Idylls of the King 

Gustave Doré created this engraving for Tennyson's "Idylls of the King," a reimagining of the Arthurian legends, during the Victorian era, a time marked by rigid social conventions. The artist's dramatic use of light and shadow evokes the romanticism of the Victorian era, while the stoic figures amidst a wild landscape reflect a reverence for nature. Yet, Tennyson's Arthurian tales often served as a commentary on the virtues of Victorian society. Consider how the representation of gender roles may fit, or not, within the poem’s and Doré's contemporary culture. The natural world engulfs the figures and perhaps challenges the Victorian ideals of order and control. The characters are caught between their personal struggles and societal expectations. The scene embodies themes of duty, morality, and the struggle against internal and external chaos, reflecting the societal anxieties of the time. It’s a reminder that even legendary figures are subject to the complexities of human existence.