Merlin: A Poem

"Merlin: A Poem" by Edwin Arlington Robinson is a retelling of the Merlin story, diving into the world of King Arthur through a blend of fantasy and serious thinking, with emphasis on the relationships as well as Arthur's court. It looks at important ideas like love, the struggle for control, and knowing too much. The story pays close attention to Merlin’s love for Vivian and how difficult it is for him to advise the king. Gawaine and Dagonet meet at the start to consider the questions surrounding what will become of Merlin’s story and if he may return. Sitting at Merlin’s Rock, Gawaine thinks hard about Camelot and the problems it faces, while Dagonet, who is a comedian at court, gives funny but smart comments about what they are talking about. Dagonet thinks about the problems that might arise if Merlin goes back to Camelot, while Gawaine wrestles with questions about kings and destinies, hinting at the struggles around power and what people decide to do for themselves.