CROWNING OF ARTHUR: How might a present-day audience react to Merlin's plan?

Merlin's Plan in Arthur's Crowning: A Modern Audience Perspective

In the legendary tale of King Arthur, Merlin plays a pivotal role in orchestrating Arthur's crowning as the rightful king of Camelot. His cunning plan involves manipulating events and using his magical abilities to ensure Arthur's ascension to the throne. How might a present-day audience react to Merlin's plan in this context?

Options:

a) A present-day audience might find Merlin's plan clever and entertaining.

b) A present-day audience might view Merlin's plan as outdated and unethical.

c) A present-day audience might not react to Merlin's plan.

d) A present-day audience might find Merlin's plan confusing.

Final answer:

A present-day audience might have varying reactions to Merlin's plan in Arthur's crowning, ranging from appreciation of its cleverness to viewing it as outdated and unethical, dependent on their familiarity with Arthurian legends and their personal ethical viewpoints.

Explanation:

When considering Merlin's plan in the context of the crowning of Arthur, a present-day audience might have varied reactions. Someone versed in the legend of King Arthur and familiar with Shakespeare's portrayal might find Merlin's plan to be clever and entertaining, valuing the intricacies of the plan and the medieval setting.

However, others may view Merlin's plan as outdated and perhaps unethical, as the idea of manipulating events or using magic might conflict with modern values and sensibilities. Moreover, to an audience not engaged with the historical context or the narrative, there could be a lack of reaction or even confusion regarding the actions and motivations of the characters involved.

To provide context, Tennyson's works presumed a reader's familiarity with the Arthurian legends, which included characters such as King Arthur, Sir Lancelot, and the setting of Camelot.

The legendary figures and tales have been iconic in English history, but the modern audience's familiarity with these may vary, thereby affecting their reaction to Merlin's plans.

Comparing historical rhetoric, such as Urban's speech calling for a crusade, to modern persuasion methods, it is evident that audiences today still respond to certain persuasive strategies, regardless of the era they were crafted in, but the ethical lens through which plans like Merlin's are viewed can significantly differ.