The Sword in the Tree

In these passages, the author deepens his characterization of Shan as a respectful and courageous boy, connecting to the novel’s theme of Chivalry Triumphing Over Brutality. A respectful and dutiful son, Shan takes care of his mother as they escape Weldon Castle and journey through the woods. He builds a fire for their warmth and safety and hunts wild game for them to eat. Shan lets his mother rest, telling her, “You sleep if you can […] I’ll stay awake and keep watch” (48). Shan also tries to protect his mother and himself from robbers by negotiating with them: “Shan gave the robber his purse. ‘There is nothing much in it,’ he said. ‘Only a tinderbox, some string, and a few coins. Will you take the coins and leave me the rest?’” (50). Shan’s quick thinking saves him and his mother from freezing and starving.

Shan also shows his chivalry in his determination to stand up to his uncle’s wrongful brute force. He tells his friend that he will return home to “take Weldon castle from my uncle. Some day when I’m a knight” (60). Shan’s dreams of knighthood are not only self-serving, however, as he also wants to help others who are vulnerable. He tells Magnus, “Some day I’m going to be a knight […] I’ll ride out with my sword and shield. I’ll find people in trouble and help them” (60). Shan’s eagerness to see justice done for himself and others adds to his characterization as a chivalrous young man and the hero of the story.

As Shan’s misfortune grows, the suspense in the story increases, raising the stakes for Shan and Lady Marian. Nappus’s revelation about Lord Weldon sets their perilous escape in motion: “‘Your father did not die in the quicksand,’ she said. ‘He fell into a trap that was laid by your uncle.’ Shan looked at her. He could not speak. ‘Now,’ she said, ‘You and I are in the same danger’” (42). As the conditions worsen for the main characters, Finding Courage in Difficult Times becomes increasingly important, as Shan and Marian must stay brave and positive in spite of their sudden exile from Weldon Castle. As they walk through the woods, unsure of their destination, Shan tries to look on the bright side of their circumstances: “‘This is a strange place,’ said Lady Marian. ‘See how thick and dark the woods are.’ ‘I am glad they are thick and dark,’ said Shan. ‘My uncle can never find us here’” (53). When Shan is threatened by Magnus during their first meeting, he does not let himself be bullied: “[Shan] caught the boy around the legs and threw him to the ground. The boy lay there on his back. With his mouth open in surprise, he looked up at Shan. ‘Eh! How did you do that?’ ‘Shall I do it again?’ asked Shan” (56).

These passages also add to the story’s theme of The Importance of Fighting for Justice, as even though Shan has a comfortable place to stay with his new friend Magnus, he does not become complacent. Instead, he remains motivated to find a way to confront his uncle Lionel and right the wrongs he has done against Shan and his family. He begs his mother to let him go consult the king: “What harm could come to me? I am quick and strong, and I am not afraid. I must tell the king of our troubles. I know he will help drive my uncle out of our castle” (65). As Shan travels closer and closer to Camelot, he envisions a positive outcome where justice is finally done: “He thought of his uncle. ‘He will pay for all he has done,’ said Shan to himself. ‘The King will help me, and my uncle will pay!’” (71). Shan’s determination to right his uncle’s wrong emphasizes his sense of justice and depicts him as a proactive and positive young man.