A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court Group

Question:

tyshera23
tyshera23
Student
High School - 9th Grade

In A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, how does Hank use his power over society?

how did Hank use his Ranking in society to better himself as well as the people of Camelot

Rate question:

Posted by tyshera23 on Sunday March 18, 2007 at 10:05 PM and tagged with a connecticut yankee in king arthur's court, mark twain.

Answers:


  1. janeyb

    eNotes Editor

    Hank used his power over society to get the King to promote political reform, abolish slavery, and bring in the railroad, sewing machines and other 19th century inventions. Hank tried to better the people by having King Arthur travel with him to see how the other side of the kingdom survived. That, of course, didn't exactly work out as Hank had intended

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/connecticut-yankee/46129

    Rate answer:

    Posted by janeyb on Monday March 19, 2007 at 7:41 AM


  2. sherria Teacher
    High School - 11th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Hank found the people of Camelot to be superstitious and gullible. In their naivete, he found it easy to con them into believing he possessed magical powers. Once he won over King Arthur and the rest of the inhabitants of Camelot, he sought to improve their lot in society. He helped to create a functioning newspaper, the telephone, a railroad, an educational system ("The Man Factory"),and many other 19th century inventions and technological advancements. It is through his Man Factory that he hopes to increase religious options, choice and freedom and free the "freeman" of the ties that have bound them to be servants to the ruling class. While Hank has great intentions, he falls prey to the power of being one of the "divinely chosen." As The Boss, he works closely with King Arthur the Knights of the Round Table. It is also through this title and association that he avoids death and captivity.

    Rate answer:

    Posted by sherria on Monday March 19, 2007 at 8:30 AM