When King Arthur is PG 13

Abstract

In a study of the patterns prevalent in contemporary Arthurian literature by women authors, I examine the depictions of women by women, trace the development of trends over time, and suggest that the representation of positive role models for younger female readers is problematic.

Queerbaiting: The ‘playful’ possibilities of homoeroticism

“…As a modern retelling that also retains certain elements of the legend, Merlin can be read through a queer lens, as it has been by fans seeing queerly. Roberta Davidson’s (2012) study of 72 Arthurian-inspired novels published between 1963 and 2010 supports the view that Merlin , as a modern retelling, promotes queer readings, noting that modern retellings of Arthurian literature have made explicit reference to homosexuality. The series is modernised via use of the contemporary vernacular, age matching of Merlin with Arthur, and the casting of an actress of colour as Guinevere.…”

‘You Could Shame the Great Arthur Himself’: A Queer Reading of Lancelot from BBC’s Merlin with Respect to the Character in Malory, White, and Bradley

“…18 While in Joan Wolf 's The Road to Avalon, 'a jealous and destructive homosexual knight is Guenevere's rival for the Lancelot figure's affection.' 19 As Davidson observes, the offending knight 'betrays, by his transgressive desire, the homosocial and heterosexual bonds of the other men.' 20 Davidson also chronicles more positive representations.…”

“…19 As Davidson observes, the offending knight 'betrays, by his transgressive desire, the homosocial and heterosexual bonds of the other men.' 20 Davidson also chronicles more positive representations. Rosemary Sutcliff 's The Sword at Sunset, for example, 'creates a pair of male lovers who are positively-even heroically-represented,' 21 much like in the tradition of Mary Renault's Athenian male protagonists.…”

“…22 Davidson does note, however, that as a devoted pair, 'they represent no threat to the heterosexual male characters.' 23 This present article draws on the traditions of queer theory 24 and the 'queer approach' to medieval texts outlined above in order to situate Merlin's Lancelot with respect to select Arthurian adaptations.…”