King Arthur
The king of Camelot, a brave and decent man who believes completely in rank. Hank takes him on a journey in disguise to see how his people live.
He wants to be a good king without giving up any of what a king is owed.
The book
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court
Mark Twain
Who they are in the book
Spoiler-freeArthur is kind to Hank and courageous in danger, but he has never questioned the laws of his kingdom. The journey in disguise tests him. He shows great bravery, and he still cannot get over being sold for less than Hank.
How King Arthur Is Portrayed
- Bargaining for the sunIn Chapter VI he begs Hank to spare the sun and offers him anything he asks. Hank makes him perpetual minister.
- Learning to walk like a peasantIn Chapter XXVIII Hank drills him in how a freeman stands and speaks. The king keeps holding himself like a king.
- The smallpox hutIn Chapter XXIX he climbs into a loft and carries down a fifteen-year-old girl dying of smallpox. Hank calls it heroism at its loftiest.
- Sold for seven dollarsIn Chapter XXXIV he is auctioned as a slave for seven dollars, and Hank for nine. In Chapter XXXV he keeps arguing that in a fair market he would have fetched twenty-five.
- At the gallowsIn Chapter XXXVIII he is blindfolded and led under the rope in London. Launcelot's knights arrive on bicycles just in time.
- The last battleIn Chapter XLII Clarence reads the account of Arthur's final fight with Mordred. Arthur runs Mordred through with a spear and is struck on the head in return.
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