1. Only the superior knight is worthy of finding the Grail. Why does Lancelot, who is considered Arthur's greatest knight, fail and Galahad succeed?

2. Sutcliff makes no attempt to provide complex motives for her characters' actions. Why do you think this is so? What does her method of characterization suggest?

3. While on his quest, Sir Bors is forced to make a difficult decision—to aid his brother, who has been captured by bandits, or to aid a maiden who is attacked by knights. Do you agree with his choice? What would have happened if Bors had chosen differently?

4. Sutcliff, following her medieval sources closely, allows her knights to take no women with them on their quest; they meet many along the way, however, and not always with pleasant consequences. How does Sutcliff characterize the women in her work?

5. Why do you think the lady...