as thou art to me lief and dear, spare not, but throw it in.Read the excerpt from "Morte d'Arthur” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson.To whom replied King Arthur, faint and pale:"Thou hast betray’d thy nature and thy name,Not rendering true answer, as beseem’dThy fëalty, nor like a noble knight:For surer sign had follow’d, either hand,Or voice, or else a motion of the mere.This is a shameful thing for men to lie.Yet now, I charge thee, quickly go againAs thou art lief and dear, and do the thingI bade thee, watch, and lightly bring me word.”
Answer
A
Tennyson’s version describes King Arthur ordering Sir Bedivere to do something again.
B
Tennyson’s version stresses the betrayal King Arthur feels by drawing the dialogue out longer.
C
Tennyson’s version shows that King Arthur is pleased with Sir Bedivere’s previous actions.
D
Tennyson’s version stresses the physical pain King Arthur is in by adding additional imagery.
Explanation
Malory’s excerpt briefly says Arthur orders Bedivere to go again and carry out his command. Tennyson expands this moment: Arthur says Bedivere has “betray’d thy nature and thy name” and failed to give a true answer, emphasizing Arthur’s sense of betrayal. Although Tennyson also repeats the order to go again, the longer dialogue chiefly adds this accusation; it does not show Arthur pleased with Bedivere or add imagery of physical pain.
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