The Bright Sword: A Novel of King Arthur

How does The Bright Sword conform to, or diverge from, some of the common tropes, characterizations, and/or key ideas found in traditional Arthurian lore? How does Grossman reimagine the lore for a contemporary audience?

While some of the characters, like Collum, seek to find a king to replace Arthur, other characters seek to gain and exercise power themselves, such as Morgan and Lancelot. How do the characters differ in their conceptions of power? How does the text contrast just and unjust rule?

In many ways, The Bright Sword can be read as a bildungsroman, or coming-of-age story. How does the novel chart Collum’s emotional and physical maturation? How does he change throughout his character arc?