| Synopsis |
| Book One |
| Book Two |
| Book Three |
| Book Four |
| Book One: The Sword in the Stone |
| Book Notes |
- They loomed round the church wall, the lovers and helpers of the Wart,
mouse, had come to help on account of love. Wart felt his power grow.
| The Once and Future King Book One, Chapter 24 |
- Kay looked at his father. He also looked at the Wart and at the sword.
Then he handed the sword to the Wart quite quietly.
He said, “I am a liar. Wart pulled it out.”
| The Once and Future King Book One, Chapter 23 |
- He saw his dear guardian was looking quite old and powerless, and
“Sir,” said Sir Ector, without looking up, although he was speaking to
“Please do not do this, father,” said he Wart, kneeling down also. “Let
- ...
- “Plenty of people have told me you are not my father,” said the Wart,
- ...
- Kay was kneeling down too, and it was more than the Wart could bear.
“Oh, do stop,” he cried. “Of course he can be seneschal if I have got to be
heart. Please get up, Sir Ector, and don’t make everything so horrible. Oh,
dear, oh, dear, I wish I had never seen that filthy sword at all.”
And the Wart also burst into tears.
| The Once and Future King Book One, Chapter 23 |
- ...Proportionately as the day became nearer, the two boys drifted apart
terms, because he would need to be more dignified as a knight, and could not
afford to have his squire, on intimate terms with him. The Wart, who would
have to be the squire, followed him about disconsolately as long as he was
allowed to do so, and then went off full miserably to amuse himself alone, as
best he might.
| The Once and Future King Book One, Chapter 20 |
- ...Harry and Ron glared from either side of the transparent barrier as
corrosive hatred toward Ron: Something had broken between them.
- ...
- Harry felt dazed. He stooped, picked up the Horcrux, and placed it
them over Hermione. Then he climbed onto his own bed and stared up at the
dark canvas roof, listening to the pounding of the rain.
| Deathly Hallows Chapter 15 |
| Under the Influence: The Once & Future King |
- “Good heavens!” cried Sir Kay. “I have left my sword at home.”
- ...
- “Better go and fetch it,” said Sir Ector. “You have time.”
“My squire will do,” said Sir Kay. “What a damned mistake to make!
Here,
if you fetch it in time.”
- The Wart went as pale as Sir Kay was, and looked as if he were going to
palfrey against the stream of newcomers.
- ...
- “To offer me money!” cried the Wart to himself. “To look down at this
Merlyn give me patience with the brute, and stop me from throwing his filthy
shilling in his face.”
| The Once and Future King Book One, Chapter 23 |
| "Lightning Over New York City" photography by Christopher Imperato. All book series, movies, and images are owned by their authors, creators, publishers & production companies. No copyright infringement intended of any and all source material. No profits were made from this site. |
| Copyright © 2007 | www.booksandwands.com | All Rights Reserved |
Harry Potter
Arithmancy
Divination
Character Arcs
Muggle Studies
Under the Influence
Other Projects
Arithmancy
Divination
Character Arcs
Muggle Studies
Under the Influence
Other Projects
Hunger Games
Book Notes
Movie Review
Book Notes
Movie Review
The Hobbit
Book Notes
Movie Review
Book Notes
Movie Review
Percy Jackson
Book Notes
Movie Review
Book Notes
Movie Review
Twilight
Book Notes
Movie Stills
Book Notes
Movie Stills
Narnia
Book Notes
Movie Review
Book Notes
Movie Review
Books and Wands
| For Nerds. By Nerds. |
This book is only one of many about the Arthurian legend. The has taken so many shapes – the
T.H. White telling has been turned into the movie musical Camelot starring Albus Dumbledore
himself, Richard Harris, and even Disney has adapted it into The Sword in the Stone - it would be
hard to find a human being on the planet who wasn’t familiar with it.
JK Rowling has said that T.H. White’s work has been an influence for her and that the young
Arthur is a “spiritual ancestor” for Harry. I’ll sum this particular version up and then go into a
more detailed review to show the similarities and where the two stories diverge.
T.H. White telling has been turned into the movie musical Camelot starring Albus Dumbledore
himself, Richard Harris, and even Disney has adapted it into The Sword in the Stone - it would be
hard to find a human being on the planet who wasn’t familiar with it.
JK Rowling has said that T.H. White’s work has been an influence for her and that the young
Arthur is a “spiritual ancestor” for Harry. I’ll sum this particular version up and then go into a
more detailed review to show the similarities and where the two stories diverge.
