Maintaining Drive through Passion in Arthur Becomes King by T.H. White.

Maintaining Drive

Passion derives from interests. One develops this idea when an activity is prevalent among their ideals. The determination and appeal that result from this passion lead to ambition. All individuals possess this in some form. For the characters in the Arthurian Legends, this occurs when each must prove their leadership as knights. In every story, the protagonist must battle conflict in order to achieve a particular goal. Commonly, this goal relates to success. It occurs in various situations, but each person uses their ambition to help them succeed. The audience notices how each character’s personality will influence the outcome of their ambition. Depending on how they portray themselves, different reactions will result. Sir Thomas Malory and T.H. White use each character’s personality traits in order to demonstrate those with true ambition will achieve the most reward.

Initially, heroic characteristics are seen in Sir Arthur in the legend The Crowning of Arthur by Sir Thomas Mallory. In this story, Sir Arthur triumphs when he removes a highly sought of sword from a stone and others declare him king. When a tournament is held for knights to prove their right to the throne, Sir Kay, Arthur’s brother, realizes he is without a sword. Arthur is sent to retrieve the item, and he unintentionally removes the highly acclaimed object from its stone (Malory, The Crowning of Arthur 1069). At first, the protagonist considers his actions a thoughtful deed. Due to his personality, Sir Arthur does not possess ambition. However, upon fully understanding the nature of the situation, Sir Arthur gains a sense of determination. He must use this skill when proclaiming his deserving of the throne (Malory, The Crowni...

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... these abilities prove almost unrealistic. This super-human ability and other genetic structures, such as mysterious upbringings are also identifiable in these stories. Modernly, Arthurian legends serve as lessons which teach valuable ideas and consequence. By learning from these characters, one can portray themselves in a way to ensure their own success.

Works Cited

Malory, Sir Thomas. “The Crowning of Arthur.” Literature. Ed. Applebee, Arthur et. al. NY,

New York: McDougal Littell, 2006.

1065-1071. Print.

Malory, Sir Thomas. “Sir Launcelot du Lake.” Literature. Ed. Applebee, Arthur et. al. NY,

New York: McDougal Littell, 2006.

1073-1079. Print.

White, T.H.. "Arthur Becomes King." Adventures in Appreciation. Ed. McDermott, Caryn et. al.

NY, New York: Holt Rinehart, and

Winston, 1996. 753-762. Print.