The King of Elfland’s Daughter · Question
How does The King of Elfland’s Daughter develop the theme of Tradition vs. Desire?
Answer
The King of Elfland’s Daughter by Lord Dunsany develops Tradition vs. Desire across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The conflict between societal expectations and personal longing, seen in the parliament of Erl demanding a magic lord and in Lirazel's struggle between her duty to Elfland and her love for Earth.
The old lord follows ancient custom despite foreseeing potential calamity, while Alveric's personal desires and fears are subordinated to duty.
Alveric expects Lirazel to follow custom, while she follows her own whims and fancies from Elfland.
The Freer represents religious tradition and prohibition, while the men of Erl cling to their desire for magic and the unicorn's beauty.
Evidence in the book
- I: The Plan of the Parliament of Erl
The old lord follows ancient custom despite foreseeing potential calamity, while Alveric's personal desires and fears are subordinated to duty.
- The Arrival of the Rune
Alveric expects Lirazel to follow custom, while she follows her own whims and fancies from Elfland.
- XX: A Historical Fact
The Freer represents religious tradition and prohibition, while the men of Erl cling to their desire for magic and the unicorn's beauty.
- XXX: The Coming of Too Much Magic
The parliament's initial wish for magic contrasts with their later desire to return to traditional, non-magical ways, highlighting the conflict between youthful longing and aged conservatism.
- XXXI: The Cursing of Elfin Things
The parliament and the Freer represent tradition and order, while Orion's wandering and the influx of elfin beings embody the pull of desire and the unknown.
