Technology is largely a symbol of Hank's knowledge, which is to say that he uses it as a means of improving the world around him—as the medieval world gains more and more technology, life improves by leaps and bounds in A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. At the same time though, in the Battle of the Sandbar, technology kills so many people that Hank and his friends end up trapped by the sheer wall of bodies. Knowledge and technology have their limits, it seem, even with someone as clever as the Yankee.
Questions About Technology and Modernization
- Why does technology work so well for Hank? What does his use of technology suggest about the problems he faces?
- How does life in Camelot get better with the technology Hank provides? Is the Battle of the Sandbar a critique of technological horrors, or does Twain think it's a good thing (since it's Hank using the scary weapons)?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Technology is a great thing in and of itself in the land of Camelot.
Technology is only a good thing because Hank is creating it, and knows how to use it for good.