A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain

Mark Twain’s novel, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, is a classic story of a man finding himself in a strange time, while also exploring the idea of progress within all civilizations, no matter the era. The novel intertwines history and satire to become an influential work of literature that still resonates today.

Hank Morgan is the Connecticut Yankee of the title and he is a man who values both intelligence and common sense. He lives and works in 19th century America and has no idea that the next day he is about to be catapulted into the 6th century, back to the time of King Arthur. Hank is quickly suspected of being a magician and he decides to use this illusion to his advantage, though he does not realize how influential his and his modern ideas will be on the existing government.

King Arthur’s court is a magical, albeit backwards, place. Hank is appalled by many aspects of the life people live here such as a belief that violence and war solve all disputes, a strict law and order enforced by superstition and the overhanging punishments of torture and burning at the stake. Hank instead brings in the concept of appealing to reason and showing respect to the justice system and the court. He attempts to modernize the court while simultaneously recognizing and honoring many of the customs and values of the 6th century.

Hank’s attempts to modernize the court meet with various levels of success and failure as he battles against both the superstition of the age and his own erroneous expectations of what he can achieve. Hank’s lasting legacies in King Arthur’s court become inventions and ideas that shake up the existing social order, such as what is termed the “systematic ruin” of the Knights of the Round Table which is the eradication of “all the old-time chivalry”.

Though Hank Morgan still has his brains, a little bit of magic, and his earthly attitude—along with a dash of what we now consider modern cleverness—he also demonstrates a knack for understanding his new world and its values. Hank manages to find a way to be an example of what a modernized and rational civilization should be, rather than imposing his own views upon the people.

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court is a classic example of how progress and progressivism can alter existing history and culture, while at the same time preserving important values. By demonstrating the importance of intellectual institutions and modernized laws, the novel has left a lasting impression on history, culture, and literature. It is a comedy filled with memorable characters, clever dialogue, and clever plots, that still appeals to readers today.