70 pages 2 hours read

John Steinbeck

The Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1976

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key plot points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1

Reading Check

1. Who is Arthur’s real father?

2. What does the Lady of the Lake demand in exchange for Excalibur?

3. How does Arthur try to dispose of Mordred?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How does Arthur become king?

2. Why is Arthur’s scabbard more valuable than his sword?

3. What is the name of King Lot’s wife, and how is she related to Arthur?

Paired Resource

“Merlin

  • Background information on Merlin in legend and history
  • The topic of Merlin and his influence on King Arthur connects to the theme of Dark and Light Magic.
  • Many historians have viewed Merlin as an ambivalent character in Arthurian legend. To a great extent, he shapes Arthur’s future. How do his actions relate to the theme of the Inescapability of Destiny?

Chapters 2-3

Reading Check

1. Who removes the sword from the lady’s belt?

2. Who gives Arthur the famous round table?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why does Arthur banish Balin?

2. What is Balin fated to do with the sword he won?

3.