A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court · Chapter
XXI: The Pilgrims explained
Hank Morgan reflects on the power of education and cultural conditioning after observing Sandy's belief in enchantments, realizing that what seems insane in one context is perfectly sane in another.
What happens
Hank Morgan reflects on the power of education and cultural conditioning after observing Sandy's belief in enchantments, realizing that what seems insane in one context is perfectly sane in another. He joins a pilgrimage to the Valley of Holiness to learn about the kingdom firsthand, and along the way encounters a tragic slave coffle, which starkly contrasts with the merry pilgrims.
Themes in this chapter
Technology vs. Superstition
Hank contrasts modern inventions like locomotives and telephones with the medieval belief in enchantments, highlighting the relativity of sanity.
Slavery and Human Rights
The description of the slave coffle underscores the brutal reality of human bondage in Arthurian England.
Religion and Hypocrisy
The story of the monks and the miraculous waters reveals the hypocrisy and superstition underlying religious practices.
Characters to notice
- Hank Morgan
Reflects on cultural relativism and the power of training; decides to observe the kingdom firsthand by joining the pilgrimage.
- Sandy
Explains the pilgrimage to the Valley of Holiness and the miracle of the waters; shows deep reverence for rank.
- Sir Dinadan
Mentioned as the source of an anecdote that Hank is tired of hearing.
- Sir Sagramor
Mentioned in connection with the anecdote that led to Hank's challenge.
Key passages
“My land, the power of training! of influence! of education! It can bring a body up to believe anything.”
Hank marvels at how upbringing and culture can make anyone believe almost anything.
Reflects on cultural relativism and the shaping of beliefs.
“They journey to the Valley of Holiness, for to be blessed of the godly hermits and drink of the miraculous waters and be cleansed from sin.”
Sandy explains that the pilgrims are going to a holy valley to receive blessings from hermits and drink miracle water for forgiveness.
Describes the purpose of the pilgrimage.
“Their irons had chafed the skin from their ankles and made sores which were ulcerated and wormy. Their naked feet were torn, and none walked without a limp.”
The slaves' chains had rubbed their ankles raw, causing infected sores, and their bare feet were injured so that everyone limped.
Graphic depiction of the slaves' suffering.