Initially the Vinaver theory that Malory’s eight romances, once
thought to be fundamentally unified, were in fact eight independent works
produced both a sense of relief and an unpleasant shock. Vinaver’s theory
comfortably explained away the apparent contradictions of chronology and made
each romance independently satisfying. It was, however, disagreeable to find
that what had been thought of as one book was now eight books. Part of this
response was the natural reaction to the disturbance of set ideas. Nevertheless,
even now, after lengthy consideration of the theory’s refined but legitimate
observations, one cannot avoid the conclusion that the eight romances are
only one work. It is not quite a matter of disagreeing with the theory of
independence, but of rejecting its implications: that the romances may be taken
in any or no particular order, that they have no cumulative effect, and that
they are as separate as the works of a modem novelist. For
the following question, consider each of the choices separately and select all
that apply. It can be inferred from the passage that the author
believes which of the following about Malory’s works
A. There are meaningful links between and among the romances.
B. The subtleties of the romances are obscured when they are taken as one
work.
C. Any contradictions in chronology among the romances are less important
than their overall unity.