A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court Foolishness and Folly Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Page)

Quote #4

These big children, their fears gone, became so ravished with wonder over my awe-compelling fireworks that I had to stay there and smoke a couple of pipes out before they would let me go. (14.2)

The Yankee seems pretty irritated at having to wow the yokels here, since it slows him down. Being smart has its downsides.

Quote #5

Her intellect was good, she had brains enough, but her training made her an ass. (18.3)

The book blames foolishness not on individuals, but on culture here… which is a much tougher problem to fix. Sure Hank can educate Sandy (or Morgan, who he's talking about here), and make Clarence his assistant and such, but how does he get the whole society to shift? It takes a little more than remembering when the eclipse will be.

Quote #6

"How old are you, Sandy?" It was the first time I ever struck a still place in her. The mill had shut down for repairs, or something. (19.5)

Pretty simple question, but it throws Sandy for a complete loop. And remember, this is one of the few people in Arthur's time who Hank actually respects. How can he handle the rest of the yahoos in this era? Well okay, he handles them by fooling them with his pseudo magic, but still…