Beowulf Complete Text

unit unit goals Included in this unit: RL 1, RL 2, RL 3, RL 4, RL 5, RL 6, RL 7, RL 9, RL 10, RI 1, RI 2, RI 6, RI 7, RI 9, RI 10, W 1, W 1a, W 2, W 2a, W 2b, W 3, W 3a, W 3b, W 3d, W 3e, W 5, W 7, W 8, W 9, W 9a, W 10, SL 1, SL 1a, SL 1b, SL 1d, SL 4, L 1, L 1a, L 3, L 4, L 4a, L 4b, L 4c, L 4d, L 5, L 5a, L 5b, L 6 1 Preview Unit Goals Complete text of the Common Core State Standards is found in the correlation on p. T10. Standards covered in this unit are found in the standards overview (pp. 19A -19D) and on the lesson pages where they are taught. text analysis • Understand historical context and cultural influences of the Anglo-Saxon and medieval periods • Analyze characteristics of epics, medieval romances, and ballads • Identify and analyze elements of Old English poetry • Analyze imagery and figurative language • Analyze methods authors use to introduce and develop characters • Analyze story structure including cause and effect • Analyze plot complications • Analyze characteristics of historical writing and primary sources Preview Unit Goals • Identify and analyze an author’s purpose Explain to students that they can get more from their reading by previewing. Then ask them to skim the page to preview the skills that they will learn. Note that each strand or category of skill is color-coded on this page and throughout the unit. Model the strategy of copying the Academic Vocabulary and writing a preliminary definition for each term. Suggest that students use their Reader/Writer Notebooks for this purpose. Encourage them to use the terms in discussions and in writing. Also urge students to revisit each term throughout the unit and to refine its meaning. reading • Paraphrase and summarize • Make inferences; draw conclusions • Synthesize ideas on a topic from a variety of sources and genres writing and language • Write an analysis of a poem • Use adjectives and verbs to create imagery • Use subordinate clauses, participial phrases, and prepositional phrases speaking and listening vocabulary • Prepare and deliver an analysis • Understand that the English language changes over time • Use knowledge of roots and affixes to help determine word meaning • Use context to determine meaning of multiple-meaning words • Consult references to research word origins to determine word meaning academic vocabulary media and viewing • concept • culture • parallel • structure • section • Analyze multiple interpretations of a story, evaluating how each version interprets the source text • Integrate ideas on similar topics presented in a variety of media Find It Online! Go to thinkcentral.com for the interactive version of this unit. 18 NA_L12PE-u01-uo.indd 18 12/15/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners Academic Vocabulary Provide students with definitions of each Academic Vocabulary word. 18 unit NA_L12TE-u01-uo.indd 1 18 concept (känPsDpt) n. general notion or idea about something. culture (kOlPchEr) n. all products of human work and thought, including behavioral patterns, arts, beliefs, and institutions; these products are an expression of a particular group, time, or place; a high degree of taste and refinement gained through education or other training. 7:27:01 NA_L12PE-u01 PM parallel (pBrPE-lDlQ) adj. having comparable parts, aims, or grammatical structures; n. something that closely resembles something else. section (sDkPshEn) n. part of a whole; a discussion group of students taking the same course in a college; v. to separate into parts. structure (strOkPchEr) n. arrangement or organization; something constructed, such as a building; v. to give form or order to. Use the copy master to help students learn Academic Vocabulary for this unit. RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Masters Academic Vocabulary p. 3 1/3/11 8:19:28 AM 15/10 The Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Periods 449–1485 For help in planning this unit, see RESOURCE MANAGER UNIT 1 pp. 1–9 Geoffrey Chaucer introduce the unit Call students’ attention to the pictures on this page. Explain that the large picture is a photograph of Bodiam Castle in East Sussex, England. Built in about 1385, the castle was besieged during the Wars of the Roses. Today the medieval castle is a popular tourist attraction. Tell students that they will be reading about the Wars of the Roses in the historical essay. Ask students if they are familiar with the writer Geoffrey Chaucer, shown in the smaller picture on the page. Explain that Chaucer (c. 1340?–1400) was one of the greatest English poets. His most famous work, The Canterbury Tales, which consists of interlinked stories told by pilgrims traveling to the shrine of Thomas à Becket, is considered a masterpiece of world literature. Tell students that they will read excerpts from The Canterbury Tales in this unit. the origins of a nation • The Anglo-Saxon Epic • Reflections of Common Life • The Age of Chaucer • Medieval Romance dvd-rom Great Stories on Film Discover how a movie captures the imagination of viewers in a scene from King Arthur. Page 266 Unit Resources 7:27:01 NA_L12PE-u01-uo.indd PM 19 11/22/10 See resources on the Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM and on thinkcentral.com. RESOURCE MANAGER UNIT 1 UNIT AND BENCHMARK TESTS BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT INTERACTIVE READER ADAPTED INTERACTIVE READER ELL ADAPTED INTERACTIVE READER LANGUAGE HANDBOOK VOCABULARY PRACTICE READER/WRITER NOTEBOOK NA_L12TE-u01-uo.indd 19 TECHNOLOGY Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM Student One Stop DVD-ROM PowerNotes DVD-ROM WriteSmart CD-ROM MediaSmart DVD-ROM GrammarNotes DVD-ROM Audio Anthology CD 12:00:38 PM Find It Online! This unit on thinkcentral.com includes • PowerNotes introductions to key selections • audio support—listen or download • ThinkAloud models • WordSharp vocabulary tutorials • interactive unit review and assessment 19 1/3/11 8:19:34 AM unit 1 ecos Unit 1 Introduction • Questions of the Times • Historical Essay • Timeline • Legacy of the Era pp. 20–37 strand Reading Literature ecos Text Analysis Workshops • The Epic pp. 38–39 • Medieval Narratives pp. 140–141 ecos from Beowulf Epic Poem/ A Collaboration Across 1200 Years pp. 40–75 ecos Themes Across Cultures: from the Iliad Epic Poem pp. 76–95 British Masterpiece: from Piers Plowman pp. 124–125 The Anglo-Saxon Period: Historical Context pp. 22–27 RL 9 The Medieval Period: Historical Context pp. 28–33 RL 9 from A History of the English Church and People Historical Writing pp. 96–101 Lexile: 1270 Fry: 8 Dale-Chall: 7.4 The Epic pp. 38–39 RL 2, RL 3, RL 4 Medieval Narratives pp. 140–141 RL 3, RL 6, RL 9 Epic pp. 41, 44, 47–49, 58–61, 64, 67–69, 71 RL 3 Old English Poetry pp. 41, 42, 45, 49, 50, 52, 54, 63, 68, 70–71 RL 4 Analyze Theme p. 71 Simile and Epic Simile pp. 77, 84, 87, 93 RL 4 Classify Characters pp. 77, 80–81, 86, 88–91, 93 RL 3, RL 10 Cite Evidence p. 93 RL 1 RL 2 Reading Informational Text Writing The Legacy of the Era pp. 36–37 W 7, W 8 Speaking and Listening The Legacy of the Era pp. 36–37 SL 1 Language Historical Writing pp. 97, 98, 100, 101 RI 9 The Anglo-Saxon Period: Historical Context pp. 22–27 RI 9 The Medieval Period: Historical Context pp. 28–33 RI 9 Read a Timeline pp. 34–35 RI 7 The Anglo-Saxon Period: Historical Context pp. 22–27 L 1a The Medieval Period: Historical Context pp. 28–33 L 1a Writing Prompt p. 73 W 2, W 9a Discuss p. 77 SL 1d Academic Vocabulary p. 38 L 6 Old English Poetry pp. 41, 42, 45, 49, 50, 52, 54, 63, 68, 70–71 L 5a Anglo-Saxon Suffixes (-some) p. 72 L 1a, L 4b Create Imagery pp. 54, 73 L 3 Language Coach pp. 52, 56 L 4a; p. 65 L 5b Academic Vocabulary p. 72 L 6 Etymologies p. 94 L 4c Language Coach p. 100 L 5b Language Coach pp. 83, 89 L 4 Academic Vocabulary p. 94 L 6 19A NA_L12TE_u01_int2.indd 19A 1/13/11 11:49:08 AM ecos The Seafarer/The Wanderer/The Wife’s Lament Poetry pp. 102–115 from The Book of Margery Kempe Autobiography pp. 116–123 from The Paston Letters Letters pp. 126–139 Lexile: 1720 Fry: 9 Dale-Chall: 6.8 Lexile: 1250 Fry: 8 Dale-Chall: 6.4 Imagery pp. 103, 105, 106, 110, 111, 114, 115 RL 4 Monitor Understanding of Older Works pp. 103, 106, 107, 108, 111, 112, 115 RL 2, RL 10 Compare Texts p. 115 RL 9 The Prologue from The Canterbury Tales Narrative Poem pp. 142–168 from The Pardoner’s Tale from The Canterbury Tales Narrative Poem pp. 169–182 Characterization pp. 143, 147, 148, 150, 153, 157, 158, 166, 167 RL 1, Exemplum pp. 169, 173, 176, 178, 179, 181 RL 3 Predict pp. 169, 170, 174, 177, 179, 181 RL 10 Language Coach p. 178 RL 4 Make Judgments about Irony p. 181 RL 6 RL 3 Tone p. 165 RL 4 Paraphrase pp. 143, 144, 146, 151, 152, 158, 163, 167 RL 10 Cite Evidence p. 167 RL 1 Autobiography pp. 117, 118, 121, 122 RI 6, RI 9 Draw Conclusions pp. 117, 121, 122 RI 1 Primary Sources pp. 127, 130, 131, 136, 137, 138 RI 9 Writer’s Purpose pp. 127, 128, 132, 133, 135, 136, 138 RI 1, RI 6 Cite Evidence p. 138 RI 1 Writing Prompt p. 123 W 3a, W 3d–e Language Coach p. 104 L 5b; p. 108 L 4b; p. 112 L 4 Discuss pp. 117, 120 SL 1 Discuss p. 127 SL 1 Craft Effective Sentences pp. 121, 123 Analyze Style p. 138 L 3 Language Coach p. 132 L 4a L3 Language Coach p. 120 L 3 Discuss p. 169 SL 1 Descriptive Details p. 159 L 5 Words from French p. 168 L 4 Language Coach pp. 146, 165 Academic Vocabulary p. 168 L 6 Prefixes (-mal ) p. 182 L 4d, L 6 Language Coach p. 177 Academic Vocabulary p. 182 L 6 ecos To see the complete Essential Course of Study, see pp. T23–T28. For additional lesson planning help, see Teacher One Stop DVD. 19B NA_L12TE_u01_int2.indd 19B 1/21/11 1:15:56 PM unit 1 continued ecos Linked Selections The Wife of Bath’s Tale from The Canterbury Tales Narrative Poem pp. 183–199 Lexile: 1601/1480 Fry: 11/12 Dale-Chall: 8.0/8.5 strand Reading Literature Ballad pp. 217, 222, 223, 225, 226 RL 5 Language Coach p. 223 RL 4 Synthesize pp. 200, 201, 202, 203, 205 RI 2, RI 7 Writing Prompt p. 199 W 3b Speaking and Listening Language Barbara Allan/Robin Hood and the Three Squires/Get Up and Bar the Door Ballads pp. 216–227 Lexile: 1520 Fry: 9 Dale-Chall: 7.4 Plot Elements pp. 207, 208, 210, 211, 213, 214 RL 3 Cause and Effect pp. 207, 210, 212, 213, 214 RL 10 Narrator pp. 183–184, 187–188, 195–197 RL 3 Structure pp. 183, 186, 189, 192, 197 RL 5 Reading Informational Text Writing Pilgrimages: Journeys of the Spirit Book Excerpt, Magazine Article, Map and Illustrations pp. 200–205 Themes Across Cultures: Federigo’s Falcon: Fifth Day, Ninth Story from The Decameron Tale pp. 206–215 Writing Prompt p. 205 W 9 Discuss p. 207 SL 1 Latin Roots temp p. 198 L 4 Descriptive Details p. 199 L 5 Language Coach pp. 192, 196 Academic Vocabulary p. 198 L 6 Nuanced Meaning in a Thesaurus p. 215 L 4c, L 5b Language Coach p. 211 Academic Vocabulary p. 215 Understand Dialect pp. 217, 219–220, 224, 226 L 3 L6 19C NA_L12TE_u01_int2.indd 19C 1/21/11 1:39:27 PM ecos from Sir Gawain and the Green Knight Romance pp. 228–245 ecos from Le Morte d’Arthur Romance pp. 246–269 Wrap-Ups • The Epic Tradition p. 95 • Reflections of Common Life p. 139 • The Age of Chaucer p. 227 • Medieval Romance p. 265 Writing Workshop: Analysis of a Poem pp. 270–281 Speaking and Listening Workshop: Presenting an Interpretive Essay pp. 280–281 Lexile: 1080 Fry: 10 Dale-Chall: 7 Medieval Romance pp. 228, 229, 232, 236, 243, 244 RL 5 Inferences pp. 229, 234, 237, 239, 240, 244 RL 1 Plot p. 243 RL 5 Text Analysis p. 244 RL 3 Conflict pp. 247–248, 250, 254, 258, 260, 263 RL 3, RL 5 Summarize pp. 247, 250, 252, 254, 256, 258, 263 RL 2 Language Coach p. 251 RL 4 Writing Prompt p. 245 W 3, W 3a–b, W 3d Analysis of a Poem pp. 270–279 RL 1, RL 4 Writing to Compare and Contrast p. 95 W 2a, W 2b, Write an Analysis of a Poem pp. 270–279 W 2a–f, W 4, W 7, W 8 W 5, W 9a, W 10 Writing to Compare p. 139 W 2a, W 2b, W 9 Writing to Analyze p. 227 W 2, W 2b Writing to Persuade p. 265 W 1, W 1a, W 9 Discuss p. 229 SL 1c Extension p. 139 SL 1a–b Extension p. 265 SL 1a Presenting an Analysis pp. 280–281 SL 3, SL 4, SL 6 ecos Use Alliteration pp. 237, 245 L1 Language Coach p. 243 L 2b Multiple-Meaning Words p. 264 L 4, L 4d Vocabulary Acquisition pp. 248, 251, 253–254, 264 L 4 Language Coach p. 257 Academic Vocabulary p. 264 L 6 Excerpting Poetry, p. 273 L 1 Punctuating Quotations p. 277 L 2 Presenting an Analysis pp. 280–281 L 1 To see the complete Essential Course of Study, see pp. T23–T28. For additional lesson planning help, see Teacher One Stop DVD. 19D NA_L12TE_u01_int2.indd 19D 1/21/11 1:39:38 PM Instructional Support pp Resource Manager Unit 1 Language Handbook Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM unit support Vocabulary Practice Student One Stop DVD-ROM Best Practices Toolkit† MediaSmart DVD-ROM PowerNotes DVD-ROM† King Arthur in Film Connections: Nonfiction for Common Core CD-ROM† WriteSmart CD-ROM† Academic Vocabulary, p. 3 Additional Academic Vocabulary, p. 4 Grammar Focus, p. 5 Text Analysis Workshop, pp. 9, 115 Writing Workshop: Analysis of a Poem, p. 273 GrammarNotes DVD-ROM† Wordsharp CD-ROM† selection support* Plan and Teach Lesson planning pages Additional leveled selection questions Extension activities Student Copy Masters Selection summaries in four languages Skills Copy Masters in English and Spanish Vocabulary preteaching and support Reading Check and Question Support Reading Fluency * Available for all selections † Available on thinkcentral.com Differentiated ff Instruction STRUGGLING READERS AND WRITERS ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS ADVANCED LEARNERS Resource Manager Unit 1 Resource Manager Unit 1 Resource Manager Unit 1 Additional Selection Questions Additional Selection Questions Question Support Selection Summaries in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Haitian Creole Reading Fluency Skills Copy Masters in Spanish Diagnostic and Selection Tests Interactive Reader Adapted Interactive Reader Level Up Online Tutorials Audio Anthology English Language Learner Adapted Interactive Reader Teacher’s Guide e ELL Adapted Interactive Reader Audio Tutor Guide to English for Newcomers Audio Anthology Selection Tests B/C (with Audio summaries) Diagnostic and Selection Tests Selection Tests A/B Ideas for Extension Audio Summaries in Multiple Languages (on thinkcentral.com) 19E NA_L12TE_u01_int2.indd 19E 1/13/11 11:49:13 AM Assessment and Reteaching Diagnostic and Selection Tests Unit and Benchmark Tests ThinkCentral Online Assessment: ExamView Test Generator • All program assessments ThinkCentral Online Reteaching: • Level Up Online Tutorials on the Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM at a Glance One Location, Endless Resources Online Essay Scoring on thinkcentral.com • Level Up Online Tutorials • Reteaching Worksheets Find Resources Browse all Holt McDougal Literature components for the ones that meet your students’ needs and match your teaching style. Assess Progress and Reteach Assign electronic versions of program assessments to measure your students’ mastery of the Common Core Standards. On thinkcentral.com, some tests deliver online remediation tutorials automatically to