Let’s have a look at the protagonists of the story. However, Arthur doesn’t inspire resentment, for we all know that a bad peace is better than a good quarrel. Arthur tries and fails to avoid an inevitable conflict, for neither magic nor lies can solve people’s issues. According to Wistan, this kind of peace is based on lies and coercion, which means that “ the giant, once well buried” will definitely stir. He genuinely believes that peace is going to last forever. Arthur has been always portrayed as a brave and fearless leader, but Kazuo Ishiguro describes him as a naïve man. On the other hand, the problem remains unsolved between them. Is this a wise decision? On the one hand, he manages to stop the war and make the enemies live peacefully side by side. That is why Saxons forget about injustice done to them and don’t try to avenge death of their women, children and the elderly. Quering’s breath is supposed to poison the air and make people forget their past. Trying to extinguish the fire of the war, he asks Merlin to cast a spell on Quering, the she-dragon. So who is that mysterious giant? As it turns out to be, the buried giant is Arthur’s secret of establishing peace between Britons and Saxons.

Although the novel begins as a mysterious and fascinating fairy tale, it soon turns into a moral lesson in responsibility, honesty and devotion.

Kazuo Ishiguro refers to the legends about King Arthur in his novel The Buried Giant. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own. These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community.

Novel the buried giant