This Scene...from Monty Python and the Holy Grail

An election day post with a ridiculous (and very British) bent

You know what today is…

…it’s “ridiculous scene to make us laugh” day! And yet, I’m probably a little too on point and on the nose based on the context within the scene (and what’s going in America today), but I don’t care.

We’re going to keep this one short today, everyone, but when I thought about the scene breakdown to present to you all, I new I needed something comedic and completely ridiculous. And when I want something like that…? I turn to Monty Python of course!

What I love about this scene is that Arthur is constantly thwarted in terms of any question he asks. He never gets the expected response, and it’s not just because the secondary characters in the scene are opposing or confrontational, but because Arthur is so rooted within his flaw - constantly. No question is directly answered, and you can’t help but want to find out what is said next.

Throughout all of Monty Python and The Holy Grail, Arthur is so thoroughly rooted in his flaw - a pompous, know-it-all, holier than thou, and entitled king, only it’s under the guise of a humble and brave warrior (which is completely ridiculous based on what we see occur in the movie). The Brits really love, and know exactly how to buck norms and push buttons where royalty is concerned, and there is no better scene to show their genius than this one.

So when thinking about flaw, what can the writers do to test Arthur and make him confront his flaw? Put different types of characters in front of him who constantly correct him and disagree with him so that he never gets his way, nothing works out, and it’s one little failure after another…and yet Arthur constantly stays entrenched within his flaws and personality type.

This scene isn’t just about the obvious political statement being made (and yes, I’m posting this on election day), nor is it only about the fantastically funny dialogue. This scene is about a flawed character being tested in the best way possible - through a simple argument.

So…on this election day here in the States, let’s all sit back, laugh at something ridiculous, and try to take a deep breath all with a smile on our faces. Things are going to be OK. Arthur isn’t going to find the Holy Grail, and yet everything will be fine, and the sun will rise in the morning.

Enjoy this scene from Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

As a reminder, the transcription above is available to our free subscribers, but the video itself is presented to our paid Substack subscribers. If you haven’t upgraded yet, please do. Upgrade to a paid Substack subscription for 5% off the annual plan, PLUS three free months of The Story Farm Circle membership where you can participate in regular pitch workshops, logline workshops, live pages reviews, development workshops, and office hours (a value of $82.50). Lots more than just this one scene breakdown video is available through the paid subscription, as you will have access to the entire Story Farm archive, where I share a ton of lessons, writing prompts, and exercises for you and your writing career.