students who have not mastered skills. Interactive Whiteboard Lessons Professional f Development p Video Center Based on Teacher Toolkit Includes a interviews with program consultants and other educational experts, these videos feature classroom-ready teaching strategies. Teacher Handbook as well as a range of articles and handouts by program consultants and other educators. • Citing Textual Evidence • Historical and Cultural Context • Figurative Language and Imagery • Character Development and Motivation Jim Burke Jane t Allen Kylene Beer s Prepare your students for college and careers by teaching relevant, real-world skills through dynamic, interactive instruction. Go to thinkcentral.com to browse through all whiteboard lessons or to access the lessons that focus on the skills taught in this unit: Together Holt McDougal and HISTORY® are revolutionizing the study of English/language arts with video that helps students relive and re-imagine the people, places, and events they are discovering through reading. Look for selections with the HISTORY® icon. Carol Jago 19F NA_L12TE_u01_int2.indd 19F 1/13/11 11:49:17 AM unit 1 RL 9 Demonstrate knowledge of foundational works of literature, including how two or more texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics. RI 9 Analyze documents of historical and literary significance for their themes, purposes, and rhetorical features. Questions of the Times Read aloud the questions on pages 20 and 21 and the paragraphs that follow them. Open the discussion of each idea by having students respond to the questions that conclude each paragraph. Use these notes to prompt further exploration of the ideas. Questions of the Times DISCUSS Read and discuss these questions with a partner, and share your thoughts with the class. Then read on to explore the ways in which these issues affected the literature of the Anglo-Saxon and medieval periods. What makes a true HE RO ? Who really shapes S O C IET Y? From the fierce, doomed Anglo-Saxon warrior Beowulf to King Arthur and his loyal knights, bound by their code of chivalry, early British literature shows a deep fascination with the hero as the embodiment of society’s highest ideals. As these ideals have shifted, the image of the hero has changed too. What do you believe are the qualities of a true hero? The medieval period in British history conjures up images of kings, queens, and knights in shining armor, but in reality most of the people were simple peasants. The feudal system ensured that peasants, despite their large numbers, had very little political power. Yet their struggles and contributions helped build a great nation. What do you think truly shapes society? Is it the power of the few or the struggles of many? What makes a true HERO? Encourage students to share the qualities they believe make a true hero. Challenge them to compare actual heroes with the larger-thanlife protagonists of books and movies. Extend the discussion by asking students what type of hero—real or fictional—has a greater impact on today’s society. Who really shapes SOCIETY? Invite students to consider the people who have shaped modern American society. Discuss whether a “powerful few” or the “many” have been more influential. Have students offer specific examples drawn from historical and contemporary events and support their views. 20 NA_L12PE-u01s01-QOTT.indd 20 20 11/22/10 12:02:24 NA_L12PE-u01 PM unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12TE-u01-gott.indd 20 1/26/11 5:57:10 PM 2/10 RL 9 Demonstrate knowledge of foundational works of literature, including how two or more texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics. RI 9 Analyze documents of historical and literary significance for their themes, purposes, and rhetorical features. Does FATE control our lives? Invite students to offer their views regarding the role of fate in daily life. Point out that people are sometimes referred to as being naturally lucky or unlucky. Discuss whether there is any sense to this, or whether people make their own luck. Does FAT E control our lives? Can people live up to high ID E A L S ? The seafaring Anglo-Saxons led harsh, brutal lives, often cut short by violence, disease, or the unpredictable tempests of the icy North Sea. They admired strength and courage but ultimately saw humans as helpless victims of a grim, implacable fate they called wyrd. Do you believe people can determine their own futures, or does chance or fate play a part? During the medieval period, there were elaborate rules of conduct to guide behavior in battle as well as in romance. This code of chivalry assumed that knights were uniformly gallant and loyal, ladies fair and devout, manners impeccable, and jousting the way to prove bravery and win favor. Is it possible to live up to such high ideals? Is it worth trying? Can people live up to high IDEALS? Encourage students to express their views concerning the desirability and value of codes of conduct. Discuss whether high ideals serve as inspiration or whether they mainly cause frustration for people who try to achieve them and cannot. 21 12:02:24 NA_L12PE-u01s01-QOTT.indd PM 21 11/22/10 12:02:43 PM questions of the times NA_L12TE-u01-gott.indd 21 21 1/26/11 5:57:28 PM Essential Course of Study ecos The Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Periods 449–1485 RL 9 Demonstrate knowledge of foundational works of literature, including how two or more texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics. RI 9 Analyze documents of historical and literary significance for their themes, purposes, and rhetorical features. L 1a Apply the understanding that usage is a matter of convention, can change over time, and is sometimes contested. The Origins of a Nation The following essay provides students with a historical context for the Unit 1 reading selections. It presents a brief overview of significant events occurring during the time period, 449–1485, and discusses key people and ideas of the times. To get started, read and discuss the opening paragraph on this page. Ask students what names come to mind when they think of early English history and literature. Students may mention such familiar names as Richard the Lion-Hearted and King Arthur, both of whom are discussed in the essay. A towering circle of ancient stones, draped in the mist of centuries. The clatter of horses’ hooves, the clash of swords and spears. A tiny island whose motley tongue would become the language of the world, and whose laws, customs, and literature would help form Western civilization. This is England, and the story begins here. R E A D I N G STR ATEG Y preview Have students preview the historical essay by reading the INDEX IDEAS and skimming the heads, boldfaced terms, and Taking Notes side-column features. Ask volunteers to summarize what the essay is about. 22 NA_L12PE-u01s02-ui.indd 22 differentiated instruction About the Photo The photo shows Stonehenge, a circular arrangement of large prehistoric stones on Salisbury Plain, in southern England. The exact purpose of Stonehenge has not been definitively established, but many scholars believe it may have been used for religious ceremonies. 11/22/10 11:58:42 NA_L12PE-u01s0 AM for struggling readers Vocabulary Support To help students understand the essay, review these words • barbarism, “uncivilized or primitive behavior” • province, “a region or country controlled by the ancient Roman government” • urban, “relating to a city” • chieftain, “chief or leader” • genesis, “origin or beginning” 22 unit NA_L12TE-u01-ui.indd 1 22 1/3/11 8:00:31 AM 2/10 The Anglo-Saxon Period: Historical Context Britain’s early years were dominated by successive waves of invaders. Among them were the Anglo-Saxons—a people who gave us the first masterpieces of English literature. Centuries of Invasion The Dark Ages, as the Anglo-Saxon period is often called, was a time of bloody conflicts, ignorance, violence, and barbarism. Life was difficult, and the literature of the period reflects that reality. Little imagery of the brief English summers appears in this literature; winter prevails, and spring comes slowly, if at all. The people were serious minded, and the reader finds scarce humor in their literature. Indeed, many of the stories and poems present heroic struggles in which only the strong survive. And no wonder. early britain The first person ever to write about England may have been the Roman general Julius Caesar, who in 55 b.c. attempted to conquer the British Isles. Put off by fierce Celtic warriors, Caesar hastily claimed victory for Rome and returned to Europe, leaving the Britons (as the people were known) and their neighbors to the north and west, the Picts and Gaels, in peace. A century later, however, the Roman army returned in force and made good Caesar’s claim. Britain became a province of the great Roman Empire, and the Romans introduced cities, roads, written scholarship, and eventually Christianity to the island. Their rule lasted more than three hundred years. “Romanized” Britons adapted to an urban lifestyle, living in villas and frequenting public baths, and came to depend on the Roman military for protection. Then, early in the fifth century, the Romans pulled out of Britain, called home to help defend their beleaguered empire against hordes of invaders. With no central government or army, it was not long before Britain, too, became a target for invasion. RL 9 Demonstrate knowledge of foundational works of literature, including how two or more texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics. RI 9 Analyze documents of historical and literary significance for their themes, purposes, and rhetorical features. L 1a Apply the understanding that usage is a matter of convention, can change over time, and is sometimes contested. taking notes Outlining As you read this introduction, use an outline to record main ideas about the historical events and literature of each period. You can use headings, boldfaced terms, and the information in boxes like this one as starting points. (See page R49 in the Research Handbook for more help with outlining.) I. Historical Context A. Centuries of Invasion 1. Early Britain 2. Anglo-Saxons 3. Vikings B. The Norman Conquest This section of the essay (pages 23–24) summarizes Britain’s early history: the Roman army’s conquest of the region; subsequent invasions first by Angles, Saxons, and other Germanic tribes, then by Vikings; and the Norman Conquest of 1066. The text also discusses how Anglo-Saxon culture became the basis for English culture. tiered discussion prompts Use these prompts to help students understand the ideas in Centuries of Invasion: Interpret The opening paragraph concludes with, “And no wonder.” What does the writer mean by this? Possible answer: The writer is alluding to the preceding sentence, making the point that it’s “no wonder” that “only the strong survive,” because life in the Dark Ages was so difficult. Analyze In what ways did the Roman conquest of Britain benefit Britons? Possible answer: The Romans introduced cities, roads, and written scholarship to the Britons. In addition, the Roman army provided military protection. anglo-saxons The Angles and Saxons, along with other Germanic tribes, began arriving from northern Europe around a.d. 449. The Britons— perhaps led by a Celtic chieftain named Arthur (likely the genesis of the legendary King Arthur of myth and folklore)—fought a series of battles against the invaders. Eventually, however, the Britons were driven to the west (Cornwall and Wales), the north (Scotland), and across the English Channel to an area of France that became known as Brittany. Settled by the Anglo-Saxons, the main part of Britain took on a new name: Angle-land, or England. Anglo-Saxon culture became the basis for English culture, and their gutteral, vigorous language became the spoken language of the people, the language now known as Old English. Stonehenge, an ancient monument located in Wiltshire, England The Anglo-Saxon Period: Historical Context Synthesize In what ways does the influence of the Anglo-Saxons persist to this day? Possible answer: The Anglo-Saxon language, Old English, is the basis of numerous words in modern-day English. unit introduction 11:58:42 NA_L12PE-u01s02-ui.indd AM 23 23 11/30/10 10:21:40 AM for english language learners for struggling readers Set a Purpose After introducing Britain’s early history, ask students to look for the sequence of invaders and conquerors who took control of the region during that time. Vocabulary Support The “Germanic tribes,” which included the Angles and Saxons, were peoples joined through shared language and custom, who took control of parts of Europe in the fifth century A.D. Millions of people in Europe, North America, and other parts of the world still speak Germanic languages today. unit introduction NA_L12TE-u01-ui.indd 23 23 1/3/11 8:00:38 AM vikings The 790s brought the next wave of invaders, a fearsome group of seafaring marauders from the rocky, windswept coasts of Denmark and Norway: the Vikings. Shrieking wildly and waving giant battle-axes, Viking raiders looted, killed, and burned down entire villages. At first, they hit and ran; later, finding England a more pleasant spot to spend the winter than their icy homeland, the Danish invaders set up camps and gradually gained control of much of the north and east of the country. In the south, the Danes finally met defeat at the hands of a powerful Anglo-Saxon king known as Alfred the Great. Alfred unified the English, and under his rule, learning and culture flourished. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a record of English history, was initiated at his bidding. check understanding Have students explain the significance of each of the following: • Vikings • Alfred the Great • Anglo-Saxon Chronicle tiered discussion prompts The Norman Conquest Use these prompts to help students understand the ideas in The Norman Conquest: In 1042, a descendant of Alfred’s took the throne, the deeply religious Edward the Confessor. Edward, who had no children, had once sworn an oath making his French cousin William, duke of Normandy, his heir—or so William claimed. When Edward died, however, a council of nobles and church officials chose an English earl named Harold to succeed him. Incensed, William led his Norman army in what was to be the last successful invasion of the island of Britain: the Norman Conquest. Harold was killed at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, and on Christmas Day of that year, William the Conqueror was crowned king of England. The Norman Conquest ended Anglo-Saxon dominance in England. Losing their land to the conquerors, noble families sank into the peasantry, and a new class of privileged Normans took their place. Summarize What caused William to invade England? Possible answer: William had expected to be heir to the throne after Edward. However, the English council chose Harold instead, which infuriated William. Analyze What were the effects of the Norman Conquest? Possible answer: The Norman Conquest put an end to Anglo-Saxon dominance in England, relegated English noble families to peasantry, and created a new class of privileged Normans. A Voice from the Times William returned to Hastings, and waited there to know whether the people would submit to him. But when he found that they would not come to him, he went up with all his force that was left and that came since to him from over sea, and ravaged all the country. . . . —Anglo-Saxon Chronicle Scale model of the Battle of Hastings 24 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s02-ui.indd 24 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for advanced learners/ap* The Fearsome Vikings The Vikings were notorious for their ferocity, but there is much more to their history than just raiding and killing. Have students research the Vikings: who they were, where they settled, what their society was like and how it changed over time. Ask students to summarize their findings in an essay and share their essays with the class. 