I have to say, I really loved the beginning of chapter 3 in the first book, where Arthur as a boy (Wart) is introduced into the story. The description of his surroundings may seem superfluous, but I argue that those details are vital. Clearly, White wanted to create this innocent and vulnerable environment that Wart is originating from in this story. I think without these lengthy descriptions, I don’t think this reading would’ve had the angle and appeal to it. It’s easy to see how Disney was able to make a movie based on this story and used MUCH of details (compared to other Disney films).
I think this was especially necessary because Wart was an orphan, and the origin of the relationship he has with Merlin really needs to be explained. In past readings we only see the tip of the iceberg with their bond and the history of it (when they met, how, etc), and even though Merlin is Arthur’s tudor/guide…I really argue that he’s more of a father figure to Arthur. I think this vulnerability in the beginning of this reading was perfect to lead into the beginning of Merlin and Arthur’s relationship (Merlin taking him in, teaching him things, taking care of him…).
And like I mentioned in class earlier, I think this reading is trying to show how really the round table, King Arthur’s ideals and his foundation for ruling was all based on Merlin’s teachings- which is exactly why I think this reading is really all about Merlin. And after finishing this reading…I’ve started to think of Merlin as kind of a representation of modern ideals and moral clichés, which was the “father-ish-figure” to Arthur so that he’d grow up to rule according to these ideals. And that the round table was a reflection of the modern ideals themselves, and when King Arthur dies the round tables dies with him…perhaps reflecting some modern ideals that we have instilled in some societies and governments that will most likely die as did the round table. I’m not sure if that was a serious mind f**k or just another way of viewing this reading and the whole Merlin and Arthur relationship.
This is 3 out of 5
You've touched upon something we have seen with nation building in modern history. Imposing a new form of government without sufficient infrastructure, or in times of economic crisis, can cause instability. I think that White gives a big hint in the last chapter.
ReplyDeleteThere was a brief period of a unified Germany before the end of WWI. It was followed by the Weimar Republic that was weighted under harsh sanctions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles. Desperate economic times fostered the rise of National Socialism with Hitler. Especially in the last chapter, White's Arthur seems to be a comment on the time leading up to WW I and what was to follow. Modred, the uniforms, the killing of the unarmed knight/nephew of the king which leads to war.
this is one of my favorite readings so far in this class. I agree that the details are important, however, the way they are given in a long paragraph as a little annoying, at least to me
ReplyDeleteWell, Grant, I wanted to fully explain my points and thoughts without blindly stating something about a reading that someone spent time and research to compile. Without fully explaining myself, I would come off quite arrogant, much like your comment to this post.
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