The Once and Future King by T.H.

White
Discussion Questions: 1. Describe the different father figures found in the novel. How does each figure contribute to the Warts maturity? 2. Compare and contrast Whites version of the Arthur saga with any Arthurian films. 3. Discuss how the Wart is like other youthful literary protagonists, such as Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, or Holden Caulfield. 4. 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? 5. 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? 6. Lancelot is a complex character, torn between cruelty and compassion. Discuss how such conflicts affect Lancelots relationships with Guenevere, Arthur, God, and chivalry. 7. The novel generally presents an antiwar message, but nevertheless draws a great deal of dramatic power from the conflict inherent in warfare. Is the novels attitude toward war consistent, or does White contradict himself by glorifying battles?