Short Story Analysis Essay - Arthur Becomes King of Britain

Introduction

The short story Arthur Becomes King of Britain is written by Terence Hanbury White (White, n.d.). The story is about Arthur, a young man who is belittled by his foster family. In a twist of fate, Arthur becomes King of Britain when he extracts the sword from the anvil. Arthur, with no intention of becoming King, finds himself in unknown territory as he takes over the throne after the demise of the King (White, n.d.). This essay will critically analyze the short story Arthur Becomes King of Britain by Terence White to reveal its theme, tone, setting, purpose, and the figurative language used.

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The story is set in Forest Sauvage which is the home of Arthur (White, n.d.). The story transits to London where Kay is escorted by his father Ector and foster brother Arthur in an attempt to become King (White, n.d.). White uses a humorous tone in the story. One instance that shows humor is the internal monologue Artur has when he is sent to retrieve the sword. The conversations between the characters are also filled with humor.

The story has two main themes. The first theme is the role of myths and legends in society. The Kingship system of Britain was such that the heir was the King's son (White, n.d.). If the King had no sons, legend had that the person who would remove the sword from the stone would be King (White, n.d.). In the end, Arthur becomes King when he pulls the sword out of the stone (White, n.d.). The second theme is the importance of humility and obedience. Arthur is a timid boy living with his foster father and brother. Arthur agrees to go to London to accompany his brother. When they arrive at London, Arthur is a squire and is sent to get a sword for his foster brother Kay (White, n.d.). In obedience to his brother's command, Arthur unknowingly retrieves the magical sword from the stone and is crowned King. The obedience and humility of Arthur are what made him become King, had he disobeyed his brother he would not have retrieved the sword. The purpose and the theme of the story are tied together. The objective of the story is to show how obedience and humility are repaid. The story also serves as a lesson not to look down on the less disadvantaged in society. Arthur the wart and the squire becomes King, and his father and brother have to kneel before him.

White uses figurative language to draw the reader's attention and make the story captivating. One of the figurative languages used is metaphors. Arthurs is referred to as Wart (White, n.d.). A wart is a growth on the skin which represents something that is unwanted. When Arthur came into the house after the family had decided to go to London, White writes "... the Wart came in with Merlyn, and everybody was too excited to notice that... (White, n.d.)." White uses wart to show the status of Arthur in society as one who was looked down upon and given fringe responsibilities. White also uses symbolism in the form of the sword. The sword represented power since whoever retrieved it from the stone would be crowned King. Similes are also used with Sir Grummore remarking "He took a deep breath and goggled at his host with eyes like marbles (White, n.d.)." The eyes, in this case, are compared to marbles due to the similarity in their shapes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the short story Arthur Becomes King of Britain by Terence White is set in Forest Sauvage and London. The main themes of the story are the role of myths and legends, and the importance of humility and obedience. White uses a humorous tone especially in the conversation between the characters. White also makes use of figurative language in the form of symbolism, metaphors, and similes. This classical story serves the purpose of showing how good is rewarded seen in how Arthur a humble young boy becomes King.

Reference

White, T.H. (n.d.). Arthur Becomes King of Britain. Retrieved from http://bclearningnetwork.com/LOR/media/Eng11/course_files/course_material/unit4/U04L01.htm