24 unit NA_L12TE-u01-ui.indd 11:58:53 NA_L12PE-u01 AM The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle Have students learn more about the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle: how long it was kept, what it contains, and why it is historically significant. Ask students to share their findings with the class in informal oral presentations. * AP is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board. Use of the trademark does not constitute production, participation, sponsorship, or endorsement by the College Board. 1 24 1/3/11 8:00:44 AM Early Anglo-Saxon literature reflected a fatalistic worldview, while later works were influenced by rapidly spreading Christianity. Cultural Influences The Spread of Christianity Like all cultures, that of the Anglo-Saxons changed over time. The early invaders were seafaring wanderers whose lives were bleak, violent, and short. Their pagan religion was marked by a strong belief in wyrd, or fate, and they saved their admiration for heroic warriors whose fate it was to prevail in battle. As the Anglo-Saxons settled into their new land, however, they became an agricultural people— less violent, more secure, more civilized. ianity in the Roman World A.D. 500 Christ The bleak fatalism of the Anglo-Saxons’ early beliefs may have reflected the reality of their lives, but it offered little hope. Life was harsh, it taught, and the only certainty was that it would end in death. Christianity opened up a North bright new possibility: that the suffering of this world was Sea BRITAIN merely a prelude to the eternal happiness of heaven. R Christian areas, 500 This section of the essay describes how the Anglo-Saxons’ pagan religion gradually gave way to Christianity, which spread across Britain and became a dominant cultural force. tiered discussion prompts Use these prompts to help students understand the ideas in The Spread of Christianity: Summarize What important role did monasteries play? Possible answer: Monasteries were focal points of intellectual, literary, artistic, and social activity. Since there were no schools or libraries, monasteries provided the only educational opportunities. hin christianity takes hold No one knows exactly when the first Christian missionaries arrived in Britain, GAUL ATLANTIC but by a.d. 300 the number of Christians on the island OCEAN was significant. Over the next two centuries, Christianity spread to Ireland and Scotland, including the Picts and Angles in the north. In 597, a Roman missionary SPAIN named Augustine arrived in the kingdom of Kent, where he established a monastery at Canterbury. From there, Christianity spread so rapidly that by 690 all of Britain was at least nominally Christian, though many held on to some pagan traditions and beliefs. Monasteries became centers of intellectual, literary, artistic, and social activity. At a time when schools and libraries were completely unknown, monasteries offered the only opportunity for education. Monastic scholars imported books from the Continent, which were then painstakingly copied. In addition, original works were written, mostly in scholarly Latin, but later in Old English. The earliest recorded history of the English people came from the clergy at the monasteries. The greatest of these monks was the Venerable Bede (c. 673–735), author of A History of the English Church and People. When Vikings invaded in the late eighth and ninth centuries, they plundered monasteries and threatened to obliterate all traces of cultural refinement. Yet Christianity continued as a dominant cultural force for more than a thousand years to come. e R. 2/10 Cultural Influences Dan ube R. ITALY Rome Med Hippo Constantinople GREECE iter ra n ean Corinth Sea unit introduction 11:58:53 NA_L12PE-u01s02-ui.indd AM 25 25 12/15/10 for struggling readers Vocabulary Support • descendant, “a person born of a certain family; offspring” • dominance, “control; supremacy” • privileged, “having certain advantages or special rights” • pagan, “of or relating to people who worship many gods or no gods, especially people who lived before the spread of monotheism” Evaluate Why would Christianity appeal to the early Anglo-Saxons? Possible answer: The Anglo-Saxons’ pagan religion was bleakly fatalistic, offering people little hope for better lives. By contrast, Christianity raised the possibility that people would leave their harsh world and go on to heaven’s eternal happiness. • fatalism, “the idea that events are determined in advance and human beings have no power to change them” • monastery, “a house or other residence for a community of persons living under religious vows, especially a residence for monks” 7:27:12 PM for english language learners Set a Purpose After describing how the Anglo-Saxons’ religion gradually changed, ask students to look for the impact of Christianity on Britain as they read. • monastic, “of or relating to a monastery or the persons living there” unit introduction NA_L12TE-u01-ui.indd 25 25 1/3/11 8:00:48 AM Literature of the Times Literature of the Times This section of the essay (pages 26–27) focuses on early Anglo-Saxon literature. The text describes Anglo-Saxon literature often focused on great heroes such as Beowulf, though sometimes it addressed everyday concerns. For Your Outline the epic tradition • Epic poems praised deeds of heroic warriors. The Epic Tradition The early literature of the Anglo-Saxon period mostly took the form of lengthy epic poems praising the deeds of heroic warriors. These poems reflected the reality of life at this time, which was often brutal. However, the context in which these poems were delivered was certainly not grim. In the great mead halls of kings and nobles, Anglo-Saxons would gather on special occasions to celebrate in style. They feasted on pies and roasted meats heaped high on platters, warmed themselves before a roaring fire, and listened to scops—professional poets—bring the epic poems to life. Strumming a harp, the scop would chant in a clear voice that carried over the shouts and laughter of the crowd, captivating them for hours on end with tales of courage, high drama, and tragedy. To the Anglo-Saxons, these epic poems were far more than simple entertainment. The scop’s performance was a history lesson, moral sermon, and pep talk rolled into one, instilling cultural pride and teaching how a true hero should behave. At the same time, in true Anglo-Saxon fashion, the scop reminded his listeners that they were helpless in the hands of fate and that all human ambition would end in death. With no hope for an afterlife, only an epic poem could provide a measure of immortality. • epic poems presented orally in mead halls, including Beowulf • lyric poems, such as “The Seafarer” • the works of Margery Kempe and Margaret Paston tiered discussion prompts Use these prompts to help students understand the ideas in The Epic Tradition: Restate Under what circumstances were epic poems presented? Possible answer: Inside mead halls, professional poets chanted the poems to the accompaniment of a harp, while listeners feasted and enjoyed themselves. • Poems were recited by scops in mead halls. • Poems instilled cultural pride. common life • Lyric poems reflected everyday reality. • Exeter Book contains surviving lyrics. • Writing moved from Latin to English. • Medieval literature also explored everyday concerns. Cover and illustration from a contemporary graphic work by Gareth Hinds, based on the epic poem Beowulf Interpret The essay writer explains that “these epic poems were far more than simple entertainment” to the Anglo-Saxons. What does the writer mean by this statement? Possible answer: The scop’s performance of epic poems combined elements of AngloSaxon history, morality, and culture. It also reminded listeners of the power of fate and the inevitability of death. 26 NA_L12PE-u01s02-ui.indd 26 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for struggling readers for english language learners Vocabulary Support • epic poem, “a long narrative poem written in formal style, recounting the adventures and accomplishments of a legendary or historical hero” Set a Purpose After describing different types of Anglo-Saxon literature, ask students to look for the characteristics of early AngloSaxon literature as they read. 11:59:03 NA_L12PE-u01 AM • literacy, “the ability to read and write” • scribe, “a person whose profession is writing down or copying manuscripts” 26 unit NA_L12TE-u01-ui.indd 1 26 • lyric poem, “a short poem with a songlike quality that expresses the poet’s thoughts and feelings” 1/3/11 8:00:52 AM 2/10 These epic poems were an oral art form: memorized and performed, not written down. Later, as Christianity spread through Britain, literacy spread too, and poems were more likely to be recorded. In this age before printing presses, however, manuscripts had to be written out by hand, copied slowly and laboriously by scribes. Thus, only a fraction of Anglo-Saxon poetry has survived, in manuscripts produced centuries after the poems were originally composed. The most famous survivor is the epic Beowulf, about a legendary hero of the northern European past. In more than 3,000 lines, Beowulf relates the tale of a heroic warrior who battles monsters and dragons to protect the people. Yet Beowulf, while performing superhuman deeds, is not immortal. His death comes from wounds incurred in his final, great fight. Reflections of Common Life While epics such as Beowulf gave Anglo-Saxons a taste of glory, scops also sang shorter, lyric poems, such as “The Seafarer,” that reflected a more everyday reality: the wretchedness of a cold, wet sailor clinging to his storm-tossed boat; the misery and resentment of his wife, left alone for months or years, not knowing if her husband would ever return. Some of these poems mourn loss and death in the mood of grim fatalism typical of early Anglo-Saxon times; others, written after the advent of Christianity, express religious faith or offer moral instruction. A manuscript known as the Exeter Book contains many of the surviving Anglo-Saxon lyrics, including more than 90 riddles, such as this one: Wonder was on the wave, when water became bone. Answer: an iceberg. a changing language Old English a changing language Just as Britain’s fifth-century invaders eventually united into a nation called England, their closely related Germanic dialects evolved over time into a distinct language called English— today called Old English to distinguish it from later forms of the language. Old English Historians generally view the English language as having three main stages of development. Old English, which was formerly called Anglo-Saxon, was the earliest stage, extending from approximately 450 to 1100. It was followed by Middle English and then Modern English. While Old English words are generally not recognizable to modern readers, some are similar to present-day English words. For example, heofon and sawol are the Old English words for “heaven” and “soul.” A Different Language Old English was very different from the language we know today. Though about half of our basic vocabulary comes from the Anglo-Saxon language, a modern English speaker would find the harsh sounds impossible to understand. Some words can still be recognized in writing, though the spelling is a little unfamiliar: for instance, scōh (shoe), hunig (honey), milc (milk), and faeder (father). Other words have disappeared entirely, such as hatheart (angry) and gleowian (joke). Grammatically, the language was more complex than modern English, with words changing form to indicate different functions, so that word order was more flexible than it is now. Activity Have students use a dictionary to compile a list of familiar words that derive from Old English. Possible answer: Many words for parts of the body, such as arm and hand, can be traced back to Old English. check understanding Ask students why so little Anglo-Saxon poetry has survived to the present day. The Growth of English The most valuable characteristic of Old English, however, was its ability to change and grow, to adopt new words as the need arose. While Christianity brought Latin words such as cloister, priest, and candle into the Anglo-Saxon vocabulary, encounters with the Vikings brought skull, die, crawl, and rotten. The arrival of the Normans in 1066 would stretch the language even farther, with thousands of words from the French. early authors Most Old English poems are anonymous. One of the few poets known by name was a monk called Caedmon, described by the Venerable Bede in his famous history of England. Like most scholars of his day, Bede wrote in Latin, the language of the church. It was not until the reign of Alfred the Great that writing in English began to be widespread; in addition to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, which was written in the language of the people, Alfred encouraged English translations of the Bible and other Latin works. As England moved into the Middle Ages, its literature continued to capture the rhythms of everyday life. The medieval period was one of social turbulence and unrest, and several works give modern readers a glimpse of the individual hopes and fears of people of the time. Margery Kempe, for example, describes a crisis of faith brought on by childbirth; the letters of Margaret Paston and her family mainly deal with issues of marriage and managing the family estate. unit introduction 11:59:03 NA_L12PE-u01s02-ui.indd AM 27 tiered discussion prompts Use these prompts to help students understand the ideas in Reflections of Common Life: Summarize What was Anglo-Saxon lyric poetry like? Possible answer: Anglo-Saxon lyric poetry reflected the challenging circumstances of the times. Early poems were characterized by a grim fatalism, while later poems expressed religious faith or provided moral instruction. 