Questions and answers to the book by T. H. White “The Candle in the Wind”


How did the writer manage to solve two very important issues at the beginning of the book: the question of the role of appearance in the fate of man and the question of the role of Force and Justice? Does the author see a connection between these concepts? To answer these questions, try to make a plan for the first chapter, to follow the paragraph after the paragraph, what did you think, what Lancelot dreamed about and what he dreamed of. The boy looks at his reflection in the convex surface of the metal helmet. The boy guesses that there is some flaw in his appearance. Lancelot tirelessly twirled the dumbbells and sang the song without words. Lancelot remembers Arthur, his conversation with him and the decision of the future King to establish a knightly order that can withstand the Force.

Lancelot tells Arthur how he understood his dream: to find a force that would be right, not a strong hand. Sleep Lancelot, who seemed to be talking about the impracticability of his dream. Lancelot knew that he was ugly, and decided to become not Sir Lancelot, but a Knight Commitment. The desire to be a Knight Commitment is caused by the fact that the hero is sure of his disgrace.

The plan of the first chapter helps to understand that in the famous Sir Lancelot – a model of knightly nobility – in his youth the best qualities of a person were born.

Chapter one begins and ends with Lancelot’s attempt to see his reflection in the polished armor. Read these brief descriptions. Do they give only an idea of ​​the appearance of the hero or help us begin to actively experience, sympathize with him?

The description of Lancelot’s two attempts to see himself in shiny armor shows us that the boy guessed his misfortune and wanted to see how unattractive he was.

Why did the King see the contradiction between Strong Hand and Right? Do you agree with the fact that already in this chapter readers will be on one side or the other? How do you explain Lancelot’s response to King Arthur: “Do you want to end the rule of the Strong Hand by bringing together the knights who believe more

in rightness than in the Force?”

Everyone understands the difference between Strong Hand and Right. And this was understood by King Arthur. But the point here is not only that there is a difference between them – there is an irreconcilable contradiction between them. Strength in some cases can support rightness, but more often they are irreconcilable opponents. And Lancelot knew that King Arthur wanted to be right could deal with the Strong Hand.

Why Lancelot immediately after the “exam” seeks to leave for King Arthur? How do you explain his decision? Do you hear jocular notes in this narrative?

The author describes the events associated with his decision, quite jokingly: first Lancelot learns about his glorious future, and then the magician Merlin appears and quickly leaves. Immediately Lancelot informs his uncle Skok about an urgent trip to England. He wanted to arrive as soon as possible to King Arthur.

In chapter four, an unexpected duel with an unnamed knight occurs. Who was this nameless knight? How is the moment described when both Lancelot and readers recognize him? Do not you feel jokes of the author?

Duel “ardent fan of Arthur” Lancelot with an unnamed knight was short and decisive. Lancelot did not know that he had already become the best knight in Europe, it was known only to his tutor – Uncle Skok. The mastery of Lancelot was experienced by the nameless knight, who turned out to be King Arthur. That it was he, it became clear when his shield was exposed, on which everyone saw “on the golden field of a dragon-chervlogo standing.” Lancelot immediately knelt before the knight. Both – the King and Lancelot – were delighted to meet and gallop to the castle, forgetting about Uncle Skok.

How is the fact that the future illustrious knight Lancelot is ugly, helps the author show sympathy for this hero?

The author of “Candles in the wind” shows the reader not only that the hero is ugly, but also that he was ready to overcome his shortcomings from a young age and to ensure that those around him could see his true virtues, which are more important than external data, more important, than beauty.
