'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court' by Mark Twain is a humorous tale about Hank Morgan, a man from Connecticut in the 1800s who finds himself transported back in time to King Arthur's Court. Through the collision of past and present, Twain uses Morgan to expose the flaws in both eras, critiquing systems such as slavery, feudal class structures, and the power dynamics of the Church. The novel combines elements of time travel, social commentary, and satire, showcasing Morgan's attempts to revolutionize Arthurian England with his modern knowledge and inventions.

Twain's writing style in 'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court' is characterized by wit, humor, and sharp social observations. The book humorously explores the clash between 6th-century Britain and 19th-century America, as Morgan navigates the challenges of implementing his progressive ideas in a medieval setting. Twain's satirical approach sheds light on various political, social, and religious issues, making the reader reflect on the parallels between the past and the author's contemporary society.

Characters:

The characters include a condescending protagonist, a foolish Merlin, and an idealistic King Arthur, all interacting in a comedic yet critical narrative.

Writing/Prose:

Twain's writing style is humorous and satirical, layered with significant political and social commentary that critiques both the past and the present.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Hank Morgan's unexpected time travel to 6th-century England, where he uses modern knowledge to influence and change the backward society.

Setting:

The setting contrasts 19th-century Connecticut with the superstitious and hierarchical society of Arthurian England.

Pacing:

Pacing varies throughout the book, with an engaging start that loses momentum as the narrative shifts into more serious and tedious discussions.

It was a soft, reposeful summer landscape, as lovely as a dream, and as lonesome as Sunday. The air was full of the smell of flowers, and the buzzing of insects, and the twittering of birds, and there...

Notes:

The book critiques the divine right of kings and promotes democracy.

Hank Morgan, the protagonist, is a 19th century American engineer.

Hank uses his knowledge of a solar eclipse to save himself from execution.

The story contains a mix of humor and dark themes, including slavery and executions.

Twain uses the character of Merlin as a comedic foil to highlight ignorance and superstition.

The novel reflects Twain's views on capitalism and class struggle.

It includes 221 illustrations, enhancing the comedic tone of the text.

The second half of the book shifts from humor to darker themes, paralleling Twain's view on aging and nihilism.

Twain's character, Hank, introduces modern inventions like telephones and gunpowder to medieval society, causing chaos.

The book ends on a tragic note, contrasting with the humor found throughout.

Twain wrote this book while grappling with the societal issues of his time, such as poverty and the power of the church.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Themes of violence, slavery, and harsh social conditions may be distressing to some readers.

From The Publisher:

It was one heck of a punch. Knocked me clear from New England to Olde England, from Connecticut-to Camelot. Suddenly, there I was-with King Arthur, Launcelot, Morgan le Fay, and that faker, Merlin. I was trapped in the sixth century, surrounded by jousts and chivalry and idiots in armor bashing other idiots in armor!

But I'm resourceful; I looked for opportunities. And King Arthur's court needed a few improvements. Like soap. Toothpaste. Baseball. Electricity, factories, newspapers, telephones, trains, bicycles...free elections. In short, these folks need a double dose of good ole American know-how.

They needed a Boss. They needed-Me.

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Ratings (26)

Incredible (3)
Loved It (8)
Liked It (10)
It Was OK (3)
Did Not Like (1)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (71):

Read It (28)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (24)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (17)

1 comment(s)

mteowl291

Hated It

5 months

Never finished

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About the Author:

Mark Twain (November 30th, 1835-April 21, 1910) is considered to be one of the greatest American writers.

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A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court

Mark Twain