Merlyn Symbolism

V. SYMBOLISM The symbolism within the novel added another level of meaning to an already meaningful work. One important symbol used throughout the plot was the Forest Sauvage. The forest was symbolic for the Wart’s future. Every time that the Wart entered the forest he always met both adventure and great danger. Whether his adventure with Robin Wood, or his near death by the hands of Madame Mim, the Wart always faced new challenges and incredible peril when trekking through the forest. As the Wart ages, this reality of glory and danger will only heighten as he encounters greater enemies and attains greater power. The character of Merlyn represented wisdom and the importance of education. Throughout the novel, Merlyn continually acted not

He uses it when describing places, events, character, and reactions. When the Wart and Kay go hawking in the woods, Kay releases the hawk too early, and the author describes their reaction as, “the two hearts stood still” (17). White also over-exaggerates his characters for effect. He uses this hyperbole to emphasize certain attributes of the characters. For example, when White describes the Anthropophagi he writes that, “[s]ome of the men had lower lips so large that they couold cover their heads with them to keep off the rain” (138). They did not actually have lips that large, but the description adds an almost frightening level to their appearance. White also utilizes onomatopaeia in his writing. Every chapter is full of sounds to allow the reader to hear as well as see the action. When describing the sound of a soaring arrow, the author writes, “there was a quick whirr and a smack” (21). Finally, White utilizes anachronisms in his writing. This is mainly used on the character of Merlyn. Because he lives backwards in time, it is natural for him to reference object and events that didn’t exist during the Middle Ages. For example, when pumping water Merlyn says, “I wish to goodness… that I was only on the electric light and the company’s water”