T. H. White's "Once and Future King" provides an antidote of humor for the pessimism found in many modern literary works. As the title implies, many of the book's themes are timeless--the fruitless quest, the eternal triangle, the conflict of desire and morality, and the opposition of good and evil. Other themes--the fall of the leader and the unifying of diverse elements into political unity--are as timely as a news broadcast. The 20th century, despite its scientific and technological advances, has been dominated by myth; and White's book, with its suffering and "existential squirm,""is a veritable bellwether for our time." (Suggested teaching activities for a unit on the quest motif are listed. (LH)