Hank Morgan [ Edited ]

[ConnieAnnKirk]

What traits does the protagonist, Yankee Hank Morgan, possess that make him particularly suited to the task of modernizing Arthurian Britain? What character flaws does he possess? Do you like Morgan? Dislike him?

Message Edited by ConnieK on 10-27-2007 09:57 AM

[thinker]

Hank is a highly skilled quick thinking individual, at the beginning of the the story we see where Hank in discussion with Clarence immediately remembers the occurrance of the solar eclipse, i think it was in 528? even though this knowledge was not necessary at the time it does benefit him later on.
Though his varied skills assist him in recieving a certain level of respect in Camelot, and this respect could have been as a result of fear, I think in the process Hank forgot the time he was dealing with and even though he had taken certain persons in confidence to assist him, on most occasions he reacted too quickly with his inventions.

As for liking or disliking him, its a bit hard to decide, since his qualities can be viewed from both sides.


Thinker

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ConnieK wrote:
What traits does the protagonist, Yankee Hank Morgan, possess that make him particularly suited to the task of modernizing Arthurian Britain? What character flaws does he possess? Do you like Morgan? Dislike him?

Message Edited by ConnieK on 10-27-2007 09:57 AM

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[ConnieAnnKirk]

What's so clever of Twain is how he gets the reader to go along with this fantasy ride with him, you know? The eclipse is one example. How likely is it that Hank would remember a year of an eclipse so long ago, yet we buy right into it, or at least allow ourselves to accept it to stay with the story.

~ConnieK

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thinker wrote:
Hank is a highly skilled quick thinking individual, at the beginning of the the story we see where Hank in discussion with Clarence immediately remembers the occurrance of the solar eclipse, i think it was in 528? even though this knowledge was not necessary at the time it does benefit him later on.
Though his varied skills assist him in recieving a certain level of respect in Camelot, and this respect could have been as a result of fear, I think in the process Hank forgot the time he was dealing with and even though he had taken certain persons in confidence to assist him, on most occasions he reacted too quickly with his inventions.

As for liking or disliking him, its a bit hard to decide, since his qualities can be viewed from both sides

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[thinker]

Yes Twain is rather clever since based on one such rather simple incident he makes the reader develop a certain "respect" towards Mr. Morgan, and as a result further buoys up the readers interest in this character's adventures

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ConnieK wrote:
What's so clever of Twain is how he gets the reader to go along with this fantasy ride with him, you know? The eclipse is one example. How likely is it that Hank would remember a year of an eclipse so long ago, yet we buy right into it, or at least allow ourselves to accept it to stay with the story.

~ConnieK

[bentley]

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thinker wrote:
Hank is a highly skilled quick thinking individual, at the beginning of the the story we see where Hank in discussion with Clarence immediately remembers the occurrance of the solar eclipse, i think it was in 528? even though this knowledge was not necessary at the time it does benefit him later on.
Though his varied skills assist him in recieving a certain level of respect in Camelot, and this respect could have been as a result of fear, I think in the process Hank forgot the time he was dealing with and even though he had taken certain persons in confidence to assist him, on most occasions he reacted too quickly with his inventions.

As for liking or disliking him, its a bit hard to decide, since his qualities can be viewed from both sides.


Thinker

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ConnieK wrote:
What traits does the protagonist, Yankee Hank Morgan, possess that make him particularly suited to the task of modernizing Arthurian Britain? What character flaws does he possess? Do you like Morgan? Dislike him?

Message Edited by ConnieK on 10-27-2007 09:57 AM

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Yes, I have gotten to that section already and wondered how anyone just remembered when the solar eclipse happened to occur in 528. Haven't gotten to the point where he uses such knowledge but given his clothes and his odd manners for that time period; I am sure it was fear that was registered by the folks at Camelot.

At the beginning, the young girl was fearful of him and not the others and he seem surprised by this.

[bentley]

What I am beginning to be struck with about our Hank Morgan is that he seems to want to dismantle the monarchy (or at least perish it from British soil); eliminate the aristocracy, exterminate organized religion because he says it turns humans into worms and finally (the ultimate goal) to establish an American style democracy or union in Arthurian Britain!

Let us make everyone live like we do; we must have the best ideas (lol).

He loves his power and the ability to be the smartest man in Arthurian Britain. What happened to Puss Flanigan in East Hartford. Out of sight, out of mind.

This is Twain at his most acerbic; some very strident and cutting views.