Mark Twain's A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court is a novel written in the late 19th century that tells the story of an American mechanic, Hank Morgan, who, after a head injury, is unexpectedly transported to the court of King Arthur in the 6th century. Set in a world of chivalry and mythical figures, the novel humorously explores how Hank uses his modern knowledge and American practicality to challenge medieval customs and navigate the peculiarities of life in the distant past.
The story begins with the narrator recalling an encounter with a mysterious stranger at Warwick Castle, hinting at a tale that blends historical elements with fantastical themes. The narrator's reflections reveal a skeptical view of the divine right of kings and the legitimacy of medieval traditions, offering readers a critical perspective on the era.
When Hank arrives in Camelot, he is quickly captured by Sir Kay and finds himself thrust into a world where he must either adapt to or outwit the medieval power structures around him. As he grows increasingly confident and self-assured, the narrative blends humor with a critical examination of the contrasts between medieval and modern societal norms.
This novel offers readers an engaging blend of wit and insight, juxtaposing the values and traditions of two vastly different eras while providing a humorous and thought-provoking critique of both.
PREFACE
CHAPTER I. CAMELOT
CHAPTER II. KING ARTHUR¡¯S COURT
CHAPTER III. KNIGHTS OF THE TABLE ROUND
CHAPTER IV. SIR DINADAN THE HUMORIST
CHAPTER V. AN INSPIRATION
CHAPTER VI. THE ECLIPSE
CHAPTER VII. MERLIN¡¯S TOWER
CHAPTER VIII. THE BOSS
CHAPTER IX. THE TOURNAMENT
CHAPTER X. BEGINNINGS OF CIVILIZATION
CHAPTER XI. THE YANKEE IN SEARCH OF ADVENTURES
CHAPTER XII. SLOW TORTURE
CHAPTER XIII. FREEMEN!
CHAPTER XIV. ¡°DEFEND THEE, LORD!
CHAPTER XV. SANDY¡¯S TALE
CHAPTER XVI. MORGAN LE FAY
CHAPTER XVII. A ROYAL BANQUET
CHAPTER XVIII. IN THE QUEEN¡¯S DUNGEONS
CHAPTER XIX. KNIGHT ERRANTRY AS A TRADE
CHAPTER XX. THE OGRE¡¯S CASTLE
CHAPTER XXI. THE PILGRIMS
CHAPTER XXII. THE HOLY FOUNTAIN
CHAPTER XXIII. RESTORATION OF THE FOUNTAIN
CHAPTER XXIV. A RIVAL MAGICIAN
CHAPTER XXV. A COMPETITIVE EXAMINATION
CHAPTER XXVI. THE FIRST NEWSPAPER
CHAPTER XXVII. THE YANKEE AND THE KING TRAVEL INCOGNITO
CHAPTER XXVIII. DRILLING THE KING
CHAPTER XXIX. THE SMALL-POX HUT
CHAPTER XXX. THE TRAGEDY OF THE MANOR-HOUSE
CHAPTER XXXI. MARCO
CHAPTER XXXII. DOWLEY¡¯S HUMILIATION
CHAPTER XXXIII. SIXTH CENTURY POLITICAL ECONOMY
CHAPTER XXXIV. THE YANKEE AND THE KING SOLD AS SLAVES
CHAPTER XXXV. A PITIFUL INCIDENT
CHAPTER XXXVI. AN ENCOUNTER IN THE DARK
CHAPTER XXXVII. AN AWFUL PREDICAMENT
CHAPTER XXXVIII. SIR LAUNCELOT AND KNIGHTS TO THE RESCUE
CHAPTER XXXIX. THE YANKEE¡¯S FIGHT WITH THE KNIGHTS
CHAPTER XL. THREE YEARS LATER
CHAPTER XLI. THE INTERDICT
CHAPTER XLII. WAR!
CHAPTER XLIII. THE BATTLE OF THE SAND-BELT
CHAPTER XLIV. A POSTSCRIPT BY CLARENCE