Once and Future King (White)

Discussion Questions
Use our LitLovers Book Club Resources; they can help with discussions for any book:

• How to Discuss a Book (helpful discussion tips)
• Generic Discussion Questions—Fiction and Nonfiction
• Read-Think-Talk (a guided reading chart)

Also consider these LitLovers talking points to help get a discussion started for The Once and Future King:

1. What lessons does Arthur learn from each of his transformations—into fish, hawk, ant, goose, and badger?

2. What does Merlyn mean that Might does not make Right? In what way does his concept challenge the existing ideals of medieval society? How is that concept apropos the history of the 20th century—or any era of history?

3. In what ways does White satirize war in his book? What is his concept of war? Do you agree?

4. The first sections of the book were written during the run-up to, and early years of, World War II, during which time White declared himself a conscientious objector. Does knowing that have any effect on how you read/understand/interpret The Once and Future King?

5. What is the point of Badger's "dissertation"?

6. How—and why—does White play tricks with time? Consider not only Merlyn's living by reverse time, but also the frequent use of anachronisms (modern references).

7. The various castles in The Once and Future King are different, each with its own setting and character. Talk about their variations...and how each embodies the hopes and fears of its inhabitants.

8. What is Arthur's attitude toward the love affair between Lancelot and Guenever. Why does he react the way he does? Do you think he should have reacted differently?

9. What is the meaning of The Round Table? What does Arthur hope to accomplish through its design?

10. What is the significance of the quest for the Holy Grail—and the knights failure to find it?

11. What is the literal—and symbolic—significance of the book's title? What does it mean in the larger scope of history?

12. White suggests in this retelling that good intentions and innocence are not enough in the struggle against evil. What, then, is enough? Is he saying that hope for justice and goodness is futile?

(Questions by LitLovers. Please feel free to use them, online or off, with attribution. Thanks.)

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