This is T.H. White’s version of the life and death of the great King Arthur, his promise and his
demise. The Second World War was brewing loud and clear in Britain as he wrote this book
and there is much critique of warfare and governments as Arthur learns what it will take to be a
virtuous King. White has separated the novel into four books.
demise. The Second World War was brewing loud and clear in Britain as he wrote this book
and there is much critique of warfare and governments as Arthur learns what it will take to be a
virtuous King. White has separated the novel into four books.
The first book titled, amazingly enough, The Sword in the Stone is the tale of a young Arthur from
ages 12-18.
He is taken by a wizard from the black fate of his parents and taken to be raised outside of the
craziness of the royal court. Here Arthur is called Wart, often bullied by his ‘adopted older
brother,’ Kay, and is educated by the mysterious wizard, Merlyn.
Merlyn, we learn, is a wizard who experiences time backward instead of forward. He therefore
knows the future because he has already lived it.
Merlyn is playing this movie from end to beginning, watching it rewind, basically. So he knows
Arthur’s fate (which is a very important theme in the novel) and will train Arthur to be a great
King.
Through their lessons together, Arthur is turned into various animals and experiences life in the
many different types of rule a government can exert.
In being turned into a hawk, for instance, he experiences military rule; in becoming a fish, he
learns that Might equals Right and that power is everything. We watch as Arthur learns what
will make a good society.
This book culminates in Arthur pulling the sword from the stone and becoming king.
ages 12-18.
He is taken by a wizard from the black fate of his parents and taken to be raised outside of the
craziness of the royal court. Here Arthur is called Wart, often bullied by his ‘adopted older
brother,’ Kay, and is educated by the mysterious wizard, Merlyn.
Merlyn, we learn, is a wizard who experiences time backward instead of forward. He therefore
knows the future because he has already lived it.
Merlyn is playing this movie from end to beginning, watching it rewind, basically. So he knows
Arthur’s fate (which is a very important theme in the novel) and will train Arthur to be a great
King.
Through their lessons together, Arthur is turned into various animals and experiences life in the
many different types of rule a government can exert.
In being turned into a hawk, for instance, he experiences military rule; in becoming a fish, he
learns that Might equals Right and that power is everything. We watch as Arthur learns what
will make a good society.
This book culminates in Arthur pulling the sword from the stone and becoming king.
Book Two is entitled The Queen of Air and Darkness. This is where we are introduced to the evil
Queen Morgause. Many of her characteristics and plotlines are often attributed to Morgan le
Fay in modern times.
The two are traditionally sisters, but in this novel, it is Morgause and not Morgan who holds a
vendetta against her half-brother, Arthur, and seeks to destroy him.
Morgan, Morgause, Arthur are all related through their mother, the Lady Igraine. She was
married to the Duke of Cornwall when Uther Pendragon fell in love with her. Uther desired the
beautiful wife of his Duke, there was a war between them, and Merlyn produced a spell that
confused Igraine into believing that Uther was her husband.
Thinking she was laying with her husband, Uther effectively raped her through deceit and
together they begat Arthur. Igraine’s children through her legitimate husband, are Morgan,
Morgause (or Anna) and Elaine. As a direct result of the rape of Igraine, there is much
contention among the siblings.
Morgause and her sons take up the call against Arthur to avenge Igraine. Morgause resorts to
the same trickery that entrapped her mother and seduces Arthur. Some say they didn’t know
their relation before they were together, but whether through an enchantment or ignorance,
Mordred is born and with him the destruction of Arthur.
This book also features the “war to end all wars” that Arthur has waged against Morgause’s
husband, Lot.
Arthur seeks to unite all of Britain under one ruler, to reform the knighthood to make it
meaningful and to ensure his “Knights of the Round Table” will fight for good and just causes.
Arthur has learned that Right makes Might, that good can be even more powerful than tyranny,
that it is better to do what is right over what is easy.
Queen Morgause. Many of her characteristics and plotlines are often attributed to Morgan le
Fay in modern times.
The two are traditionally sisters, but in this novel, it is Morgause and not Morgan who holds a
vendetta against her half-brother, Arthur, and seeks to destroy him.
Morgan, Morgause, Arthur are all related through their mother, the Lady Igraine. She was
married to the Duke of Cornwall when Uther Pendragon fell in love with her. Uther desired the
beautiful wife of his Duke, there was a war between them, and Merlyn produced a spell that
confused Igraine into believing that Uther was her husband.