27 11/22/10 for advanced learners/ap Research Oral Art Forms Call attention to the fact that epic poetry is an oral art form that has played a key role in the history of English literature. Ask students to research other forms of oral literature, such as the stories and folk tales of Native American, African, and Indian literature. Encourage them to identify similarities and differences. Have students make presentations to the class, sharing their findings and explaining why Evaluate Why might the works of such writers as Margery Kempe and Margaret Paston be of interest to modern readers? Possible answer: Because Kempe and Paston wrote about such universal subjects as childbirth and marriage, their works would probably still interest readers today. 11:59:12 AM the oral tradition has been so important to the development and preservation of the early literature of cultures around the world. unit introduction NA_L12TE-u01-ui.indd 27 27 1/3/11 8:00:57 AM The Medieval Period: Historical Context This section of the essay on these two pages presents an overview of England’s rulers from the time of the Norman Conquest through 1485, when Henry VII took the throne, traditionally marking the end of the Middle Ages in England. The text also describes the signing of the Magna Carta, the Hundred Years’ War between England and France, and the devastating Black Death. check understanding Ask students to summarize the reign of William the Conqueror. The Medieval Period: Historical Context With the Norman Conquest, England entered the medieval period, a time of innovation in the midst of war. The Monarchy After his victory at Hastings, William the Conqueror lost no time taking full control of England. He was a new kind of king—powerful, well-organized, determined to exert his authority down to the smallest detail. Many people resented innovations such as the Domesday Book, an extraordinary tax record of every bit of property owned, from fish ponds to litters of pigs. Still, no one could deny that William brought law and order to the land, “so that,” as one scribe wrote shortly after William’s death, “any honest man could travel over his kingdom without injury with his bosom full of gold.” Power struggles in the decades after William’s death left England in a state of near-anarchy until 1154, when his great-grandson Henry Plantagenet took For Your Outline The Medieval Period I. Historical Context A. The Monarchy 1. William the Conqueror View of London with London Bridge in far distance, Royal Manuscript. From The Poems of Charles, Duke of Orleans. © British Museum/Harper Collins Publishers/The Art Archive. Analyze Visuals This illustration from an illuminated manuscript of his poems depicts Charles, the French Duke of Orleans, imprisoned in the Tower of London. Charles was captured at the Battle of Agincourt during the Hundred Years’ War and imprisoned for the next 25 years. Yet like most captured nobles, his confinement was not strict: he was allowed to live in a style similar to that which he had known as a free man. What details show how Charles lived? Does the Tower look as you imagined it? Explain. Analyze Visuals Possible answer: Charles is richly dressed and the room is well furnished. There appears to be a ceremony taking place with many visitors or jailors in attendance. Charles is able to view his surroundings from a window. The Tower does not look as I had imagined it. It looks more like a castle (with a courtyard and several other buildings) than a prison tower to me. NA_L12PE-u01s02-ui.indd 28 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for struggling readers for english language learners Vocabulary Support • medieval, “of or relating to the Middle Ages” Set a Purpose After telling students that the medieval period began with the Norman Conquest and lasted through 1485, ask students to look for important historical developments that took place during the Middle Ages in England as they read. • anarchy, “lawlessness or political disorder” • judicial, “of or relating to courts of law or the administration of justice” • plague, “epidemic, often fatal, disease” 28 unit NA_L12TE-u01-ui.indd 11:59:13 NA_L12PE-u01 AM 1 28 1/3/11 8:01:01 AM 2/10 the throne as Henry II. One of medieval England’s most memorable rulers, Henry reformed the judicial system by setting up royal courts throughout the country, establishing a system of juries, and beginning to form English common law out of a patchwork of centuries-old practices. Henry’s son Richard I, known as Richard the Lion-Hearted, spent most of his ten-year reign fighting wars abroad. During his absence, his younger brother, John, plotted against him. The villain of Robin Hood legends, King John was treacherous and bad-tempered, quarreling with nobles and raising their taxes until they threatened to rebel. In 1215 he was forced to sign the Magna Carta (“Great Charter”), which limited royal authority by granting more power to the barons—an early step on the road to democracy. check understanding Ask students to summarize each of the following: • how Henry II changed England’s judicial system • what the Magna Carta was and why it was significant War and Plague As the medieval period drew to a close, war was a near-constant fact of life. The Hundred Years’ War between England and France began in 1337, during the reign of Edward III. As the war continued on and off for more than a century, England also had to weather several domestic crises, including a terrible plague known as the Black Death, which killed a third of England’s population. When the war finally ended in 1453, England had lost nearly all of its French possessions. Two rival families claimed the throne—the house of York, whose symbol was a white rose, and the house of Lancaster, whose symbol was a red rose. The fighting that ensued, known as the Wars of the Roses, ended in 1485 when the Lancastrian Henry Tudor killed the Yorkist king Richard III at Bosworth Field and took the throne as Henry VII. This event marked the end of the Middle Ages in England. Have students describe the significance of each of the following terms: A Voice from the Times No freeman shall be taken, or imprisoned, or outlawed, or exiled, or in any way harmed, nor will we go upon him nor will we send upon him, except by the legal judgment of his peers or by the law of the land. • Hundred Years’ War • Black Death • Wars of the Roses Cultural Influences This section of the essay (pages 29–30) describes three social forces that shaped England during the Middle Ages: the political and economic system known as feudalism; the powerful church, headed by the Pope; and the chivalric code that typified the values and ideals of conduct for knights. —Magna Carta Cultural Influences Medieval literature is best understood in the context of three powerful influences on medieval society: feudalism, the church, and a code of conduct called chivalry. check understanding Ask students to explain the concept of feudalism in their own words. Three Social Forces the feudal system Feudalism was a political and economic system that William the Conquerer introduced into England after the Norman Conquest. Based on the premise that the king owns all the land in the kingdom, William kept a fourth of the land for himself, granted a fourth to the church, and parceled out the rest to loyal barons, who, in return, either paid him or supplied him with warriors called knights. The barons swore allegiance to the king, the knights to the barons, and so on down the social ladder. At the bottom of the ladder were the conquered Anglo-Saxons, many of whom were serfs—peasants bound to land they could not own. unit introduction 11:59:13 NA_L12PE-u01s02-ui.indd AM 29 29 11/22/10 for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Set a Purpose After briefly describing feudalism, the church, and chivalry, ask students to consider how feudalism, the power of the church, and chivalry each had a strong influence on medieval life. Research the Magna Carta Call attention to the quotation in “A Voice from the Times,” which comes from the Magna Carta. Invite students to learn more about the history and significance of the Magna Carta—the “great charter.” Ask them to research and prepare a brief report summarizing its provisions and explaining why the document had lasting importance. Students should also trace the history of the Magna Carta, including its nullification and subsequent revivals. 11:59:18 AM unit introduction NA_L12TE-u01-ui.indd 29 29 1/3/11 8:01:05 AM the power of the church There was one grand exception to the feudal system’s hierarchy: the church. Led by the pope in Rome, the medieval church wielded tremendous power—levying taxes, making its own laws, running its own courts, and keeping kings and noblemen in line with the threat of excommunication. The church owned more land than anyone in Europe, and its soaring stone cathedrals and great abbeys were as impressive as any castle. The church’s power did lead to conflicts with the monarchy. When Henry II’s archbishop and friend Thomas à Becket began favoring church interests over those of the crown, four knights loyal to the king murdered him. Becket was declared a saint, and his shrine at Canterbury became a popular destination for pilgrims, such as those described in Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales. tiered discussion prompts Use these prompts to help students understand the ideas in Three Social Forces: Analyze What factors would be likely to contribute to conflict between the monarchy and the church? Possible answer: The king was supreme ruler of England, and under feudalism, he owned all the land in the kingdom. The Pope and the church, however, had great power, owned more land than anyone in Europe, and in many ways functioned independently. Thus, the monarchy and the church were two powerful forces with sometimes conflicting interests. chivalry and courtly love Medieval literature, including the famous stories of King Arthur, was influenced by another social force as well—the ideals of chivalry and courtly love made popular during Henry II’s reign. Henry’s wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, brought from French court circles the concept of chivalry, a code of honor intended to govern knightly behavior. The code encouraged knights to be generous, brave, honest, pious, and honorable, to defend the weak and to battle evil and uphold good. It also encouraged knights to go on holy quests such as the Crusades, the military expeditions in which European Christians attempted to wrest the holy city of Jerusalem from Muslim control. Eleanor and her daughter Marie applied chivalric ideals to the relationships between men and women as well. They presided over a “court of love,” where lords and ladies would come to be entertained by music and tales of King Arthur and other romantic heroes and argue about the proper conduct of a love affair. Courtly love and the concept of chivalry represented ideals rarely met in real life. Yet they served as inspiration for some of the finest literature of the time. Evaluate It has sometimes been said that in today’s world “chivalry is dead.” Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Explain why. Answers will vary. Encourage students to support their opinions with examples from everyday life. A Voice from the Times • Marriage is no real excuse for not loving. • He who is jealous cannot love. • When made public, love rarely endures. • A new love puts an old one to flight. • Every lover regularly turns pale in the presence of his beloved. —“rules” from the 12th-century book The Art of Courtly Love La Belle Dame Sans Merci, Walter Crane. Private collection. © Bridgeman Art Library. 30 NA_L12PE-u01s02-ui.indd 30 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for struggling readers Main Ideas and Supporting Details Help students use a Main Idea and Details chart to identify important ideas and details in Cultural Influences. BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Main Idea and Details p. B6 11:59:18 NA_L12PE-u01 AM Vocabulary Support • hierarchy, “organization by rank or class, one above the other, of persons or things” • excommunication, “depriving a church member of the benefits and privileges of membership; expulsion from the church” • shrine, “a place set aside as sacred for a saint or deity” • courtly love, “medieval code of conduct prescribed for lovers” 30 unit NA_L12TE-u01-ui.indd 1 30 1/3/11 8:01:08 AM 2/10 Literature of the Times Medieval works, such as The Canterbury Tales and Arthurian romances, drew from many sources, historical and contemporary, while reflecting the society and ideals of their time. The Age of Chaucer The most famous writer of medieval times, “the father of English literature,” was Geoffrey Chaucer, a poet who demonstrated the potential of English as a literary language. Drawing on sources as diverse as French poetry, English songs, Greek classics, contemporary Italian tales, and Aesop’s fables, Chaucer masterfully blended old with new, all in the natural rhythms of Middle English, the spoken language of the time. an english masterpiece The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer’s best-known work, displays his ability as a storyteller, his keen sense of humor, and his sharp eye for detail. A collection of tales ranging from irreverent to inspirational, it is held together by a frame story about a group of pilgrims who pass time on their journey to the shrine of Thomas à Becket by telling stories. The pilgrims’ characters are revealed through the stories they tell and their reactions to one another’s tales. Though Chaucer apparently intended to have each of the 30 pilgrims tell 4 stories apiece, he died having completed only 24 of the tales. Chaucer lived during a time of change and turmoil in England. He was born just a few years after the outbreak of the Hundred Years’ War and was still a small child when the bubonic plague hit Europe. The Black Death, as it was known, greatly reduced the population, which led to a shortage of laborers. In turn, serfs realized their new value and left the land to work in towns and on neighboring estates. This shift led to the decline of feudalism and the growth of a new middle class, to which Chaucer’s family belonged. In addition, the war with France had spurred the re-emergence of the English language among the ruling class. With its cast of characters ranging across British society, from the “perfect gentle Knight” to a common miller, and its use of everyday English rather than elevated Latin or French, The Canterbury Tales reflected all of these developments. For Your Outline Literature of the Times the age of chaucer • Geoffrey Chaucer is “the father of English literature.” • Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales reflected his society and led to an appreciation for English as a literary language. • Ballads are narrative songs relating the lives of common folk. This section of the essay (pages 31–33) discusses the significance of Geoffrey Chaucer and The Canterbury Tales. The text also describes other important works of the Middle Ages, including William Langland’s Piers Plowman and the romances Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur. tiered discussion prompts Use these prompts to help students understand the ideas in The Age of Chaucer: Interpret The essay writer notes that