A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court · Chapter
VII: Merlin’s Tower explained
Hank Morgan, now the second most powerful person in the kingdom, enjoys fame and luxury but is troubled by the lack of modern conveniences.
What happens
Hank Morgan, now the second most powerful person in the kingdom, enjoys fame and luxury but is troubled by the lack of modern conveniences. He faces pressure to perform another miracle, and after Merlin spreads rumors that he is a fraud, Hank imprisons Merlin and publicly promises to blow up Merlin's stone tower using 'fires from heaven.' Working secretly with Clarence, he prepares blasting powder and a lightning-rod, then destroys the tower in a spectacular explosion, cementing his reputation and causing the crowds to disperse.
Themes in this chapter
Technology vs. Superstition
Hank uses his knowledge of blasting powder and electricity to simulate a miracle, exploiting the superstitious beliefs of the populace to secure his power.
Power and Corruption
Hank's rise to power and his manipulation of the public through staged miracles illustrate the corrupting influence of authority.
Characters to notice
- Hank Morgan
Now the second personage in the kingdom, Hank enjoys fame but struggles with the lack of modern amenities. He devises a plan to blow up Merlin's tower to maintain his reputation.
- Clarence
Hank's confidant, who helps him secretly prepare the blasting powder and lightning-rod for the miracle.
- Merlin
Green with envy and spite, Merlin spreads rumors that Hank is a humbug. He is imprisoned by Hank and later his tower is destroyed.
- King Arthur
The king becomes a person of minor interest compared to Hank. He wants to stop Merlin's wages and banish him, but Hank intervenes.
Key passages
“It turned Brer Merlin green with envy and spite, which was a great satisfaction to me.”
Merlin became extremely jealous and angry, which pleased me greatly.
Hank takes pleasure in Merlin's envy.
“I saw that I was just another Robinson Crusoe cast away on an uninhabited island, with no society but some more or less tame animals, and if I wanted to make life bearable I must do as he did—invent, contrive, create, reorganize things; set brain and hand to work, and keep them busy.”
I realized I was like Robinson Crusoe, stranded in a primitive place, and I would have to use my ingenuity to survive and improve my surroundings.
Hank compares his situation to that of Robinson Crusoe, emphasizing his need to innovate.