Discussion Questions

Marie de France. Eliduc

1. Do the terms in which the love of Guilliadun and Eliduc is described indicate that this emotion is something different from the affection between Eliduc and Guildelüc? If so, how might that influence the attitude of medieval readers familiar with the "doctrine" of courtly love?
2. What would you think of a woman in our time who adopted that attitude of Guildelüec? Are we able to accept her sacrifice"--or is it really a sacrifice? (Remember that her affection for Eliduc is genuine. On the other hand, consider the plausible consequences if she determined to hold her husband regardless of his feelings. Your conclusion should be reached in the light of the author's portrayal of all three characters, Eliduc and the two women.)
3. Characterize Guilliadun. Characterize Eliduc. Do you think the story would be different if a male author had written the narrative? What would be different?
4. Eliduc is one of many heroes who leave their own country and offer their services to a new lord in a new place. How does Marie de France treat his motives and his military skills? Compare her management of these narrative details with those of Homer. Does Eliduc appear to be more complicated a person than Odysseus? Why or why not?
5. One of Eliduc's sailors wants to cast Guilliadun overboard when a storm threatens the ship transporting her and Eliduc to Brittany. When she faints, Eliduc strikes the sailor and kicks his body into the sea. Look at a similar nautical crisis in the Odyssey when Elpenor is abandoned. In each case, what is the argument of jettisoning the offending traveler? What are the consequences? What ideas about human solidarity and the instinct for survival may be deduced?