Steinbeck’s book is difficult to conceptualize as a single piece of fiction because its legends were assembled over centuries. Each chapter represents a different facet of Arthurian legend. Discuss the difference between the structure of a book like this and a conventional novel. How is character development impacted? How is temporal chronology affected?

Teaching Suggestion: It may be helpful to have students first define the ordinary structure of a novel in terms of temporal flow, character development, and point of view. Using this standard list of characteristics as a springboard, a discussion could be generated about the differences found in Steinbeck’s book.