Chaucer “demonstrated the potential of English as a literary language.” What does the writer mean? Possible answer: Chaucer wrote The Canterbury Tales in everyday Middle English instead of elevated Latin or French; he effectively blended diverse elements from various sources, such as French poetry, English songs, and Greek classics, to create a literary work. Analyze In what way did the Black Death contribute to the decline of feudalism? Possible answer: The Black Death significantly reduced the population, causing a shortage of laborers. The serfs, realizing their new value, went to work in towns and on neighboring estates, weakening the feudal system. Detail of Lydgate and the Canterbury Pilgrims leaving Canterbury (1520). From John Lydgate’s Troy Book and Story of Thebes. (Roy.18.D.II. Folio No: 148). British Library, London. © HIP/Art Resource, New York. other works Chaucer was not the only poet of his time to compose in English or to write about ordinary people; William Langland did both in his masterpiece Piers Plowman (see page 124), as did writers of the popular ballads of the day—narrative songs telling of the lives of common folks unit introduction 11:59:18 NA_L12PE-u01s02-ui.indd AM 31 31 11/22/10 11:59:22 AM for struggling readers for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Concept Support: Frame Story Explain to students that a frame story is a story that is used as a structure or narrative setting to frame one or a number of other stories. It can be a way for the author to tell several stories. The stories can be made up by the author or else adapted to suit the overall frame. Set a Purpose After telling students that medieval works reflected the society and ideals of their time and drew from many sources, ask students to look for important medieval literary works as they read. Research Frame Stories Aside from The Canterbury Tales, other famous works that use the device of the frame story include The Thousand and One Nights collection—which includes the well-known tales of Ali Baba and Aladdin—the Heptameron of Marguerite de Navarre, and The Decameron by Boccaccio. Have students research these or other frame stories and present their findings to the class. unit introduction NA_L12TE-u01-ui.indd 31 31 1/3/11 8:01:12 AM or of characters and events from folklore (see page 216). The combination of Chaucer’s literary gifts and social status, however, led to a new appreciation of English as a language that, while useful in everyday life, was elegant and poetic as well. a changing language chaucer’s legacy The Canterbury Tales and Chaucer’s other works were wildly popular in his own time and inspired a generation of English poets. One admirer sent him a ballad, addressed to “noble Geoffrey Chaucer,” that described him as the ancient thinkers Socrates, Seneca, and Ovid all rolled into one. Another poet, John Lydgate, wrote after Chaucer’s death, “We may try to counterfeit his style, but it will not be; the well is dry.” Three-quarters of a century later, The Canterbury Tales was still so widely enjoyed that it was among the earliest books chosen to be published by William Caxton, the first English printer. Middle English Following Old English, the second stage of development of the English language was Middle English, which dated from approximately 1100 to the end of the 15th century. It was followed by Modern English, which continues into the present. Many more Middle English words than Old English words are recognizable to modern readers. Activity Have students use a dictionary to trace the etymology of familiar words (for example, father, bread) back through Middle English and Old English. Discuss how the words changed. Medieval Romance Medieval romances, stories of adventure, gallant love, chivalry, and heroism, represent for many readers the social order and ideals of the Middle Ages. Yet tales such as those of the good King Arthur and his sword Excalibur, Merlin the magician, Queen Guinevere, and Sir Lancelot and the Knights of the Round Table were set in an idealized world quite unlike the real medieval England, with its plagues, political battles, and civil unrest. In fact, while it is true that chivalry and courtly love were ideals made popular during the medieval period, the real Arthur was not of this age. tiered discussion prompts Use these prompts to help students understand the ideas in The Age of Chaucer: Interpret What did John Lydgate mean when he wrote that “. . . the well is dry”? Possible answer: Chaucer’s contribution was unique, and other writers lacked his remarkable literary skills. a legendary hero From what little is known of him, Arthur was a Briton, a Romanized descendant of the long-haired, bluedyed warriors who fought Caesar’s army. A Latin history written around a.d. 800, two hundred years or more after Arthur’s death, first mentions “Artorius” as a leader in the sixth-century battles against Anglo-Saxon invaders. For centuries, oral poets in Wales celebrated their legendary hero Arthur just as Anglo-Saxon scops celebrated Beowulf. Then, about 1135, the monk Geoffrey of Monmouth produced a Latin “history” based on old Welsh legends. Geoffrey’s book caught the fancy of French, German, and English writers, who soon created their own versions of the legends, updating them to reflect then-current notions of chivalry. While the traditional tales focused on Arthur himself and on his courage and success in battle, these new romances used Arthur and his court as a backdrop for stories about knights who go through trials and perform great feats—often (influenced by the idea of courtly love) in the service of a lady. Evaluate The essay writer began this section on page 31 by referring to Chaucer as the “Father of English literature.” On the basis of what you have read about Chaucer and his legacy, do you think that is an appropriate description? Why or why not? Possible answer: Yes, because in addition to being extremely popular and inspiring “a generation of English poets,” Chaucer’s work fostered people’s recognition of English as an elegant and poetic language. a changing language Middle English Along with political and cultural upheaval, the Norman Conquest led to great changes in the English language. Despite their Viking origins, by 1066 the Normans spoke a dialect of Old French, which they brought to England. Status Talk Norman French became the language of the English court, of government business, of the new nobility, and of the scholars, cooks, and craftspeople that the Norman barons brought with them to serve their more “refined” needs. The use of English became confined to the conquered, mostly peasant population. Hints of this class division still survive in modern English. For instance, Anglo-Saxons tending cattle in the field called the animal a cū, or cow, while the Norman aristocrats who dined on the product of their labors used the Old French word buef, or beef. Ever adaptable, English soon incorporated thousands of words and many grammatical conventions from Norman French. These changes led to the development of Middle English, a form much closer than Old English to the language we speak today. English Makes a Comeback During the long war with France, it came to seem unpatriotic among the upper class to use the language of the nation’s number-one enemy, especially since Anglo-Norman French was ridiculed by the “real” French speakers across the English Channel. By the end of the Hundred Years’ War, English had once again become the first language of most of the English nobility. check understanding Ask students to explain why popular tales of King Arthur are not an accurate portrayal of the man and his times. 32 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s02-ui.indd 32 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for struggling readers Vocabulary Support • folklore, “traditional tales, beliefs, and customs of a people, passed down from one generation to the next” • idealized, “existing only in the mind or imagination; not realistic” • backdrop, “background or setting” 32 unit NA_L12TE-u01-ui.indd 11:59:23 NA_L12PE-u01 AM • troubadour, “one of the many lyric poets popular from the 11th to the 13th centuries in parts of Europe, who wrote and sang poems and songs about courtly love and chivalry” • precursor, “something that precedes and suggests the approach of another; forerunner” 1 32 1/3/11 8:01:16 AM 2/10 About the Art This painting by John Mulcaster Carrick (1833–1896) shows Sir Bedivere holding a mortally wounded King Arthur as they wait for the barge from Avalon. The meticulous detail of the painting is characteristic of Carrick’s work. Morte d’Arthur (1862), John Mulcaster Carrick. Private collection. © Fine Art Photographic Library, London/Art Resource, New York. two favorites About 1375, an anonymous English poet wrote Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, recounting the marvelous adventures of a knight of Arthur’s court who faces a series of extraordinary challenges. Exciting, suspenseful, and peopled by an array of memorable characters, from the mysterious green giant who survives beheading to the all-toohuman Sir Gawain, the 2,500-line poem is easy to imagine as a favorite of troubadors and their audiences. A century later, in Le Morte d’Arthur, Sir Thomas Malory retold a number of the French Arthurian tales in Middle English. Despite its title, which means “The Death of Arthur,” Malory’s book includes many episodes in the life of the legendary king and is considered a precursor to the modern novel. Oddly enough, it was printed just weeks before the final battle in the Wars of the Roses, the last English battle ever fought by knights in armor. Fittingly then, the literary fall of Camelot coincided with the real-life end of chivalry—and the end of the Middle Ages as well. For Your Outline check understanding medieval romance Ask students to explain what a medieval romance is and identify two examples. • Romances are stories of adventure, love, heroism, and chivalry. • They are set in an idealized world unlike medieval England. • The real Arthur was a 6thcentury warrior. • Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Le Morte d’Arthur are two medieval romances. unit introduction 11:59:23 NA_L12PE-u01s02-ui.indd AM 33 33 11/22/10 for struggling readers for advanced learners/ap Romance Remind students that the meaning of the term romance has changed over time. The term originally referred to a medieval narrative in prose or verse about knights and heroic deeds. However, today the term is used to describe a broader range of works, from love stories to imaginative adventure novels. Heroes in Fact and Fiction Countless stories, books, and movies have been based on the legendary King Arthur. Challenge students to identify other such heroes who have similarly inspired writers. Which heroes are purely fictional? Which may be based on actual people? To get students started, mention such familiar names as Robin Hood, Wyatt Earp, and Joan of Arc. Have students share their findings with the class. 11:59:24 AM unit introduction NA_L12TE-u01-ui.indd 33 33 1/3/11 8:01:20 AM Connecting Literature, History, and Culture Use this timeline and the questions on the next page to gain insight into the Anglo-Saxon and medieval periods. RI 7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different media or formats as well as in words in order to address a question or solve a problem. british literary milestones 400 600 CIRCA 673 CIRCA Connecting Literature, History, and Culture 750 The Venerable Bede is born. The surviving version of Beowulf is likely composed. 800 892 CIRCA 975 Authors begin compiling data for the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a year-by-year diary of important world events. Anglo-Saxon verse is collected in the Exeter Book. historical context 400 READING SKILL read a timeline 449 The Anglo-Saxon invasion of Britain begins. RI 7 597 Elicit or explain that each of the three horizontal sections of the timeline—British Literary Milestones, Historical Context, and World Culture and Events—displays a sequence of events that occurred between 400 and 1600. By looking at the vertical columns on the timeline, students can see which events were occurring at approximately the same time. Christian missionaries land in Kent; Christianity begins to spread among Anglo-Saxons. 600 664 The British Christian Church unites with the Roman Catholic Church. 793 Vikings begin the first of many raids on the Anglo-Saxon kingdom. 800 871 Alfred the Great becomes king of Wessex (to 899). 886 Alfred wins important victory over Danes; Danes accept Christianity. world culture and events 400 For practice, have students locate each of these events on the timeline, by reviewing the column labeled 1000: • 1054 The Christian Church divides into east and west branches. (See World Culture and Events.) 500 A mathematician in India calculates the value of pi. 527 Justinian I becomes Byzantine emperor. 600 800 800 Charlemagne, who unites much of Europe, is crowned emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. The Chinese invent 800 gunpowder. CIRCA CIRCA • 1086 The Domesday Book records the findings of a property survey ordered by William the Conqueror. (See British Literary Milestones.) • 1170 Thomas à Becket is murdered. (See Historical Context.) Ask students what events occurred between 1337 and 1375. Answer: The Hundred Years’ War began in 1337. The bubonic plague killed millions in Europe in 1347. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight was composed about 1375. 600S Block printing is developed in China and Korea. 630 34 880 Mayan culture begins decline. The prophet Muhammad conquers Mecca, which becomes the holiest city of Islam. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s03-tl.indd 34 differentiated instruction 11/22/10 12:00:43 NA_L12PE-u01 PM for struggling readers Understanding a Timeline Explain that the timeline runs chronologically (in time order) from left to right across the page. Each of the six columns represents a 200-year period between 400 and 1600. The three parallel rows of the timeline represent events occurring simultaneously. By comparing the three rows, readers can better understand what events in literature, history, and culture were taking place at about the same time. 34 unit NA_L12TE-u01-tl.indd 1 34 1/13/11 11:53:23 AM 2/10 making connections • Though William Caxton established the first British printing press, in what countries was printing first developed? When? • Based on what you’ve learned in the introductory essay, why are there so few literary milestones recorded for the early years in Britain? 1000 The surviving version of 1000 Beowulf is recorded by monks. CIRCA 1086 The Domesday Book records results of a property survey ordered by William the Conquerer. 1200 Chaucer begins 1387 The Canterbury Tales. 