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Book 3, Chapter 21
Themes
and Colors
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Once and Future King, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Chivalry, Satire & Medieval Life
Fate (Time)
Quest and The Holy Grail
Might vs. Right
War
Summary
Analysis
Lancelot recovers slowly. Elaine visits him once a day, but does not cry or bother him. One day, Lancelot asks her what he should do; he cannot stay there, nor can he return to court. Elaine says that her father could give them a castle and they could live together. Lancelot considers this, but says he could never marry her because he does not love her. Elaine agrees, knowing that he will never love her.
It seems as if Lancelot and Elaine might be able to begin a life together and to forgive one another for their past betrayals. However, Lancelot can never truly love Elaine and this is her vulnerability and downfall—her belief and hope that he may one day come to love her.
Active
Themes
Literary Devices
