A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court

by Twain, Mark

Collection

Project Gutenberg

Project Gutenberg Release

Project Gutenberg ID

86

Reading Ease

Reading ease score: 75.7 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.

Rights: Public domain in the USA.

Summary

"A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" by Mark Twain is a novel written during the late 19th century. The narrative follows the experiences of an American mechanic named Hank Morgan, who, after a blow to the head, finds himself inexplicably transported to the court of King Arthur in the sixth century. In this realm of chivalry and mythical figures, Hank leverages his modern knowledge and American practicality to navigate the peculiarities of medieval life and challenge the customs of that time. The opening of the novel introduces us to the narrator who recounts an encounter with a mysterious stranger at Warwick Castle, hinting that the tale will blend historical elements with fantastical themes. The narrator’s subsequent reflections reveal his skepticism about kingly divine right and the legitimacy of medieval traditions. The stage is set for Hank Morgan's arrival in Camelot, where he quickly learns he has become a prisoner of Sir Kay, only to realize that he must either acclimate to or outsmart the old-world politics that surround him. With a burgeoning sense of self-importance and comedy, the narrative promises a humorous yet critical exploration of the contrasts between modern and medieval societal norms. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Metadata

language_code

en

bookshelf

Category: Classics of Literature
Category: Humour
Category: Science-Fiction & Fantasy
Category: Novels
Category: American Literature
Precursors of Science Fiction
Arthurian Legends

locc_code

PS

subject

Satire
Fantasy fiction
Arthurian romances -- Adaptations
Kings and rulers -- Fiction
Time travel -- Fiction
Americans -- Great Britain -- Fiction
Knights and knighthood -- Fiction
Britons -- Fiction