Thinking she was laying with her husband, Uther effectively raped her through deceit and
together they begat Arthur. Igraine’s children through her legitimate husband, are Morgan,
Morgause (or Anna) and Elaine. As a direct result of the rape of Igraine, there is much
contention among the siblings.
Morgause and her sons take up the call against Arthur to avenge Igraine. Morgause resorts to
the same trickery that entrapped her mother and seduces Arthur. Some say they didn’t know
their relation before they were together, but whether through an enchantment or ignorance,
Mordred is born and with him the destruction of Arthur.
This book also features the “war to end all wars” that Arthur has waged against Morgause’s
husband, Lot.
Arthur seeks to unite all of Britain under one ruler, to reform the knighthood to make it
meaningful and to ensure his “Knights of the Round Table” will fight for good and just causes.
Arthur has learned that Right makes Might, that good can be even more powerful than tyranny,
that it is better to do what is right over what is easy.
So now we see Arthur has grown from a young lad obsessed with the ‘glory’ of war and
knighthood into a good and just ruler. We know, in literary terms, it is only a matter of time
before this success is brought to an end.
Book 3 offers the introduction of Lancelot, Arthur’s best friend and future betrayer. Indeed, the
title for this book is The Ill-Made Knight suggesting its focus and a very accurate modifier of Sir
Lancelot. Perhaps even an understatement as Lancelot plays a large part in the fall of Camelot
and Arthur.
Lancelot is first seen as a young knight-in-training in France. He eventually makes the trip to
England and promptly falls in love with Guenever, Arthur’s young wife. To avoid what he fears
will lead to the worst kind of betrayal (and in fact be treason and punishable by death), Lancelot
devotes himself to a quest and leaves the castle.
He has many adventures along the way, even managing to save Morgause’s sons. This only
earns him their undying hatred for causing their humiliation, and in so proving the adage that
no good deed goes unpunished.
In this time, Lancelot earns the title of “World’s Best Knight” and gains all the rancor and fame
that comes from such a title. He is seduced by the Lady Elaine and together they have a son
Galahad. Galahad will grow to be one of the purest souls and is allowed to find the Holy Grail.
The combination of shame and Guenever’s anger cause Lancelot to lose his mind and become a
‘wild man.’ Elaine eventually finds him and heals him. He thanks her by returning to court and
betraying her, and Arthur, with Guenever…again.
The Quest for the Holy Grail takes up a large portion of this book and was originally thought
up by Lancelot and Arthur to engage the young knights of the realm both physically and
spiritually.
However, when the young knights return Camelot is filled with a new religious vigor and many
are aware of the infidelity of the Queen and the King’s favorite knight. Lancelot must defend
Guenever many times by defeating her accusers in a duel, banishing many good knights.
In this time, Mordred, the King’s ill-gotten son, has grown and joined Arthur’s court. His heart
is filled with rage and hatred and he is bent on vengeance.
knighthood into a good and just ruler. We know, in literary terms, it is only a matter of time
before this success is brought to an end.
Book 3 offers the introduction of Lancelot, Arthur’s best friend and future betrayer. Indeed, the
title for this book is The Ill-Made Knight suggesting its focus and a very accurate modifier of Sir
Lancelot. Perhaps even an understatement as Lancelot plays a large part in the fall of Camelot
and Arthur.
Lancelot is first seen as a young knight-in-training in France. He eventually makes the trip to
England and promptly falls in love with Guenever, Arthur’s young wife. To avoid what he fears
will lead to the worst kind of betrayal (and in fact be treason and punishable by death), Lancelot
devotes himself to a quest and leaves the castle.
He has many adventures along the way, even managing to save Morgause’s sons. This only
earns him their undying hatred for causing their humiliation, and in so proving the adage that
no good deed goes unpunished.
In this time, Lancelot earns the title of “World’s Best Knight” and gains all the rancor and fame
that comes from such a title. He is seduced by the Lady Elaine and together they have a son
Galahad. Galahad will grow to be one of the purest souls and is allowed to find the Holy Grail.
The combination of shame and Guenever’s anger cause Lancelot to lose his mind and become a
‘wild man.’ Elaine eventually finds him and heals him. He thanks her by returning to court and
betraying her, and Arthur, with Guenever…again.
The Quest for the Holy Grail takes up a large portion of this book and was originally thought
up by Lancelot and Arthur to engage the young knights of the realm both physically and
spiritually.
However, when the young knights return Camelot is filled with a new religious vigor and many
are aware of the infidelity of the Queen and the King’s favorite knight. Lancelot must defend
Guenever many times by defeating her accusers in a duel, banishing many good knights.
