Study Questions & Essay Topics
Study Questions
1. The tone of
Book I is drastically different from the tone of Book IV. Book I
is lighthearted and leisurely, whereas Book IV is tragic and fast
paced. In your view, how do these two books come together? Which
themes and elements of style connect them?
2. The quest
for the Holy Grail is a central part of the Arthurian legend, but
it gets only seven short chapters in Book III of
The
Once and Future King. What is the relevance of the quest
to the idea of might versus right?
3. Most of
Arthur’s conclusions about might and right come from Merlyn. To
what extent do you think Arthur learns to think for himself by the
end of the novel and to what extent is he simply still repeating
what Merlyn has taught him?
Suggested Essay Topics
1. Lancelot is a complex character,
torn between cruelty and compassion. Discuss how such conflicts
affect Lancelot’s relationships with Guenever, Arthur, God, and
chivalry.
2. The Wart has numerous adventures
when Merlyn changes him into the form of animals, but only five
of them are described in detail: his transformations into a perch,
a merlin, a badger, an ant, and a goose. Briefly discuss the relevance each
of these episodes has to the idea of might versus right and the
development of Arthur’s thoughts about civilization and government.
3. White wrote The Once
and Future King in the form of numerous short, episodic
chapters. Discuss the effect of this format on the pacing, plot,
and character development of the novel.
4. The novel generally presents
an antiwar message, but nevertheless draws a great deal of dramatic
power from the conflict inherent in warfare. Is the novel’s attitude
toward war consistent, or does White contradict himself by glorifying battles?
