The Once and Future King

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1958

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-10

Part 1, Chapters 11-24

Part 2, Chapters 1-6

Part 2, Chapters 7-14

Part 3, Chapters 1-13

Part 3, Chapters 14-27

Part 3, Chapters 28-45

Part 4

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

White’s tone shifts from light and comical to serious. What are some examples of the narrative’s more humorous touches? What purpose do they serve?

Why do young Arthur’s lessons consist of observing animals? What valuable knowledge does he take from these observations that he uses as king? Choose one particular animal to focus on in depth.

What are some ways White incorporates medieval history into the narrative? What do these asides add to the story?