Text Book: Love in the Western World by Denis de Rougemont

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WORKSHEET: BOOK I- The Tristan Myth

1. In literature, De Rougemont claims that "Happy love has not history." Do you think we love stories that have messy or tragic or sad themes? Why or why not? (Chpt. 1).

2. Do we obsess over adultery? If so, is this a sign that we wish to escape a horrible reality? What reality? (Chpt. 1)

3. How does De Rougemont use the word "myth?" Be specific. (Chpt. 2)

4. When you see passionate (adulterous) lovers do you say, "That is what I wanted!" or else "God forbid?" In other words, to you root for them or not? (Chpt. 3)

5. Briefly outline the basic story line of the myth of Tristan and Iseult. (Chpt. 4)

6. Try to answer these riddles:

a. Why does Tristan restore the Queen to King Mark? (Chpt. 5)
b. Why are the four barons who defend King Mark's honor called "felon?" (Chpts. 5-6)

7. "Whatever turns into a realty is no longer love." Explain. (Chpt. 6)

8. What purpose does the repeated partings of Tristan and Iseult play? (Chpts. 7, 9)

9. Do Tristan and Iseult "love" (as in mature love) each other? If not, what do the love, (Chpt. 8)

10. The passion of the two lovers creates obstructions. Why are obstructions part of the myth? (Chpt. 9)

11. What role does the love potion play in the myth? What are some love potions used today? (Chpt. 10)

12. Do you believe that most people just go after the kind of love that promises the most feeling/excitement? If so, why? (Chpt. 11).