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Friday, March 23, 2007

Just Some Discussion

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!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

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!

Anonymous said...

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

Unknown said...

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.

MaryBeth said...

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!