1485 William Caxton prints Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur. CIRCA 1200 1400 Wiliam Caxton establishes 1476 first printing press in Britain; prints first dated book in the English language (1477). CIRCA 1192 The Japanese emperor takes the title of shogun. additional questions 1. Nearly 400 years before the Christian Church divided into east and west branches, what event brought two churches together? Answer: The British Christian church united with the Roman Catholic church in 664. King John signs the Magna Carta. 1282 England conquers Wales. 1295 A model Parliament is assembled under Edward I. 1337 The Hundred Years’ War with France begins (to 1453). 1000 1095 The first of centuries of “holy wars” called Crusades begins (to 1272). • Early Anglo-Saxon literature mainly took the form of epic poems that were recited aloud rather than written down. Moreover, even as literacy spread and poems were more likely to be recorded, they had to be written out by hand, because the printing press hadn’t yet been invented. As a result, very little AngloSaxon writing has survived. Modern English develops 1430 from Middle English. 1215 1054 The Christian Church divides into east and west branches. • William Caxton did not invent printing. Printing was developed in China and Korea in the 600s. However, Caxton did establish the first printing press in Britain in about 1476. People were printing books in China and Germany during this time period. CIRCA 1066 In what will become known as the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror defeats Harold and becomes king of England. Henry II declares himself lord of Ireland, beginning centuries of English-Irish conflict. Possible answers: The earliest surviving Paston 1420 letter is written. CIRCA 1016 Canute, a Dane, becomes king of England (to 1035). 1171 making connections 1400 Sir Gawain and the Green 1375 Knight is composed. CIRCA 1000 1170 Thomas à Becket is murdered. RI 7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different media or formats as well as in words in order to address a question or solve a problem. 1200 2. In 527, Justinian I became Byzantine emperor. Almost 650 years later, a British king declared himself lord of Ireland. Who was the king? What was the consequence of his action? Answer: The king was Henry II. His action (1171) began centuries of English-Irish conflict. 1400 1206 Genghis Khan begins Mongol conquest of much of Asia (to 1227). 1431 Joan of Arc is burned at the stake. 1453 Ottomans conquer Constantinople. The Renaissance 1300 begins in northern Italy. CIRCA In Germany, the Gutenberg 1455 Bible is produced on a printing press. CIRCA 1347 Bubonic plague reaches Europe, killing millions. timeline 12:00:43 NA_L12PE-u01s03-tl.indd PM 35 35 11/22/10 for advanced learners/ap Making Additional Connections Have students choose one of the six time periods shown in the timeline and research other events that occurred during the 200-year time span using conventional or electronic resources. Challenge students to identify events for each category: British Literary Milestones, Historical Context, and World Culture and Events. Have students prepare and present brief oral reports, summarizing 12:00:47 PM important events and discussing their connection to events shown in the timeline or discussed in class. timeline NA_L12TE-u01-tl.indd 35 35 1/3/11 8:18:36 AM unit 1 W 7 Conduct short research projects to answer a question; narrow the inquiry; synthesize multiple sources, demonstrating understanding of the subject. W 8 Gather relevant information from multiple digital sources, using advanced searches effectively. SL 1 Initiate and participate effectively in collaborative discussions, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively. Arthur Lives W 7 Conduct short research projects to answer a question; narrow the inquiry; synthesize multiple sources, demonstrating understanding of the subject. W 8 Gather relevant information from multiple digital sources, using advanced searches effectively. SL 1 Initiate and participate effectively in collaborative discussions, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively. Arthur Lives Have students read the paragraph. Explain that stories of Arthur have long been popular. Ask students to name any books, movies, TV shows, characters, or scenes based on King Arthur and his knights with which they are familiar. Ask students why they think this is such an enduring story. Possible answer: Arthur is powerful and admirable, but has human qualities as well. His knights seem perhaps even more human. Also, the tales of their quests are entertaining. The Legacy of the Era Stories of King Arthur and his loyal knights have never lost their appeal. From Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s 19th-century epic Idylls of the King, to Mark Twain’s satiric novel A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, to the Star Wars movies, in which Jedi knights battle evil in outer space, each generation continues to create its own interpretations of the Arthurian romance. CREATE With a partner, search online for other incarnations of the Arthurian legend. Use keywords such as “King Arthur,” Camelot, “Knights of the Round Table,” Guinevere, and Lancelot to begin your search. From your results, create a collage of images and words to show the prevalence of the Arthurian legend over the years. Keira Knightley and Clive Owen in the 2004 film King Arthur CREATE As students begin their research, encourage them to brainstorm other keywords, such as Gawain. Suggest that they either do an overview or else focus on treatments of one aspect of the story or one character over the years. After students share their collages, ask them to consider common themes in the different incarnations of the Arthurian legend. Ask them which incarnations surprised them most. Extend the discussion by asking what students find most interesting or appealing about the stories of King Arthur. 36 NA_L12PE-u01s04-ul.indd 36 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for struggling readers for advanced learners/ap Vocabulary Support • epic, “long narrative poem” Research Real Legends [paired option] Have students research online to identify actual people or situations that were commonly compared to or described in Arthurian terms, such as John F. Kennedy’s Camelot. Ask them to think of any other contemporary books, movies, or people that could be described as Arthurian. Have students share their findings with the class. • idylls, “short poems idealizing rural life” • satiric, “ironic or harshly witty” • incarnations, “versions, forms” • prevalence, “common occurrence” 36 unit NA_L12TE-u01-ul.indd 12:00:08 NA_L12PE-u01 PM 1 36 1/3/11 8:19:03 AM 2/10 Modern Monarchy In the early days of England, kings ruled the land with absolute authority. In 1215, the Magna Carta transferred some of that power to the noblemen. Today, the monarchy plays a less active role in government, yet to many the royal family is still the public face of Great Britain and the embodiment of a beloved and romantic tradition. Modern Monarchy Review with students the concept of monarchy— a government headed by a hereditary ruler. Then have students read and discuss the paragraph. In particular, consider why the monarchy might still be the “public face” of England, even though the government has changed. RESEARCH Go online to research today’s royal family. How involved in creating legislation is today’s monarch? What role does the royalty play in international affairs? What philanthropies or organizations have members of the royal family founded? Report your findings to the class in a brief oral report. Stories in Song Princes William and Harry supporting the charity Sport Relief Though clubs, music channels, and MP3 players have taken the place of banquet halls, the spirit of the scops and troubadors survives in modern ballads—popular songs that tell a story. Like the original oral literature, these contemporary verses combine words and music in an appealing, memorable way. They also reveal the values of our modern culture as surely as the ancient ballads did theirs. RESEARCH Have students also research the role of Parliament in creating legislation and in international affairs. Encourage students to hold an informal debate on whether the monarchy is still necessary. Stories in Song Before students read the paragraph, ask them what comes to mind when they think of “stories in song.” As you discuss the paragraph, ask students to consider the experience of listening to music today as compared to how people listened to songs in the days of scops and troubadours. What is the same about the experience? What is different? DISCUSS With a small group, brainstorm examples of current songs that tell a story. Choose one or two and discuss what they reveal about the worldviews of those who sing and listen to them. Musician and singer Tori Amos DISCUSS Have students think of contemporary songwriters or musicians who tell stories in song, including rock bands, folk singers, and other artists. Invite volunteers to share lyrics that show the perspective of the songwriter or singer. Discuss what the songs have in common. legacy 12:00:08 NA_L12PE-u01s04-ul.indd PM 37 37 11/22/10 for struggling readers for advanced learners/ap Vocabulary Support • monarchy, “government by a hereditary sovereign” Songwriting Challenge students to try their hand at writing a song that tells a story. The song need not be personal or autobiographical; encourage students to think about contemporary events. Ask them to consider what makes a song enduring and widely appealing. Invite volunteers to share their finished work with the class. • legislation, “the act of making laws” • philanthropies, “charitable institutions” • contemporary, “current; modern” 12:00:19 PM legacy NA_L12TE-u01-ul.indd 37 37 1/3/11 8:19:16 AM Focus and Motivate RL 2 Provide an objective summary of the text. RL 3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story. RL 4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative meanings. The Epic Tradition Text Analysis Workshop Included in this workshop: RL 2 Provide an objective summary of the text. RL 3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story. RL 4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative meanings. Poetic Devices Point out that in times past, epics were told from memory, before an audience. Poets used sound devices, such as rhyme and stock epithets, to help remember the poem. Ask students to think about how they would tell or perform a story, if they had to do it repeatedly. Also, ask them to think about telling a story of a hero’s deeds in a vivid way that can be remembered and repeated. Remind students that epics not only entertained but also told a certain amount of history. Explain that for the sake of rhythm and entertainment, poets embellished the tales so that the heroes became legendary. “rosy-fingered dawn” Essential Course of Study ecos What do you do to celebrate the heroes of your day? Hold a parade? Have a party? Attend a banquet where speakers chronicle the hero’s deeds? As far back as the third millenium b.c., heroes have been celebrated in a variety of ways. One type of celebration common to many cultures throughout history is to honor the hero’s story in an epic. The Epic Tradition An epic is a long narrative poem that celebrates a hero’s deeds. The earliest epic tales survived for centuries as oral traditions before they were finally written down. They came into existence as spoken words and were retold by poets from one generation to the next. Most orally composed epics date back to preliterate periods—before the cultures that produced them had developed written forms. Detail of Bayeux Tapestry (11th century) Since many epics were based on historical fact, their public performance provided both entertainment and education for the audience. The oral poets (known in different cultures as scops or bards) drew upon existing songs and legends, which they embellished or combined with original material. The poets had to be master improvisers, able to compose verse in their heads while simultaneously singing or chanting it. One characteristic feature of oral poetry is the repetition of certain words, phrases, or even lines. Two of the most notable examples of repeated elements are stock epithets and kennings. • Stock epithets are adjectives that point out special traits of particular persons or things. In Homer, stock epithets are often compound adjectives, such as the “swift-footed” used to describe Achilles in the Iliad (page 78). Use a Two-Column Chart to list some examples of stock epithets and kennings. Invite students to suggest examples of both, either from epics they have read or examples that they themselves make up. Stock Epithet “Resourceful Odysseus” The Epic • Kennings are poetic synonyms found in Germanic poems, such as the AngloSaxon epic Beowulf (page 42). Rather than being an adjective, like an epithet, a kenning is a descriptive phrase or compound word that substitutes for a noun. For example, in Beowulf “the Almighty’s enemy” and “sin-stained demon” are two kennings that are used in place of Grendel’s name. Kenning “image catcher” to describe a camera “silver song sun” to describe a music CD Stock epithets and kennings were building blocks that a poet could recite while mentally preparing for the next line or stanza. Epithets had an added advantage—they were designed to fit metrically into specific parts of the lines of verse. In skillful hands, these “formulas” helped to establish tone and reinforce character traits and setting. 38 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Two-Column Chart p. A25 11/30/10 10:23:00 AM NA_L12PE-u01 NA_L12PE-u01s10-law.indd 38 differentiated instruction for struggling readers RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master Note Taking For students who are unfamiliar with epics or need help with note taking, hand out the copy master before discussing this page. Note Taking p. 9 Explain that they will be learning many terms relating to epics in this workshop. Discuss the major terms on this spread (epic, stock epithet, kenning) as students record notes on the copy master. 