FREE ESSAY ON ONCE AND FUTURE KING

ONCE AND FUTURE KING

In the book "The Once and Future King", by T.H.White, the author clearly shows what the
important values and knowledge a king or leader must have. He/she must know what it is
like to be in other situations with other points of view of life, as Arthur was taught by
Merlin when he was transformed into other animals. He/she must also know how to survive
on their own and take control when they are lost, as in when Arthur found his way back to
the castle of Sir Ector with Cully. He must also have a basic education, more then the
average follower or subject, which Arthur was tutored by Merlin. Book one shows the
upbringing of Arthur, preparing him to be a renowned ruler. 
When Arthur was being taught by Merlin, he was transformed into other animals with magic,
to learn the difference of lifestyles, and to appreciate all that surrounds him. His
first adventure was when he was transfigured into a fish. He swam through the moat around
Sir Ector's castle and Merlin helped save another fish. He was just beginning to see all
that surrounded him, and began to treasure everything encompassing him more. Another
landmark of his transformations was when he became a merlin and bonded with the other
birds, hearing all that they said and how they felt, which most likely helped him in the
future when he needed them to hunt and such. This is similar to the preparation of our
leaders, although we don't have magic to transform into other animals, we learn more
about how other's feel and react towards what we do. 
Arthur and Kay went out with Cully when the bird was not ready to hunt yet, and when they
ended up losing the bird, Arthur knew to take responsibility and stay with it until it
calmed down. He ended up getting lost in the forest and had to take care of himself and
try to find his way back. The author was relying on this to indicate that a leader or a
king must stand up and take charge of the matter instead of leaning on others and
depending on them. A leader or king can be afraid, but they must not let fear overcome
their need for survival. Nowadays, to take charge in a group or to lead the way is a
strong quality of leadership. To be fearful and stand back, both in Arthur's times and
now, revealed that you were not a leader and could not easily survive on your own or help
in the survival of others, which is a necessity of a king.
The author also has Merlin come to teach Arthur when he is still a child to help in the
advancement of his education. Arthur learns not only how to survive physically, but how
to come up with the solutions to survive mentally also. Since he was a child, Arthur only
wanted to be taught with magic, not to study in the castle, but Merlin knew that he would
not make it as a successful king and leader of the country if he did not know how to
solve basic problems with his mind. He had to be more advised then the others around him.
This is similar to today's rulers, whereas, if someone is to become a king, he get s the
finest education and teacher in that area. If someone is to become a president, then they
shall go to college and study up on politics and law and such, to be well informed before
making crucial decisions.
This book distinctly reveals significant knowledge and values that should be present in a
king or leader. The author shows them in disguises, but makes sure that they are caught
and accounted for. The need for a strong education, basic survival tactics to stay in
control of situations, and the knowledge of how others see the world around them are
substantial to being a dignified leader or king. The world of Arthur and the world of
today may seem to be completely and solidly different, but if you read between the lines,
they are clearly based on the same principles and have the same structure for success and
survival.