Perceval, or, The Story of the Grail by Chrétien de Troyes (Book Analysis)

This practical and insightful reading guide offers a complete summary and analysis of Perceval, or, The Story of the Grail by Chrétien de Troyes. It provides a thorough exploration of the story’s plot, characters and main themes, as well as an analysis of the particularities of its structure. The clear and concise style makes for easy understanding, providing the perfect opportunity to improve your literary knowledge in no time.

This clear and detailed 28-page reading guide is structured as follows:

• Biography of Chrétien de Troyes
• Presentation of Perceval, or, The Story of the Grail
• Summary of Perceval, or, The Story of the Grail
• Character study
  • Perceval
  • Gawain
• Analysis of Perceval, or, The Story of the Grail
  • A “novel”
  • A coming-of-age novel
  • Chivalry
  • A complex structure

About Perceval, or, The Story of the Grail

Perceval, or, The Story of the Grail interweaves the stories of Perceval, a young man who is initially naïve and ignorant but goes on to become a respected knight, and the handsome and chivalrous Gawain. It remains one of the finest examples of the courtly novel and played an important role in the spread of the Arthurian legend. Unfortunately, it was left unfinished when its author died, so a number of other authors have added their own continuations.

About Chrétien de Troyes

Chrétien de Troyes was born in the 12^th century, and went on to become one of the major figures of medieval literature. He served as a clerk at the courts of Marie of Champagne and the Count of Flanders, Philip of Alsace, but is known primarily for his talents as a novelist. His best-known works include Yvain, the Knight of the Lion and Perceval, or, the Story of the Grail, and his writing played a major role in the popularization of a genre that was still relatively unknown during the Middle Ages.