In case you hadn't noticed, Edmund's got quite the moral compass in The Book of the Lion. He's constantly telling himself—and us—what's honorable, what's noble, what's right, and what's not. Why is he so aware of these things? Well, maybe it's because religion plays such an active role in people's lives and in society. Or maybe it's because if he doesn't live by the law, he'll end up one-handed like Otto. Perhaps it's because his celebrity role models are knights, and being chivalrous is kind of a knight's big thing. Whatever the reason, though, principles are all over these pages.
Questions About Principles
- How much is religion wrapped up in Edmund's principles? How about in society's sense? What does this tell you about Edmund as a member of society?
- How are medieval principles different from some of the things we value today? Pick three biggies to explore in depth.
- Do Edmund's principles change throughout the book? If so, how? And either way, what does this tell you about principles as a theme?
Chew on This
Hubert isn't weak because he's afraid of war; he's weak because he lacks principles, talking a certain kind of talk but walking a totally different kind of walk.
More than any other trait, it's Edmund's principles that demonstrate his strength.