In this time, Mordred, the King’s ill-gotten son, has grown and joined Arthur’s court. His heart
is filled with rage and hatred and he is bent on vengeance.
All the seeds have been sown and this tragedy may not have it’s climax, falling action or
dénouement as quickly or cleanly as a Shakespearean play, but we are now reaching the
conclusion of the story and, indeed, of Arthur’s life.
Mordred catches Guenever and Lancelot red-handed, thus establishing without a doubt, their
guilt, betrayal and treason. Arthur can no longer deny or ignore these accusations, bound by his
own laws he must take action. Guenever is set to be burned at the stake. Lancelot swoops in at
the last moment to save her, forcing Arthur to declare war on his favorite knight and wife.
During the war, Mordred betrays his father and kidnaps Guenever. He plans to force himself on
her and make her his Queen. Arthur must then turn his attention and knights against Mordred.
Arthur is brought down by betrayals and manipulation, a belief in the goodness of all mankind
and a fate he could not fight or evade. Guenever retires to a convent; Lancelot ends up back in
France; and Arthur and his son are locked in battle against each other.
As Arthur lies dying, alone and betrayed by everyone he has ever loved, he asks Tom, a young
page, to go forth and tell his story. Tom is in fact The Candle in the Wind and the title
giver/bearer of the last book in the novel.
dénouement as quickly or cleanly as a Shakespearean play, but we are now reaching the
conclusion of the story and, indeed, of Arthur’s life.
Mordred catches Guenever and Lancelot red-handed, thus establishing without a doubt, their
guilt, betrayal and treason. Arthur can no longer deny or ignore these accusations, bound by his
own laws he must take action. Guenever is set to be burned at the stake. Lancelot swoops in at
the last moment to save her, forcing Arthur to declare war on his favorite knight and wife.
During the war, Mordred betrays his father and kidnaps Guenever. He plans to force himself on
her and make her his Queen. Arthur must then turn his attention and knights against Mordred.
Arthur is brought down by betrayals and manipulation, a belief in the goodness of all mankind
and a fate he could not fight or evade. Guenever retires to a convent; Lancelot ends up back in
France; and Arthur and his son are locked in battle against each other.
As Arthur lies dying, alone and betrayed by everyone he has ever loved, he asks Tom, a young
page, to go forth and tell his story. Tom is in fact The Candle in the Wind and the title
giver/bearer of the last book in the novel.
The similarities in Book One of The Once and Future King and the early days of Potter are
strikingly obvious.
The idyllic scenes of Wart’s childhood are reminiscent of the joys of first seeing the Magical
World in all its glory. It’s that sense of wonderment we all felt from Books One through Four of
Potter.
Book One of King is isolated in its idyllic tones, as the following books continue to get darker
and more depressing once Arthur is king and an adult. In the early Potter books there’s more of a
balance between the awe and the darker, more sinister side of magic.
To illustrate my meaning, I need only remind the reader of the very beginning of the story, for
there would be no Potter novels without the violent death of Lily and James Potter. Or perhaps
even looking a little farther into just the first novel, the lure of immortal life, the beauty and
purity of a unicorn... Harry discovers first hand not everything that glitters is gold.
Rowling layers the good with the bad, where White chose to concentrate on the sweet and
innocent before dwelling in the abysmally dark and depressing.
Merlyn, though the clear predecessor of Albus Dumbledore, is more of an endearing
scatterbrain and slightly moodier than the omniscient grandfather-figure of Dumbledore.
However, unlike Dumbledore, Merlyn is focused on providing for Arthur a grounded
education to give him what it takes to be a great leader.
Merlyn does know the future, having lived it already, however, despite knowing the fate that
will befall poor Arthur, Merlyn perseveres in his lessons.
As opposed to Dumbledore’s great guesses and giant leaps of logic deducing Harry’s fate and
thereby using him as a pawn, or sacrificial lamb, and just about refusing to teach him –or at the
very least completely avoiding teaching him anything of relevance that might save his life– on
the mere assumption that he is correct.
Fate is a very big theme in King. And is -though I never really considered it before what with
the whole ‘it is our choices that define us’ spiel- in Potter as well. More on fate later.
So Arthur, or Wart as he is called, is saved from being raised at court, Merlyn has saved him (as
Dumbledore saves Harry) from the corruption of politics and adoring fans he would encounter
in his natural-born environment. He instead grows up in a castle complete with eerie forest
where adventures are had by all.
