The Once and Future King

The Once and Future King

by

T. H. White

Teachers and parents! Our Teacher Edition on The Once and Future King makes teaching easy.

The Once and Future King: Book 4, Chapter 6 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
A few weeks later, Lancelot is pacing up and down his room, waiting for the Queen's summons; he knows that Arthur is away hunting and so the two can spend the night together. Suddenly, Gareth asks to enter. He has come to warn Lancelot not to go to the Queen's room that night. He explains that Agravaine and Mordred hate Lancelot and that they are going to do something to trap him. Lancelot dismisses Gareth, saying he knows the King would never do anything to trap him.
Lancelot is arrogant in the face of Gareth's warnings. His relationship with Guenever has obscured his awareness of threats at court. Indeed, Lancelot barely registered Arthur's veiled warnings to him a few weeks previously.
Themes
Chivalry, Satire & Medieval Life Theme Icon
Might vs. Right Theme Icon
War Theme Icon
With this, there is a faint scratching on Lancelot's door. Gareth begs him once more not to answer but Lancelot barely acknowledges him. He grabs his cloak and steps out into the darkness of the passage. He has forgotten his sword.
White's emphasis on the fact that Lancelot forgot his sword is both foreboding and suggests what is to follow.
Themes
Chivalry, Satire & Medieval Life Theme Icon
Fate (Time) Theme Icon