http://www.britannia.com/history/idylls.html

• There are 12 of these idylls.  They are Tennyson's attempt at an epic. – The 1^st version of this poem was "Morte D’Arthur."  Tennyson reworked it slightly for inclusion in the Idylls.
• King Arthur is hero, center of things. Through his ideals and insight he creates Camelot, a process called Romantic Projection.
• "The Coming of Arthur" and "The Passing of Arthur" are a matched pair.  The first six idylls trace the rise of Camelot; the last six its gradual fall.  Each one is paired with the one matching is one the way down; 1 &12, 2&11, etc.
  
  

  2.1 The Coming of Arthur 2.2 Gareth and Lynette 2.3 The Marriage of Geraint 2.4 Geraint and Enid 2.5 Balin and Balan 2.6 Merlin and Vivien

  2.12 The Passing of Arthur 2.11 Guinevere 2.10 The Last Tournament 2.9 Pelleas and Ettare 2.8 The Holy Grail 2.7 Lancelot and Elaine

  
  
• In "The Coming of Arthur," we see Camelot established based on the vision and ideals of Arthur.  We see themes of light, joy, and birth through the play.
  
• His downfall in original story was incest, but Tennyson omits this it to make him perfect.  The kingdom falls because of Guinevere (sounds like Milton putting all the blame on Eve.)  It falls with the passing of Arthur.
  
• Day rises/sets on Camelot. If you’re born you must die, so Camelot must eventually die too.
• Idyll – shorter than an epic. Individual poems centered around emotional state of character. Epic is based on action. Idylls show the romantic influence.
• What's Arthur want Bedivere to do?
• How many times does it take for Bedivere to obey?
• How's Arthur know Bedivere has obeyed?