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Starting in 1856, Alfred, Lord Tennyson began publishing his compilation of Arthurian legends that became known as Idylls of the King. These poems were based on the earlier Medieval collection Le Morte d'Arthur, by Sir Thomas Malory, which dated to the middle of the 15th century. Malory's work, which is believed to be largely a translation of older French stories, was written in prose style. It combined the earlier tales into a single grouping for English readers. As the title suggests, Malory's focus was largely on the epic
nature of Arthur's life. Malory discussed his birth, his rise as a prince and warrior, his quests as a knight, and his eventual death. Malory also included chapters on knights such as Lancelot and Gareth, and he discussed the relationships between Tristan and Isolde, and Lancelot and Guinevere. Instead of embracing the romance angle, however, Malory focused more on the moral elements within these stories.
Tennyson, though heavily influenced by Malory, took a different approach to the Arthurian stories. For one, he wrote them in poetry form, not prose. Additionally, Tennyson, as a Victorian poet, was more interested in the romantic qualities of the stories, and included the distinct elements of nature and elegy. Idylls of the King has a softer focus
overall. For instance, in Malory's work, Guinevere faces execution for her adultery, and is only spared when Lancelot rides in to rescue her. In Tennyson's work, Arthur chooses to forgive Guinevere, and she chooses to spend the rest of her days doing good works in a
convent. Some literary scholars believe that Tennyson was writing an allegory about social problems and the need for social justice that existed during Tennyson's own time. Charles Dickens is remembered for doing the same thing in his novels about the abuses of lower- class children in Victorian England.
The author of the passage notes several distinctions between Tennyson and Malory. Which of the following is not identified as a difference between the two authors?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. The passage doesn't specifically mention the characters Gareth, Tristan, and Isolde as being exclusive to Malory. However, it does highlight that Malory focused on Arthurian legends while Tennyson also wrote about the same characters. Choice A is incorrect because Malory wrote in prose, while Tennyson wrote in poetry, as stated in the passage. Choice B is incorrect as Malory wrote during the Medieval era, while Tennyson wrote during the Victorian era, according to the passage. Choice C is incorrect because Malory was more focused on heroism and morality, while Tennyson was more focused on nature and elegy, as mentioned in the extract.