Tristan and Iseult: The Hero's Youth
Tristan is born in sorrow - his mother dies at his birth, naming him for her grief. Raised as a knight, he goes to Cornwall to serve his uncle King Mark. He defeats the Irish champion Morold but receives a poisoned wound that only Iseult of Ireland, Morold's niece, can heal. Tristan goes to Ireland in disguise, and Iseult heals him without knowing he killed her uncle.
The Text
What You'll Learn
Comprehension
Explains that Tristan was born in sorrow, his mother dying and naming him for grief
Cause & Consequence
Explains why Tristan's name (sorrow) foreshadows his fate
Meaning
Takes a position on whether fate or choice drives their story
Evidence
Cites a specific passage (the naming, the wound, the healing)
Defense
Maintains or thoughtfully revises their position under challenge
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