The Sword in the Stone: Lessons in Adaptibility and Imitation

Of all the lessons Arthur learns in “The Sword in the Stone”, the most important are those that involve adaptability and imitation because they will help him to become a person able to solve problems and adjust to new situations. Through Arthur’s childhood, T. H. White uses Merlyn to subject Arthur to many trials and tribulations. He faces intense adventures, fights bizarre monsters, and is transformed into different animals; in this, he is forced to adapt to his surroundings whether he likes it or not. Merlyn’s goal is to make Arthur the best person he can be, and part of that involves Arthur adjusting to the ideas of those around him. An important facet of an admirable personality is adaptability, and Merlyn does an excellent job of incorporating this into Arthur’s education. One of Arthur’s most valuable lessons growing up is his comprehensive conversation with Merlyn and Archimedes about birds. A major theme of this conversation is that what happens in one’s environment can influence what he will accomplish. As Merlyn says, “The kestrel drops upon a mouse, and the poor mouse, transfixed with those needle talons, cries out in agony his one squeal of K-e-e-e! Next time the kestrel sees a mouse, his own soul cries out Kee in imitation.” (White 158). People learn by mimicry of their surroundings, starting as babies copying their parents. While the three of them talk, another thing the wizard slips into the conversation is that much of who we are is often inspired by or adopted from outside sources. Merlyn’s friend, Aristotle, “...maintains, or will maintain, that the question of the language of birds arises out of imitation”, he explains to Arthur (157). Even the most creative of people draw their inspiration from somewhere. While having this conversation, Arthur also realizes how he himself values fairness. Describing pigeons, Arthur says, “I suppose the reason why people are always trying to kill them is because they are so greedy,” (157). Arthur learns that he