World Without End

Follett sets World Without End in a tumultuous time in English and European history. From the highest to the lowest ranks of society, characters are forced to determine how best to respond to challenges to the world as they have always known it. The character arc of Ralph Fitzgerald in particular shows that what constitutes anarchy or order is often determined by existing power structures. Either state can create opportunities for good or for ill.

The deposing of Edward II is the first challenge to order, one that creates both opportunities and dangers for the central characters in the moment that they encounter Thomas Langley struggling for his life. Their responses are emblematic of their approaches to anarchy later in life. Merthin stays behind to problem-solve. Gwenda flees. Caris tries to take care of Gwenda by replacing Hop. Ralph responds with violence by shooting one of the queen’s men during the initial confrontation and then runs away with the others. He learns early on that force and violence are appropriate responses when faced with disorder.

As a squire, Ralph relies on an existing political and economic order in which subordinates are powerless to counter their overlords and might makes right.