He is constantly picked on and bullied by his ‘older brother’ Kay. They are good friends
underneath it all, but because of the social status separating them (Kay is Sir Ector’s legitimate
son and so will inherit the castle and title; Wart, abandoned and parentless, will become Kay’s
squire) there is some contention and competition.
Though nowhere near as abusive as Dudley and the Dursley’s, the situation in Potter is
reminiscent of the bullying Wart endured during his childhood. Think Dudley/Ron in this
relationship.
Later, at the end of this first book, after having insulted Wart badly (offering to pay him to
retrieve the sword he [Kay] had forgotten for his tourney), Kay does admit that it was Wart and
not himself that pulled the sword from the stone.
strikingly obvious.
The idyllic scenes of Wart’s childhood are reminiscent of the joys of first seeing the Magical
World in all its glory. It’s that sense of wonderment we all felt from Books One through Four of
Potter.
Book One of King is isolated in its idyllic tones, as the following books continue to get darker
and more depressing once Arthur is king and an adult. In the early Potter books there’s more of a
balance between the awe and the darker, more sinister side of magic.
To illustrate my meaning, I need only remind the reader of the very beginning of the story, for
there would be no Potter novels without the violent death of Lily and James Potter. Or perhaps
even looking a little farther into just the first novel, the lure of immortal life, the beauty and
purity of a unicorn... Harry discovers first hand not everything that glitters is gold.
Rowling layers the good with the bad, where White chose to concentrate on the sweet and
innocent before dwelling in the abysmally dark and depressing.
Merlyn, though the clear predecessor of Albus Dumbledore, is more of an endearing
scatterbrain and slightly moodier than the omniscient grandfather-figure of Dumbledore.
However, unlike Dumbledore, Merlyn is focused on providing for Arthur a grounded
education to give him what it takes to be a great leader.
Merlyn does know the future, having lived it already, however, despite knowing the fate that
will befall poor Arthur, Merlyn perseveres in his lessons.
As opposed to Dumbledore’s great guesses and giant leaps of logic deducing Harry’s fate and
thereby using him as a pawn, or sacrificial lamb, and just about refusing to teach him –or at the
very least completely avoiding teaching him anything of relevance that might save his life– on
the mere assumption that he is correct.
Fate is a very big theme in King. And is -though I never really considered it before what with
the whole ‘it is our choices that define us’ spiel- in Potter as well. More on fate later.
So Arthur, or Wart as he is called, is saved from being raised at court, Merlyn has saved him (as
Dumbledore saves Harry) from the corruption of politics and adoring fans he would encounter
in his natural-born environment. He instead grows up in a castle complete with eerie forest
where adventures are had by all.
He is constantly picked on and bullied by his ‘older brother’ Kay. They are good friends
underneath it all, but because of the social status separating them (Kay is Sir Ector’s legitimate
son and so will inherit the castle and title; Wart, abandoned and parentless, will become Kay’s
squire) there is some contention and competition.
Though nowhere near as abusive as Dudley and the Dursley’s, the situation in Potter is
reminiscent of the bullying Wart endured during his childhood. Think Dudley/Ron in this
relationship.
Later, at the end of this first book, after having insulted Wart badly (offering to pay him to
retrieve the sword he [Kay] had forgotten for his tourney), Kay does admit that it was Wart and
not himself that pulled the sword from the stone.
Can you imagine what Ron would have done if Harry had ever spoken to him that way?
But as annoyed and hurt as Wart is by the comment, he keeps some semblance of cool and does
what is expected of him.
He even realizes later that it was fear that motivated Kay to make those comments and feels bad
for him. Like Harry is lead to understand what motivates Ron’s jealousy and feels compassion for
him.
Wart spots the sword struck through the anvil and stone in a churchyard. As his only hope left,
for the inn has been locked, he tries to pull the sword from what he thinks is a memorial.
All the animals he has met come to offer him advice. With their combined strength and the
seeming blessing of nature, Wart finally pulls the sword out.
But as annoyed and hurt as Wart is by the comment, he keeps some semblance of cool and does
what is expected of him.
He even realizes later that it was fear that motivated Kay to make those comments and feels bad
for him. Like Harry is lead to understand what motivates Ron’s jealousy and feels compassion for
him.
Wart spots the sword struck through the anvil and stone in a churchyard. As his only hope left,
for the inn has been locked, he tries to pull the sword from what he thinks is a memorial.
All the animals he has met come to offer him advice. With their combined strength and the
seeming blessing of nature, Wart finally pulls the sword out.
