I just wanted to spark some conversations on the book, today. I hope this is okay? I chose a question from the back of the book, the discussion questions...
How does the book strive to challenge common stereotypes? How does it reinforce them?
Happy Friday!
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Oooh- that's a good question. I'm going to think on it for a bit...
P.S. Posting book discussion, or any discussion at that, is totally encouraged :) No worries!
OK, I've had some time to wrap my head around that question! I must admit, it stumped me for awhile, then I looked up the definition of stereotype in the dictionary and somehow, that helped.
Stereotype: n. 1. A conventional, formulaic, and oversimplified conception, opinion, or image.
When I read this, I started thinking about Arthur being a child of incest and how that stereotype alone is challenged by the simple fact that he is/was the High King of Britain and we're expected to accept it. I know that when I think of incest, my mind automatically goes to Jerry Springer and the gene pool that he pulls from. I think Miz Bradley challenges us as readers to accept the fact of his birth and move on. Anyone else feel this way?
I did find some other info that really got me thinking after I tried thinking on my own :) There's soooo much to this book that I haven't even thought of...wow!! Here's the link:
http://www2.hanover.edu/battles/arthur/mistsbib.htm
That's a very good point on the incest. I was mildly disgusted with that part of the book...and a bit shocked. But then you sort of forget about it as the story goes on and Arthur is High King.
I think for me, the stereotype of women being the weaker sex, stupid, subject to their husbands, pious creatures was challenged a bit. Strong women are portrayed in the book. Vivianne stands out as a strong woman who has done what she must for her beloved Avalon and Britain as a whole. Women had minds and were outspoken more so in this book than in other books of the same "time period." Morgaine is another woman I feel is strong...even though she does not display it, at times.
Plus, the whole Avalon/King Arthur story being told by a woman...not the romanticized version of Hollywood.
The book is full of stereotypes! From the christian women being too addle brained to think of ought else (lol verbage from the book! I am rereading it yet again) but kids and home crafts, to all men being much older than their brides in most cases. And strong independent & intelligent women being less beautiful than those with few thoughts in their heads!
I am SOOO glad we can talk about the book!
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