38 unit NA_L12TE-u01-law.indd 1 38 1/26/11 5:58:02 PM strategies for reading an epic Epic Proportions Epics from different languages and time periods do not always have the same characteristics. Kennings, for example, are not found in Homer’s epics. All epics, however, concern the actions of a hero, who can be described as • being of noble birth or high position, and often of great historical or legendary importance • exhibiting character traits, or qualities, that reflect important ideals of society • performing courageous, sometimes superhuman, deeds that reflect the values of the era • performing actions that often determine the fate of a nation or group of people When reading an epic, use the following strategies: • Decide what virtues the hero embodies. • Determine the hero’s role in bringing about any changes in fortune for the characters, the nation, or the group of people depicted in the story. • If a passage confuses you, go back and summarize the main idea of the passage. In addition, most epics share certain conventions, which reflect the largerthan-life events that a hero might experience. • The setting is vast in scope, often involving more than one nation. • The plot is complicated by supernatural beings or events and may involve a long and dangerous journey through foreign lands. • Dialogue often includes long, formal speeches delivered by the major characters. Epic Proportions Epic Heroes and Conventions Before they read this section, tell students that all traditional epics feature a hero. Ask students to name epic heroes they can think of; then ask them what these heroes have in common. Point out the qualities listed on this page and have students give pertinent details about the heroes they have named. Have students read about the conventions of epics. Encourage them to suggest a book, movie, or television show that can be considered an epic. Possible answer: Braveheart. Suggest that students use the conventions of an epic to evaluate the example. Possible answer: The hero is courageous; he leads his Scottish countrymen in a revolt against the ruling English. Good and evil are clearly defined. Close Read Student responses should include a setting that is vast in scope and universal ideas involving good and evil. • The theme reflects timeless values, such as courage and honor, and encompasses universal ideas, such as good and evil or life and death. • The style includes formal diction (the writer’s choice of words and sentence structure) and a serious tone (the expression of the writer’s attitude toward the subject). Close Read A powerful monster, living down In the darkness, growled in pain, impatient As day after day the music rang Loud in that hall, the harp’s rejoicing Call and the poet’s clear songs, sung Of the ancient beginnings of us all, recalling The Almighty making the earth, shaping These beautiful plains marked off by oceans, Then proudly setting the sun and moon To glow across the land and light it; What characteristics of the epic do you recognize in this passage? —from Beowulf text analysis workshop 10 10:23:00 AM NA_L12PE-u01s10-law.indd 39 39 11/22/10 for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Language: Skill Words Help students understand these words by listing them on the board and asking students to give examples or definitions: Research and Analyze Form Ask students to research an epic. Students should try to learn such things as when the epic was first recorded, what actual person and events the epic may be based on, and to whom the poem is attributed. Students should also analyze the epics for stock epithets, kennings, and other common epic conventions. Invite students to share their findings with the class. • characteristics: distinctive qualities • traits: qualities • ideals: honorable principles • conventions: accepted practices • vast: large, wide 12:01:00 PM • diction: choice of words text analysis workshop NA_L12TE-u01-law.indd 39 39 1/3/11 8:16:27 AM The Anglo-Saxon Epic Focus and Motivate RL 2 Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text. RL 3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story. RL 4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful. W 2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content. W 9a (RL 3) Analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone. L 1a Apply the understanding that usage is a matter of convention and can change over time. L 3 Apply knowledge of language to make effective choices for meaning or style. L 4a Use context as a clue to the meaning of a word. L 4b Identify and correctly use patterns of word changes that indicate different meanings or parts of speech. L 5a Interpret figures of speech in context and analyze their role in the text. L 5b Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations. RL 3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story. RL 4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful. L 4a Use context as a clue to the meaning of a word. L 5a Interpret figures of speech in context and analyze their role in the text. L 5b Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations. did you know? The original Beowulf manuscript . . . • exists in only one copy. • was damaged and nearly destroyed in a fire in the 18th century. • has now been preserved through digitization. from Beowulf Epic Poem by the Beowulf Poet Translated by Burton Raffel VIDEO TRAILER ecos Meet the Author The Beowulf Poet about 750? Old English bears little resemblance to Modern English and so must be translated for readers today. By the time Beowulf was written, the Anglo-Saxons had also converted to Christianity. This Christian influence is evident in the poem. “Hear me!” So begins Beowulf, the oldest surviving epic poem in English. The command was intended to capture the listening audience’s attention, for Beowulf was originally chanted or sung aloud. Centuries of poet-singers, called scops (shIps), recited the adventures of Beowulf. It is our great fortune that eventually a gifted poet unified the heroic accounts and produced an enduring work of art. By Anonymous Unfortunately, we don’t know who that poet was or when Beowulf was composed. Scholars contend that the poet may have lived anytime between the middle of the seventh century a.d. and the end of the tenth century. However, we do know where the poem was written. In the fifth century, bloody warfare in northern Europe had driven many Germanicspeaking tribes, including groups of Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, to abandon their homes. Many of these groups settled in England, where they established what is now called Anglo-Saxon civilization. about the author Have students read this page and summarize key points about the history of Beowulf. Point out that Beowulf, as recorded by the monks, is the most famous surviving epic of its time. Essential Course of Study KEYWORD: HML12-40A The people of the Anglo-Saxon period spoke a language known as Old English, the language in which Beowulf was composed. Long Ago and Far Away Although Beowulf was composed in England, the poem describes events that take place in Scandinavia around the 500s among two groups: the Danes of what is now Denmark and the Geats (gCts) of what is now Sweden. Beowulf is a Geat warrior who crosses the sea to defeat Grendel, a monster who is terrorizing the Danes. He later returns to his homeland to succeed his uncle as king of the Geats. Beowulf celebrates warrior culture and deeds requiring great strength and courage. Scops recited the poem and other tales in mead halls, large wooden buildings that provided a safe haven for warriors returning from battle. During the performances, audiences feasted and drank mead, an alcoholic beverage. Survivor The sole surviving copy of Beowulf dates from about the year 1000. It is the work of Christian monks who preserved the literature of the past by copying manuscripts. After suffering mistreatment and several near-disasters, the Beowulf manuscript is now safely housed in the British Library in London. Author Online Go to thinkcentral.com. KEYWORD: HML12-40B 40 Selection Resources NA_L12PE-u01s11-brBeowul.indd 40 See resources on the Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM and on thinkcentral.com. RESOURCE MANAGER UNIT 1 BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT Plan and Teach, pp. 11–18 Summary, pp. 19–20†‡* Text Analysis and Reading Skill, pp. 21–24†* Vocabulary, pp. 25–27* Grammar and Style, p. 30 Definition Mapping, p. E6 Jigsaw Reading, p. A1 Comparison Matrix, p. A24 Cluster Diagram, p. B18 INTERACTIVE READER ADAPTED INTERACTIVE READER DIAGNOSTIC AND SELECTION TESTS Selection Tests, pp. 25–28 * Resources for Differentiation NA_L12TE-u01-br.indd 40 ELL ADAPTED INTERACTIVE READER † Also in Spanish 12/15/10 Video Trailer TECHNOLOGY Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM Student One Stop DVD-ROM PowerNotes DVD-ROM Audio Anthology CD GrammarNotes DVD-ROM ExamView Test Generator on the Teacher One Stop 7:27:43 NA_L12PE-u01 PM Go to thinkcentral.com to preview the Video Trailer introducing this selection. Other features that support the selection include • PowerNotes presentation • ThinkAloud models to enhance comprehension • WordSharp vocabulary tutorials • interactive writing and grammar instruction ‡ In Haitian Creole and Vietnamese 1/13/11 11:50:17 AM 15/10 Teach text analysis: characteristics of an epic An epic, a long narrative poem that traces the adventures of a great hero, has the power to transport you to another time and place. Beowulf takes you to the Anglo-Saxon period and the land of the Danes and the Geats, where a mighty warrior battles fantastic monsters. As you read the poem, note some of the following characteristics of epic poetry: Where do monsters • The hero is a legendary figure who performs deeds requiring incredible courage and strength. • The hero embodies character traits that reflect lofty ideals. • The poet uses formal diction and a serious tone. • The poem reflects timeless values and universal themes. reading strategy: reading old english poetry Old English poetry is marked by a strong rhythm that is easy to chant or sing. Here are some of the techniques used in an Old English poem: • alliteration, or the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, which helps unify the lines Where do MONSTERS lurk? lurk? Unlike the monsters in Beowulf, those in our world are not always easy to identify. Evil can hide in the most unexpected places: behind a smiling face, between the lines of a law, in otherwise noble-sounding words. Even when evil is clearly exposed, people may disagree on how to confront it. Explore with students the various forms that evil may take, from literary and cinematic villains to people or events in the news. Then have them do the QUICKWRITE. T E X T A N A LY S I S RL 3 Model the Skill: QUICKWRITE What does evil mean to you? Write your own definition of the word, and provide some examples of real-life monsters. characteristics of an epic To model how to analyze the characters in an epic, conduct the following activity: On the board, list some famous epics, such as Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, the Spanish Poema del Cid, and Milton’s Paradise Lost. Ask students which ones they are familiar with, and have students identify some of the characteristics the epics share, such as legendary heroes or universal themes. Ask students why they think epic poems remain popular over time. Point out that these epics are all exciting to read and capture a historical time and place. Also, most readers can relate to the universal themes. So mankind’s enemy continued his crimes • caesura (sG-zhMrPE), or a pause dividing each line, with each part having two accented syllables to help maintain the rhythm of the lines He took what he wanted, // all the treasures • kenning, a metaphorical compound word or phrase substituted for a noun or name, which enhances meaning— for example, “mankind’s enemy” used in place of “Grendel” As you read Beowulf, note examples of these techniques and consider their effect on rhythm and meaning in the poem. vocabulary in context The words shown here help convey the monstrous forces Beowulf faces in the epic. Choose a word from the list that has the same definition as each numbered item. word list 1. claw affliction lair purge gorge livid talon infamous loathsome 2. burden 3. notorious GUIDED PRACTICE Ask students to describe how an epic poem is similar to a historical novel and how it is different. R E A D I N G STR ATEG Y 4. cram Complete the activities in your Reader/Writer Notebook. Model the Skill: reading beowulf 7:27:43 NA_L12PE-u01s11-brBeowul.indd PM 41 vocabulary in context DIAGNOSE WORD KNOWLEDGE Have all students complete Vocabulary in Context. Check their words and phrases against the following: affliction (E-flGkPshEn) n. a force that oppresses or causes suffering gorge (gôrj) v. to stuff with food; glut infamous (GnPfE-mEs) adj. having a very bad reputation old english poetry 41 11/22/10 VOCABULARY SKILL L4 lair (ler) n. the den or resting place of a wild animal livid (lGvPGd) adj. discolored from being bruised loathsome (lIthPsEm) adj. disgusting purge (pûrj) v. to cleanse or rid of something undesirable talon (tBlPEn) n. a claw 11:59:41 AM To model how alliteration and kenning are used in Old English, write the following lines on the board, and identify examples of each: In darkness dwells the dragon, Mankind’s foe amidst the shadows. Point out that darkness, dwells, dragon are alliteration; mankind’s foe is an example of kenning. RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master Vocabulary Study p. 25 Reading Old English Poetry p. 23 (for student use while reading the selection) beowulf NA_L12TE-u01-br.indd 41 RL 4 L 5a 41 1/3/11 8:14:00 AM Practice and Apply summary The monster Grendel has been terrorizing the Danes. Beowulf, a young prince of the Geats, sails to the Danish shore and offers to kill Grendel. The Danish king Hrothgar gratefully accepts. A fierce battle between Beowulf and the monster ends with Grendel’s death. When Grendel’s mother seeks revenge, Beowulf battles with her and kills her. Years later, when Beowulf is the aged king of the Geats, he fights a dragon. Beowulf defeats the beast but is mortally wounded. The Geats build a tower in memory of their beloved leader. read with a purpose Help students set a purpose for reading. As they read Beowulf, tell students to look for contemporary aspects of the epic. Hrothgar (hrôthPgärQ), king of the Danes, has built a wonderful mead hall called Herot (hDrQEt), where his subjects congregate and make merry. As this selection opens, a fierce and powerful monster named Grendel invades the mead hall, bringing death and destruction. grendel R E A D I N G STR ATEG Y a old english poetry RL 4 L 5a Possible answer: The alliteration conveys a menacing mood, a mood of evil. 5 Extend the Discussion How might the idea that the monster is “impatient” foreshadow future events in the poem? 10 42 A powerful monster, living down In the darkness, growled in pain, impatient a As day after day the music rang Loud in that hall, the harp’s rejoicing Call and the poet’s clear songs, sung Of the ancient beginnings of us all, recalling The Almighty making the earth, shaping These beautiful plains marked off by oceans, Then proudly setting the sun and moon To glow across the land and light it; The corners of the earth were made lovely with trees And leaves, made quick with life, with each Of the nations who now move on its face. And then As now warriors sang of their pleasure: a OLD ENGLISH POETRY Reread lines 1–2 aloud. Notice the use of alliteration with the repetition of the letters p and d. What mood, or feeling, does the alliteration convey? Analyze Visuals Examine the composition, or arrangement of shapes, in this photograph. How does the angle of the photo contribute to its impact? unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd 42 11/22/10 differentiated instruction 42 unit for english language learners for struggling readers Word Associations Instruct students to prepare a visual representation of a scene from Beowulf. Tell them to carefully reread the lines describing their chosen scene. Have students create a list of any descriptive words they encounter. They should then use these words to help them create their visual representation. The Audio Anthology CD provides extra support for students with reading difficulties. It is also recommended for use with English language learners. 