Wart presents Kay with his new sword, but Kay doesn’t recognize the weapon. Wart tells him
about finding the anvil and stone. Kay pieces together what has happened and realizes the
meaning of sword he now holds.
For Wart was not present when Kay and Sir Ector learned of the challenge to the people that
whosoever pulls the sword from the stone will be king of all England.
Kay then tells his father he pulled it. Sir Ector brings Kay and Wart back to the spot.
about finding the anvil and stone. Kay pieces together what has happened and realizes the
meaning of sword he now holds.
For Wart was not present when Kay and Sir Ector learned of the challenge to the people that
whosoever pulls the sword from the stone will be king of all England.
Kay then tells his father he pulled it. Sir Ector brings Kay and Wart back to the spot.
Once both men realize they are now standing with the new King, they pledge their allegiance. It
upsets Wart to see his family on their knees before him.
He may have wanted the knighthood, heroism and glory, but he was not prepared to actually
receive his wish.
upsets Wart to see his family on their knees before him.
He may have wanted the knighthood, heroism and glory, but he was not prepared to actually
receive his wish.
Honestly, I’m not sure if White’s portrayal of the boys’ relationship is a nuanced and subtle as
Rowling’s. He paints a very clear portrait straight forward and openly referenced.
Rowling uses a little more subtlety, at least in the relationship between Harry and Ron. Dudley
is just the bully, with little substance until the very end. So close to the end in fact, we have no
time to appreciate it and can only gape like fish without water.
Harry longs for a family like Ron’s; Wart longs for the knighthood, a privilege only awarded to
the gentry.
Wart and Kay are almost inseparable as children; they train and play together – despite a few
squabbles. (Wart winds up breaking Kay’s nose – but that fight was about Kay’s jealousy over
the close relationship between Wart and Merlyn and possibly [though a young boy would never
admit it] loosing his friend.)
When the boys grow older and it gets closer to the time Kay will be knighted, the boys start to
drift apart. Wart misses his friend and longs for honor and the knighthood. Kay becomes a tad
full of himself and more or less distances himself from Wart.
So too, Harry and Ron are the bestest of best friends with only occasional references to Ron’s red
ears in the face of Harry’s money/fame...until Fourth Year, when Ron’s jealousy finally gets the
better of him.
Harry has a hard time understanding Ron’s point of view because the only thing he’s ever
wanted Ron has had his whole life.
After this introduction, this is always a significant and sensitive issue for the rest of the series.
Until finally, overcome by his own insecurities and malicious thoughts, Ron leaves Harry
behind in a dingy, cat-pee-smelling tent.
Kay and Ron are both prepared to separate themselves from their closest friends and allies. Kay
does so emotionally and Ron does so physically.
Rowling’s. He paints a very clear portrait straight forward and openly referenced.
Rowling uses a little more subtlety, at least in the relationship between Harry and Ron. Dudley
is just the bully, with little substance until the very end. So close to the end in fact, we have no
time to appreciate it and can only gape like fish without water.
Harry longs for a family like Ron’s; Wart longs for the knighthood, a privilege only awarded to
the gentry.
Wart and Kay are almost inseparable as children; they train and play together – despite a few
squabbles. (Wart winds up breaking Kay’s nose – but that fight was about Kay’s jealousy over
the close relationship between Wart and Merlyn and possibly [though a young boy would never
admit it] loosing his friend.)
When the boys grow older and it gets closer to the time Kay will be knighted, the boys start to
drift apart. Wart misses his friend and longs for honor and the knighthood. Kay becomes a tad
full of himself and more or less distances himself from Wart.
So too, Harry and Ron are the bestest of best friends with only occasional references to Ron’s red
ears in the face of Harry’s money/fame...until Fourth Year, when Ron’s jealousy finally gets the
better of him.
Harry has a hard time understanding Ron’s point of view because the only thing he’s ever
wanted Ron has had his whole life.
After this introduction, this is always a significant and sensitive issue for the rest of the series.
Until finally, overcome by his own insecurities and malicious thoughts, Ron leaves Harry
behind in a dingy, cat-pee-smelling tent.
Kay and Ron are both prepared to separate themselves from their closest friends and allies. Kay
does so emotionally and Ron does so physically.
Yet in the end, both authors seem to stress the value of friendship AND forgiveness. As Kay
kneels before the new king, similarly Ron eventually finds his way back to his friends.
kneels before the new king, similarly Ron eventually finds his way back to his friends.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |