Reading Group Guide
Discussion Questions for
Tristan and Iseult
Tristan's name means "sorrow." [p. 2] How is his name prophetic? When Tristan wants to travel to his mother's land of Cornwall, his father tells him, "Cornwall brought me much of joy and much of sorrow." [p. 5] How does
Cornwall bring Tristan both joy and sorrow?
Discuss what Tristan means when he says,
"I will count the sorrow as fair payment for the joy, my father." [p. 5]
Tristan wants to become a hero, but makes it clear to his father that he doesn't expect "easy glory." [p.4] Why is it so important to Tristan to achieve the status of hero without the aid of his father, King of Lothian, or his uncle, King of Cornwall? Gorvenal teaches Tristan to ride a horse and to handle a sword and a spear.
What other skills deemed necessary for a hero does Tristan learn? How does Tristan become a hero when he goes to Ireland to fight on his
uncle's behalf?
Discuss why Tristan is considered the champion of the ordinary folks of Cornwall.
How is he their hope?
When Tristan first sees King Marc, he thinks,
"Here is one with a gift for loving and a gift for hating, and when he hates, God help the man who earns his hatred." [p. 7] Discuss Tristan's relationship with King Marc. How does he earn his uncle's love and his hatred?
How does Tristan win the hand of Princess
Iseult for King Marc? At what point do Tristan and Iseult fall in love? King Marc is bitterly angry when he discovers that his nephew and
Iseult are lovers. They are brought before the
Council of the Chiefs and found guilty of betraying the King. Discuss why Dynas the
High Steward appeals to the King for their mercy. How do Tristan and Iseult escape their punishment? Discuss how the lepers help them.
King Marc finds Tristan and Iseult asleep in a hut. Explain why he leaves his sword for
Tristan and his glove for Iseult.
Discuss the parallel between the ways Iseult
White-hands and Iseult of Cornwall enter
Tristan's life. At what point does Iseult Whitehands realize that she has not won Tristan's heart? How does she deal with her jealousy of
Iseult of Cornwall?
King Marc sees that Tristan and Queen Iseult of Cornwall are buried together. Discuss the
meaning of this final gesture.
