Reply #22: I think Guinevere is interpreted differently by different authors,

[LWolf]

so it probably depends on which version made the biggest impression on the reader. I've read a bunch of different versions that I liked, including one by Guy Gavriel Kay presenting her as a heroine.

My two favorites, though, are T.H. White's "The Once and Future King," in which she is a weak-willed woman, and Bradley's "Mists of Avalon," in which she is a bigoted xtian. I think, after reading "Avalon," I felt like Bradley had really nailed her, so that's the one that sticks with me.

As a teacher of middle school, it drives me insane to have my female students think Bella is "lucky." Fortunately, the latest hot series is distracting them, and the protagonist in that one is definitely smarter and more independent.