Final answer:
The tone of T.H. White's 'Arthur Becomes King of Britain' is more playful and modern, while Alfred, Lord Tennyson's 'Morte d'Arthur' is solemn and elegiac, reflecting the authors' different intents and the eras in which they wrote.
Step-by-step explanation:
Contrasting Tones in Arthurian Literature
The tone of T.H. White's 'Arthur Becomes King of Britain' differs significantly from Alfred, Lord Tennyson's 'Morte d'Arthur' in their approach to the Arthurian legend. White's narrative is generally seen as more playful and accessible, often adorning the legendary tale with a touch of humor and modern sensibility. Conversely, Tennyson's work is imbued with a solemn, elegiac quality, befitting its focus on the end of Arthur's reign and the disintegration of the idyllic world of Camelot. These tonal differences are reflective of each author's intent and the historical context in which they were writing.
White wrote post-World War II, during a time when the British literary world was recovering from the grim realities of conflict. His writing aims to make the legendary tales of Arthur more relatable to a contemporary audience, using a tone that emphasizes hope and resilience. In contrast, Tennyson wrote in the Victorian era, a period often associated with a fascination for chivalry, heroism, and a nostalgic mourning for a lost past. His elegiac tone is reflective of these sentiments and the era's preoccupations with honor, decline, and mortality.
The tone an author employs is pivotal in shaping how a reader perceives and connects to the text. Tennyson and White foster this connection in very different ways, aligning with the expectations and sensibilities of their respective audiences. While White seeks to bridge past and present, making the legend of Arthur accessible to a post-war society, Tennyson paints a picture of grandeur and tragic grace, inviting his readers to lament what has been lost. These two distinct voices contribute to the enduring fascination with Arthurian lore, each providing a unique lens through which to view the legendary king and his court.