First posted June 2005. The Apprentice was finishing Grade 8, using AmblesideOnline's Year 7.
This is one of the exams that I wrote this week–it’s about King Arthur, The Once and Future King. I didn’t actually interview anybody–it’s fictional.
This morning on CNN news, we go to Stonehenge for an eye-opening experience–we will broadcast on live television a conversation discussing two books in The Once and Future King series, The Sword in the Stone, and The Queen of Air and Darkness. The conversation will be between the author, T. H. White, and King Arthur, the main character of the books. Let’s go over now . . .
King Arthur: As I was saying, T. H., you’ve documented my life remarkably!
White: Why, thank you! But I must say, I have a couple of questions for you.
KA: Go ahead. I, also, must ask you some questions.
W: What was it like when Merlin turned you into things?
KA: It was most enjoyable. The room would start to spin, it would go all black for a minute, and I would be a fish–or a deer.
W: Neat! So . . .did Merlin actually move Stonehenge?
KA: I am sworn to secrecy.
W: Oh–that’s too bad. What did you learn as an animal (or bird)?
KA: I learned life lessons and morals, the value of human life. I also learned about those animals.
W: The value of human life?
KA: When I was an ant, it was so tedious, absurd, and frustrating that I now highly value my life.
W: That’s interesting! You said that you have some questions for me?
KA: Why, yes. For one, King Pellinore was much more absurd than you wrote. Most of the time, the Questing Beast chased him! And he didn’t even know it.
W: That’s not a question.
KA: A comment, I agree. Why did you make Merlin so disgusting at the beginning of the book?
W: With the owl on his shoulder? I do admit that I stretched the truth a little bit.
KA: Not a little bit. That did not happen to him.
W: Very well, I’ll keep that in mind.
KA: What is all this mixed-up history? The events which took place in these books did not happen then. What have you done?
W: Since I wrote The Once and Future King more for pleasure than to make a bestseller, I did things my own way.
KA: A final question. Is my life really as intriguing as you advertise? You truly think that?
W: King Arthur, I love the story of your life deeply. Thank you for spending this time with me. I’m so glad that you like my books.
And now, CNN weather with Bob McChang—over to you, Bob.
2 comments:
This is brilliant, Mama Squirrel. Now that I have had the pleasure of meeting you in person the hilarity of this interview is all the funnier. I can actually see the twinkle in your eye as it was written and read. I love it!
Dawn, this was totally the Apprentice's exam narration--I cannot take credit even one little bit. But thank you for the kind words!
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