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scrabb1e 's review for:
The Once and Future King
by T.H. White
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Review of The Sword in the Stone
Themes or Characters That Resonated with Me:
Wart’s education highlights how human civilization is not the only way a society can be structured. The various animal societies he encounters follow their own distinct rules, emphasizing that our societal norms are not inherently correct but rather arbitrary constructs. This idea stood out as a thought-provoking way to challenge assumptions about human society.
I also really enjoyed the mind-bending concept of Merlyn living backward in time. It’s an original and fascinating twist that adds depth to the narrative. It allows Merlyn to be both a wise mentor and, at times, a bumbling figure, which makes him all the more engaging.
Emotions, Thoughts, or Memories It Brought Up in Me:
It felt like Wart’s education was also meant to educate the reader. The depiction of the ant society, in particular, seemed like a critique of communism. Without the later books in The Once and Future King, The Sword in the Stone would feel somewhat incomplete. The moment when Wart finds the sword at the end is a bit abrupt, and without the broader Arthurian mythology and the sequels, the story doesn’t fully stand on its own.
Opinion About the Author or Writing Style:
This book very much feels like a children’s story, in contrast to the later parts of The Once and Future King. Its whimsical, playful tone reminded me of Alice in Wonderland. In some ways, it follows the pattern of The Hobbit in relation to The Lord of the Rings—starting as a lighthearted fantasy but leading into sequels that explore deeper themes of love, justice, responsibility, and morality.
I also enjoyed the inclusion of anachronisms and the character of Robin "Wood." It’s amusing to consider that White, writing in the 20th century, tells a story about a figure who may have existed in the 5th or 6th century, but frames it as though it takes place in the 11th, 12th, or 13th century. The layering of historical contexts adds an interesting, almost playful, dimension to the book.
Review of The Once and Future King
Themes or Characters That Resonated with Me:
By the final chapter of The Candle in the Wind, the true point of The Once and Future King really dawned on me. This is a book that explores duty, friendship, love, justice, family, leadership, and masculinity, among other themes. These stood out to me the most.
Arthur remembers Merlyn’s teachings and puts them into action—fulfilling Merlyn’s wish that he think. His vision for justice is not perfect, but he refines and evolves it, striving to create a system where might does not dominate the meek. Yet, ironically, in order to establish justice, might must first be invoked.
The book also captures the complexities of friendship, particularly in the tangled relationships between Arthur, Lancelot, and Guenever. Arthur and Lancelot balance personal feelings and ideals while trying to maintain their friendship and admiration for one another. Arthur’s relationship with Guenever never feels deeply romantic; in some ways, his connection to both her and Lancelot feels more paternal. Still, despite the betrayal, Arthur never stops caring for them, just as he remains loyal to Mordred and Gawaine for as long as he can.
Lancelot’s internal struggles are also thought-provoking. He repeatedly finds himself in the position of defending Guenever’s honor, despite knowing the accusations are true. Arthur, too, is flawed—his attempt to rid himself of the baby Mordred ultimately seals his fate. And yet, despite their mistakes, all they can do is continue striving.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Arthur’s character is his willingness to endure personal humiliation for the sake of his ideals. The novel refers to him as a cuckold, a role he does not willingly embrace, but he both loves and needs Lancelot and Guenever. Reputation matters less to him than his greater vision, and he is willing to sacrifice his pride to protect those he loves and to uphold his principles.
Opinion on the Author or Writing Style:
One of the novel’s most profound messages is that justice is never permanently achieved; it must be maintained through constant effort and struggle. This idea is beautifully encapsulated in the title of the final book, The Candle in the Wind—Arthur as the hand shielding the fragile flame of justice.
The tonal shift from The Sword in the Stone to the later books reminds me of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings—what begins as a lighthearted, whimsical story deepens into a profound meditation on leadership, morality, and human nature.
Favorite Passage:
"It was more as if she had brought them up - perhaps through indifference or through laziness or even through some kind of possessive cruelty - with an imperfect sense of right and wrong. it was as if they could never know when they were being good or when they were being bad."
This quote could be used as a reminder or warning about the need to put effort into parenting.
_________
"...the thing which this fellow overlooked, my friend, was that he had a predecessor in the reformation business, called Jesus Christ. Perhaps we may assume that Jesus knew as much as the Austrian did about saving people. But the odd thing is that Jesus did not turn the disciples into storm troopers, burn down the Temple at Jerusalem, and fix the blame on Pontius Pilate. On the contrary, he made it clear that the business of philosopher was to make ideas available, and not to impose them on people."
This passage feels relevant to current events.
_________
"The best knight of the world: everybody envied the self-esteem which must surely be his. But Lancelot never believed he was good or nice. Under the grotesque, magnificent shell with a face like Quasimodo's, there was shame and self-loathing which had been planted there when he was tiny, by something which it is now too late to trace. It is so fatally easy to make young children believe that they are horrible."
This resonates deeply with me for my own feelings about myself, and also something to think about as a raise my own children.
