I think that this scene with Arthur and Merlin is far more powerful on my second reading of this section. You have sweet baby-faced innocent Arthur finally realizing how much power he truly has. For a minute, I kind of felt a way in which Arthur, the pure protagonist, could actually be corrupted by all of this new power. Merlin even reinforces this dark line by saying that he could totally kill him from that distance. Really good characterizations here.
When I read this. i definitely felt a big sense of symbolism, though, I don't think that it hinted that Arthur could actually become corrupt. I think it is more of the sense that Arthur here realizes that his actions do/could actually lead to the death of others. He is previously stated to have participate in something that killed (i think) 2,000 Kerns. Merlin seems to reprimand how not seriously Arthur is taking their deaths. So this moment with the rock, as insignificant as it seems, represents Arthur's realization of the result of death at his 'whims'; i think he begins to take the death of others seriously after this.
ReplyDeleteSure, I think t could be what you said as well. I got the sense that it was more of a pull and tug at the readers in way. I don't think Arthur could ever become corrupt, but that doesn't necessarily stop the author from hinting that he could become that way.
DeleteI thought the same thing here, I thought it showed Arthur as a little bit bloodthirsty as well which was interesting. I think Arthurs-like you said- is starting to understand that his actions, especially since he's a king who could start a war just for the hell of it. I think during this scene, how far Arthur needs to go to understand that just because he can do something, doesn't mean his actions wont have consequences.
ReplyDeleteI agree; it shows just how much power Arthur could potentially have, and how fine the line can be between good and evil. Arthur has the chance to harness his power for either side, not both, and it gives him a moment to contemplate Merlin's advice. Notable also is that Merlin doesn't try to sway him either way, rather makes it clear that it's entirely Arthur's choice.
DeleteYeah, I definitely interpret it as a hard balance of power struggle that Arthur has at the beginning. I feel as though most people would have abused t if they suddenly had that kind of immense power.
DeleteIt's one of those moments that totally makes me glad I am not in a position of life-and-death power, that is for sure! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI think that this is really one of the moments where I was a little afraid of what Arthur could do. It felt like he was taking someone else's fate into his own hands. He could decide whether someone lived or died.
ReplyDeleteSame. I definitely had Star Wars vibes from this scene especially in the sense that you are presented with an awesome power and the main character is tested as to whether or not to use it wisely.
DeleteHonestly same, like there was this whole train of thought in head that was pretty much "but what if Arthur did it?" like what if we had a "dark" Arthur. Honestly I would be kind of interested in seeing what happens in that situation.
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