Social Discrepancies Between Centuries

Throughout different eras and time periods major cultural and social trends are established which influence the mannerisms of the inhabitants of the time. In Mark Twain’s A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court these discrepancies are clearly present when an industrialized, nineteenth century Yankee finds himself in King Arthur’s court. The Yankee’s tendencies are quite surprising, as he plans to manipulate the kingdom due to his advanced intelligence. He believes this dubs him superior to the rest of the citizens. His industrialized lifestyle has engrained in him the need to conquer others in order to be successful. Immediately he begins plotting and planning the ways in which he can save himself from being executed while manipulating the people in hopes of one day becoming the ruler. This position is not a far cry from his original nineteenth century position as an arms factory superintendant. The Yankee does not even regard the citizens as people as he often refers to them as savages or animals. The Yankee’s focus is primarily on himself and what he can acquire from this opportunity. The factory working, industrialized era in which he once lived instilled in its citizens the importance of getting ahead and desensitized them to the needs of others. The citizens of the sixth century, however, are vastly different than the Yankee. Being under the rule of a monarch has caused them to lose themselves and become mere stepping stones for the advancement of the king. The time in which they live has taught them not to question and not to stand up for themselves. The boy who befriends the Yankee is evidence of this because, while he may not be the most intelligent person, he practically renders himself a servant in order to accommodate the Yankee and avoid his wrath. The citizens’ acceptance of everything outlandish wizards like Merlin claim to be true is also a testament to the ways which they are scared into obedience. Because of these cultural differences, the Yankee is presented with a perfect opportunity to manipulate and take over the kingdom.