_________
"The slow discovery of the seventh sense, by which both men and women contrive to ride the waves of a world in which there is war, adultery, compromise, fear, stultification and hypocrisy - this discovery is not a matter for triumph. The baby, perhaps, cries out triumphantly: I have balance! But the seventh sense is recognized without a cry. We only carry on with our famous knowledge of the world, riding the queer waves in a habitual, petrifying way, because we have reached a stage of deadlock in which we can think of nothing else to do.
And at this stage we begin to forget that there ever was a time when we lacked the seventh sense. We begin to forget, as we go stolidly balancing along, that there could have been a time when we were young bodies flaming with the impetus of life. It is hardly consoling to remember such a feeling, and so it deadens our mind."
This is an insightful and depressing passage on the human condition.
_________
"And then, even as the might of the individual seemed to have been curbed, the Principle of Might had sprung up behind him in another shape - in the shape of collective might, of banded ferocity, of numerous armies insusceptible to individual laws. He had bound the might of units, only to find that it was assumed by pluralities. He had conquered murder, to be faced with war. There were no Laws for that."
This is another insightful and depressing passage. This really also illustrates the point about the quest for justice being the path to walk, not an end in itself.
_________
"Was it the wicked leaders who led innocent populations to slaughter, or was it wicked populations who chose leaders after their own hearts? On the face of it, it seemed unlikely that one Leader could force a million Englishmen against their will. If, for instance, Mordred had been anxious to make the English wear petticoats, or stand on their heads, they would surely not have joined his party - however clever or persuasive or deceitful or even terrible his inducements? A leader was surely forced to offer something which appealed to those he led? He might give the impetus to the falling building, but surely it had to be toppling on its own account before it fell? If this were true, then wars were not calamities into which amiable innocents were led by evil men. They were national movements, deeper, more subtle in origin."
With the rise of Trump this is important to think about, especially with our social bubbles as they are. What we're going through now is what people wanted and/or are allowing to happen.
_________
"He knew that Hob had worked on Cully for fourteen hours a day to teach him his trade, and that his work had been like Jacob's struggle with the angel."
I just like that I now know the reference of Jacob wresting the angel, after having read I Capture the Castle.
_________
"You will find," he explained, "that when the kings are bullies who believe in force, the people are bullies too. If I don't stand for law, I won't have law among my people. And naturally I want my people to have the new law, because then they are more prosperous, and I am more prosperous in consequence."
Yet another quote that is highly applicable to current events.
My ratings-
Writing Style: 90
Relatability: 85
Originality: 85
Personal impact: 95
Plot: 90
Themes or Characters That Resonated with Me:
Wart’s education highlights how human civilization is not the only way a society can be structured. The various animal societies he encounters follow their own distinct rules, emphasizing that our societal norms are not inherently correct but rather arbitrary constructs. This idea stood out as a thought-provoking way to challenge assumptions about human society.
I also really enjoyed the mind-bending concept of Merlyn living backward in time. It’s an original and fascinating twist that adds depth to the narrative. It allows Merlyn to be both a wise mentor and, at times, a bumbling figure, which makes him all the more engaging.
Emotions, Thoughts, or Memories It Brought Up in Me:
It felt like Wart’s education was also meant to educate the reader. The depiction of the ant society, in particular, seemed like a critique of communism. Without the later books in The Once and Future King, The Sword in the Stone would feel somewhat incomplete. The moment when Wart finds the sword at the end is a bit abrupt, and without the broader Arthurian mythology and the sequels, the story doesn’t fully stand on its own.
Opinion About the Author or Writing Style:
This book very much feels like a children’s story, in contrast to the later parts of The Once and Future King. Its whimsical, playful tone reminded me of Alice in Wonderland. In some ways, it follows the pattern of The Hobbit in relation to The Lord of the Rings—starting as a lighthearted fantasy but leading into sequels that explore deeper themes of love, justice, responsibility, and morality.
I also enjoyed the inclusion of anachronisms and the character of Robin "Wood." It’s amusing to consider that White, writing in the 20th century, tells a story about a figure who may have existed in the 5th or 6th century, but frames it as though it takes place in the 11th, 12th, or 13th century. The layering of historical contexts adds an interesting, almost playful, dimension to the book.
Review of The Once and Future King
Themes or Characters That Resonated with Me:
By the final chapter of The Candle in the Wind, the true point of The Once and Future King really dawned on me. This is a book that explores duty, friendship, love, justice, family, leadership, and masculinity, among other themes. These stood out to me the most.
Arthur remembers Merlyn’s teachings and puts them into action—fulfilling Merlyn’s wish that he think. His vision for justice is not perfect, but he refines and evolves it, striving to create a system where might does not dominate the meek. Yet, ironically, in order to establish justice, might must first be invoked.
The book also captures the complexities of friendship, particularly in the tangled relationships between Arthur, Lancelot, and Guenever. Arthur and Lancelot balance personal feelings and ideals while trying to maintain their friendship and admiration for one another. Arthur’s relationship with Guenever never feels deeply romantic; in some ways, his connection to both her and Lancelot feels more paternal. Still, despite the betrayal, Arthur never stops caring for them, just as he remains loyal to Mordred and Gawaine for as long as he can.
