Americanized Arthurian Animation: Political Propaganda Publications in Children's Cinematic Cartoons
Poster Number
11
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
English
Faculty Mentor
Jo Koster, Ph.D.
Abstract
The Arthurian tradition begins as a backhanded compliment, and through the course of a multitude of generations to follow, the story expands into a literary titan. Names such as Guenever, Lancelot, and Arthur are names that people are familiar with even if they have not read works by T.H. White, Sir Thomas Malory, or Chretien de Troyes, in part thanks to Walt Disney. Some critics suggest that Walt Disney’s 1963 film The Sword in the Stone has no place in a college-level course because it is childish. This is precisely why it has a valid place in an Arthurian literature or film class; Disney’s rendition of the tale provides a positive message to children while simultaneously sending a far more mature message of understanding social issues to the adult viewers. In this film, T.H. White’s novel, The Sword in the Stone, is adapted to the screen and marketed for a younger audience, encouraging children to embrace good morals and education. This piece also acts as pro-American propaganda during the Cold War shortly after Kennedy’s death. Though possibly coincidental, this Cold War Camelot acts as a social mirror for events occurring and world leaders in power during the time of the film’s release. Regardless of box-office success, this retelling of the story of King Arthur is as equally successful and credible as any other historic text regarding Arthur.
Course Assignment
ENGL 307 – Koster
Previously Presented/Performed?
11th Annual Meeting in the Middle, Longwood University, April 2017
Start Date
21-4-2017 12:00 PM
Americanized Arthurian Animation: Political Propaganda Publications in Children's Cinematic Cartoons
Rutledge
The Arthurian tradition begins as a backhanded compliment, and through the course of a multitude of generations to follow, the story expands into a literary titan. Names such as Guenever, Lancelot, and Arthur are names that people are familiar with even if they have not read works by T.H. White, Sir Thomas Malory, or Chretien de Troyes, in part thanks to Walt Disney. Some critics suggest that Walt Disney’s 1963 film The Sword in the Stone has no place in a college-level course because it is childish. This is precisely why it has a valid place in an Arthurian literature or film class; Disney’s rendition of the tale provides a positive message to children while simultaneously sending a far more mature message of understanding social issues to the adult viewers. In this film, T.H. White’s novel, The Sword in the Stone, is adapted to the screen and marketed for a younger audience, encouraging children to embrace good morals and education. This piece also acts as pro-American propaganda during the Cold War shortly after Kennedy’s death. Though possibly coincidental, this Cold War Camelot acts as a social mirror for events occurring and world leaders in power during the time of the film’s release. Regardless of box-office success, this retelling of the story of King Arthur is as equally successful and credible as any other historic text regarding Arthur.
