¥Interest in Arthurian
legends developed while he was a student at Oxford (1853-1855)
¥Influenced by TennysonÕs The Lady of Shalott & SoutheyÕs edition of MaloryÕs Morte dÕArthur
–In 1857, Rossetti declared
that worldÕs two greatest books were the Bible and Morte dÕArthur
¥MaloryÕs version of
Guinevere in Morte dÕArthur heavily influenced Morris– less judgmental
¥MorrisÕs version- ÒThe
Defense of GuinevereÓ
–First time an account of her
affair is given herself
–Readily confesses guilt
–challenges and scorns
judgment
–Òproud womanÓ