Lancelot’s internal struggles are also thought-provoking. He repeatedly finds himself in the position of defending Guenever’s honor, despite knowing the accusations are true. Arthur, too, is flawed—his attempt to rid himself of the baby Mordred ultimately seals his fate. And yet, despite their mistakes, all they can do is continue striving.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Arthur’s character is his willingness to endure personal humiliation for the sake of his ideals. The novel refers to him as a cuckold, a role he does not willingly embrace, but he both loves and needs Lancelot and Guenever. Reputation matters less to him than his greater vision, and he is willing to sacrifice his pride to protect those he loves and to uphold his principles.
Opinion on the Author or Writing Style:
One of the novel’s most profound messages is that justice is never permanently achieved; it must be maintained through constant effort and struggle. This idea is beautifully encapsulated in the title of the final book, The Candle in the Wind—Arthur as the hand shielding the fragile flame of justice.
The tonal shift from The Sword in the Stone to the later books reminds me of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings—what begins as a lighthearted, whimsical story deepens into a profound meditation on leadership, morality, and human nature.
Favorite Passage:
"It was more as if she had brought them up - perhaps through indifference or through laziness or even through some kind of possessive cruelty - with an imperfect sense of right and wrong. it was as if they could never know when they were being good or when they were being bad."
This quote could be used as a reminder or warning about the need to put effort into parenting.
_________
"...the thing which this fellow overlooked, my friend, was that he had a predecessor in the reformation business, called Jesus Christ. Perhaps we may assume that Jesus knew as much as the Austrian did about saving people. But the odd thing is that Jesus did not turn the disciples into storm troopers, burn down the Temple at Jerusalem, and fix the blame on Pontius Pilate. On the contrary, he made it clear that the business of philosopher was to make ideas available, and not to impose them on people."
This passage feels relevant to current events.
_________
"The best knight of the world: everybody envied the self-esteem which must surely be his. But Lancelot never believed he was good or nice. Under the grotesque, magnificent shell with a face like Quasimodo's, there was shame and self-loathing which had been planted there when he was tiny, by something which it is now too late to trace. It is so fatally easy to make young children believe that they are horrible."
This resonates deeply with me for my own feelings about myself, and also something to think about as a raise my own children.
_________
"The slow discovery of the seventh sense, by which both men and women contrive to ride the waves of a world in which there is war, adultery, compromise, fear, stultification and hypocrisy - this discovery is not a matter for triumph. The baby, perhaps, cries out triumphantly: I have balance! But the seventh sense is recognized without a cry. We only carry on with our famous knowledge of the world, riding the queer waves in a habitual, petrifying way, because we have reached a stage of deadlock in which we can think of nothing else to do.
And at this stage we begin to forget that there ever was a time when we lacked the seventh sense. We begin to forget, as we go stolidly balancing along, that there could have been a time when we were young bodies flaming with the impetus of life. It is hardly consoling to remember such a feeling, and so it deadens our mind."
This is an insightful and depressing passage on the human condition.
_________
"And then, even as the might of the individual seemed to have been curbed, the Principle of Might had sprung up behind him in another shape - in the shape of collective might, of banded ferocity, of numerous armies insusceptible to individual laws. He had bound the might of units, only to find that it was assumed by pluralities. He had conquered murder, to be faced with war. There were no Laws for that."
This is another insightful and depressing passage. This really also illustrates the point about the quest for justice being the path to walk, not an end in itself.
_________
"Was it the wicked leaders who led innocent populations to slaughter, or was it wicked populations who chose leaders after their own hearts? On the face of it, it seemed unlikely that one Leader could force a million Englishmen against their will. If, for instance, Mordred had been anxious to make the English wear petticoats, or stand on their heads, they would surely not have joined his party - however clever or persuasive or deceitful or even terrible his inducements? A leader was surely forced to offer something which appealed to those he led? He might give the impetus to the falling building, but surely it had to be toppling on its own account before it fell? If this were true, then wars were not calamities into which amiable innocents were led by evil men. They were national movements, deeper, more subtle in origin."
With the rise of Trump this is important to think about, especially with our social bubbles as they are. What we're going through now is what people wanted and/or are allowing to happen.
_________
"He knew that Hob had worked on Cully for fourteen hours a day to teach him his trade, and that his work had been like Jacob's struggle with the angel."
I just like that I now know the reference of Jacob wresting the angel, after having read I Capture the Castle.
_________
"You will find," he explained, "that when the kings are bullies who believe in force, the people are bullies too. If I don't stand for law, I won't have law among my people. And naturally I want my people to have the new law, because then they are more prosperous, and I am more prosperous in consequence."
Yet another quote that is highly applicable to current events.
My ratings-
Writing Style: 90
Relatability: 85
Originality: 85
Personal impact: 95
Plot: 90