12:01:06 NA_L12PE-u01 PM 1 NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 42 1/3/11 8:26:42 AM 2/10 Reading Support This selection on thinkcentral.com includes embedded ThinkAloud models–students “thinking aloud” about the story to model the kinds of questions a good reader would ask about a selection. Analyze Visuals Possible answer: The low angle makes the dead tree seem more ominous because it looms overhead and is silhouetted against the moon. cultural connection Oral Poets Explain that oral poet-singers were not unique to Anglo-Saxon civilization. Other cultures had them as well. For example, the Celtic peoples of Britain and Ireland had oral poets known as bards, who sang of the deeds of great heroes, such as King Arthur. The people of West Africa had oral historians known as griots, who preserved and passed on accounts of heroic deeds and events. The most famous of the tales told by the griots is probably the African epic Sundiata. beowulf 12:01:06 NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd PM 43 43 11/22/10 for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Vocabulary Support Use Definition Mapping to teach these words: grant (line 160), final (line 281), survive (line 625), brief (line 686). Analyze Tone Instruct students to refer to the first passage in Beowulf. Ask them to describe the mood of the monster. Have students discuss how this description might serve as a foreshadowing of events to come. BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Definition Mapping p. E6 12:01:25 PM Possible answer: Grendel is described as living in darkness and being in pain and impatient, negative characteristics that foreshadow the difficult and violent times to come. beowulf NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 43 43 1/3/11 8:26:53 AM 15 revisit the big question Where do MONSTERS lurk? In lines 19–29, Grendel is said to have descended from Cain. How does this indicate that Grendel is evil? Possible answer: In the biblical book of Genesis, Cain intentionally kills his brother Abel, becoming history’s first murderer. The Beowulf poet portrays Grendel as a descendent of Cain to emphasize the monster’s inherent evil. 20 25 30 T E X T A N A LY S I S b RL 3 epic Possible answer: The lines might suggest the idea of good triumphing over evil or God triumphing over the Devil. 35 40 45 T E X T A N A LY S I S c RL 3 epic Possible answer: The tone of this passage is one of great sorrow. The words “joyless,” “mourning,” and “wept” all strongly convey Hrothgar’s despair at seeing the brutalized bodies of his warriors. 50 55 Extend the Discussion What is the meaning of lines 48–49: “. . . fearing / The beginning might not be the end”? 44 So Hrothgar’s men lived happy in his hall Till the monster stirred, that demon, that fiend, Grendel, who haunted the moors, the wild Marshes, and made his home in a hell Not hell but earth. He was spawned in that slime, Conceived by a pair of those monsters born Of Cain, murderous creatures banished By God, punished forever for the crime Of Abel’s death. The Almighty drove Those demons out, and their exile was bitter, Shut away from men; they split Into a thousand forms of evil—spirits And fiends, goblins, monsters, giants, A brood forever opposing the Lord’s Will, and again and again defeated. b 17 moors (mMrz): broad, open regions with patches of bog. 19 spawned: given birth to. 21 Cain: the eldest son of Adam and Eve. According to the Bible (Genesis 4), he murdered his younger brother Abel. b EPIC Then, when darkness had dropped, Grendel Went up to Herot, wondering what the warriors Would do in that hall when their drinking was done. He found them sprawled in sleep, suspecting Nothing, their dreams undisturbed. The monster’s Thoughts were as quick as his greed or his claws: He slipped through the door and there in the silence Snatched up thirty men, smashed them Unknowing in their beds and ran out with their bodies, The blood dripping behind him, back To his lair, delighted with his night’s slaughter. At daybreak, with the sun’s first light, they saw How well he had worked, and in that gray morning Broke their long feast with tears and laments For the dead. Hrothgar, their lord, sat joyless In Herot, a mighty prince mourning The fate of his lost friends and companions, Knowing by its tracks that some demon had torn His followers apart. He wept, fearing The beginning might not be the end. And that night c Grendel came again, so set On murder that no crime could ever be enough, No savage assault quench his lust For evil. Then each warrior tried To escape him, searched for rest in different Beds, as far from Herot as they could find, Seeing how Grendel hunted when they slept. Distance was safety; the only survivors Were those who fled him. Hate had triumphed. Note the description in lines 23–29 of supernatural creatures that are “again and again defeated.” What universal theme might these lines suggest? lair (lâr) n. the den or resting place of a wild animal c EPIC What is the tone of lines 44–49? What words and details convey this tone? unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods VOCABULARY own the word L4 lair: Have students create a semantic map for lair. Write the word in a center circle and add the definition given, “the den or resting place of a wild animal.” Draw spider legs from the center circle and have students add synonyms to complete the map. Possible answers: nest, hideaway, haunt, hole, burrow 44 unit NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd 44 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners Vocabulary: Multiple-Meaning Words [small-group option] Explain that the verb stir as it is used in line 16 means “to become active.” However, stir also has other meanings, such as “to mix with a circular motion.” Discuss how students can use context clues to figure out the appropriate meaning of a multiple-meaning word. Then have mixedlanguage-ability Jigsaw groups investigate these other multiple-meaning words and 12:01:31 NA_L12PE-u01 PM share their findings: moors (line 17); drove (line 23); bitter (line 24); brood (line 28); will (line 29); broke (line 43); rest (line 54); bent (line 86). BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT Jigsaw Reading p. A1 1 NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 44 1/3/11 8:27:00 AM 2/10 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 So Grendel ruled, fought with the righteous, One against many, and won; so Herot Stood empty, and stayed deserted for years, Twelve winters of grief for Hrothgar, king Of the Danes, sorrow heaped at his door By hell-forged hands. His misery leaped d The seas, was told and sung in all Men’s ears: how Grendel’s hatred began, How the monster relished his savage war On the Danes, keeping the bloody feud Alive, seeking no peace, offering No truce, accepting no settlement, no price In gold or land, and paying the living For one crime only with another. No one Waited for reparation from his plundering claws: That shadow of death hunted in the darkness, Stalked Hrothgar’s warriors, old And young, lying in waiting, hidden In mist, invisibly following them from the edge Of the marsh, always there, unseen. So mankind’s enemy continued his crimes, Killing as often as he could, coming Alone, bloodthirsty and horrible. Though he lived In Herot, when the night hid him, he never Dared to touch king Hrothgar’s glorious Throne, protected by God—God, Whose love Grendel could not know. But Hrothgar’s Heart was bent. The best and most noble Of his council debated remedies, sat In secret sessions, talking of terror And wondering what the bravest of warriors could do. And sometimes they sacrificed to the old stone gods, Made heathen vows, hoping for Hell’s Support, the Devil’s guidance in driving Their affliction off. That was their way, And the heathen’s only hope, Hell Always in their hearts, knowing neither God Nor His passing as He walks through our world, the Lord Of Heaven and earth; their ears could not hear His praise nor know His glory. Let them Beware, those who are thrust into danger, Clutched at by trouble, yet can carry no solace In their hearts, cannot hope to be better! Hail To those who will rise to God, drop off Their dead bodies and seek our Father’s peace! R E A D I N G STR ATEG Y d d OLD ENGLISH POETRY What does the kenning “hellforged hands” in line 64 suggest about Grendel? Possible answer: “Hell-forged hands” suggests that Grendel is a creature of hell, in league with the Devil. revisit the big question 73 reparation: something done to make amends for loss or suffering. In Germanic society, someone who killed another person was generally expected to make a payment to the victim’s family as a way of restoring peace. 84 The reference to God shows the influence of Christianity on the Beowulf Poet. Where do MONSTERS lurk? Discuss Have students reread lines 79–85. Besides reflecting Christian influence on the original Anglo-Saxon poem, in what way do these lines establish the theme of conflict between good and evil? Possible answer: These lines associate Grendel with Satan (“mankind’s enemy,” line 79) and Hrothgar with God (“glorious / Throne, protected by God—God, / Whose love Grendel could not know,” lines 83–85). tiered discussion prompts 91 heathen (hCPthEn): pagan; nonChristian. Though the Beowulf Poet was a Christian, he recognized that the characters in the poem lived before the Germanic tribes were converted to Christianity, when they still worshiped “the old stone gods.” In lines 64–81, use these prompts to help students understand Grendel’s merciless war against the Danes: Summarize What does this passage describe? Possible answer: how the evil and implacable Grendel relentlessly wages a bloody war against the Danes affliction (E-flGkPshEn) n. a force that oppresses or causes suffering beowulf 12:01:31 NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd PM RL 4 L 5a old english poetry 45 Analyze What words and phrases does the poet use to establish Grendel as a fearsome creature? Possible answer: The poet uses strongly negative expressions, such as “hatred,” “monster,” “bloody,” “stalked,” “bloodthirsty,” and “horrible” and describes how Grendel “relished his savage war” and refused to accept any settlement or truce. 45 11/22/10 12:01:32 PM Evaluate How effective is the poet in conveying Grendel’s assault on the Danes? Explain. Accept all thoughtful responses. for struggling readers • lines 59–60: what Grendel did Comprehension Support The poem’s long, complicated sentences often consist of groups of related phrases or clauses punctuated with commas and sometimes with colons or semicolons. Model how to break down these sentences by reducing them to smaller units. For example, the sentence that spans lines 59–64 can be reduced to these parts: • lines 60–61: how Herot was affected VOCABULARY • lines 62–64: how Hrothgar was affected own the word Have student pairs apply this strategy to the long sentence that spans lines 64–72. affliction: Tell students that the Latin word affligere means “to strike down.” Have students explain the relationship between the meaning of the Latin word and affliction. L4 beowulf NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 45 45 1/3/11 8:27:04 AM tiered discussion prompts Review lines 104–123. Use these prompts to encourage students to discuss the lines on this page: Comprehend In lines 104–108, how does the poet describe Healfdane’s son? Possible answer: sorrowful, bitter, unable to let go of grief Speculate From reading lines 120–123, what characteristics do you think the fourteen men that Beowulf chose to accompany him had in common? Possible answer: proven warriors, skilled in battle, courageous beowulf 105 110 115 120 46 So the living sorrow of Healfdane’s son Simmered, bitter and fresh, and no wisdom Or strength could break it: that agony hung On king and people alike, harsh And unending, violent and cruel, and evil. In his far-off home Beowulf, Higlac’s Follower and the strongest of the Geats—greater And stronger than anyone anywhere in this world— Heard how Grendel filled nights with horror And quickly commanded a boat fitted out, Proclaiming that he’d go to that famous king, Would sail across the sea to Hrothgar, Now when help was needed. None Of the wise ones regretted his going, much As he was loved by the Geats: the omens were good, And they urged the adventure on. So Beowulf Chose the mightiest men he could find, The bravest and best of the Geats, fourteen In all, and led them down to their boat; 2 Targeted Passage The Oseberg Ship (850), Viking. Viking Ship Museum, Bygdoy, Norway. © Werner Forman/Art Resource, New York. 104 Healfdane’s son: Hrothgar. 109–110 Higlac’s follower: a warrior loyal to Higlac (hGgPlBkQ), king of the Geats (and Beowulf’s uncle). unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd 46 11/22/10 differentiated instruction 46 unit for advanced learners/ap for reluctant readers Analyze Technique Ask students to study lines 104–108. Then have them discuss the poet’s technique, especially his use of imagery (“the living sorrow . . . Simmered”); sentence structure; and adjectives (“harsh / And unending, violent and cruel, and evil”) to convey meaning and create a mood. Challenge students to write a concise paragraph conveying the same information in a similarly imaginative way. Have them share their paragraph with a small group. Connect to the Text Have students reread lines 120–122. Ask students if they were going to fight Grendel, who they would choose to go with them. What characteristics would they look for in these warriors? Possible answer: The warriors should be loyal to their leader, brave, and strong. 12:01:32 NA_L12PE-u01 PM 1 NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 46 1/3/11 8:27:07 AM 2/10 RL 3 He knew the sea, would point the prow Straight to that distant Danish shore. . . . e e Beowulf and his men sail over the sea to the land of the Danes to offer help to Hrothgar. They are escorted by a Danish guard to Herot, where Wulfgar, one of Hrothgar’s soldiers, tells the king of their arrival. Hrothgar knows of Beowulf and is ready to welcome the young prince and his men. 125 130 135 140 145 150 155 Then Wulfgar went to the door and addressed The waiting seafarers with soldier’s words: “My lord, the great king of the Danes, commands me To tell you that he knows of your noble birth And that having come to him from over the open Sea you have come bravely and are welcome. Now go to him as you are, in your armor and helmets, But leave your battle-shields here, and your spears, Let them lie waiting for the promises your words May make.” Beowulf arose, with his men Around him, ordering a few to remain With their weapons, leading the others quickly Along under Herot’s steep roof into Hrothgar’s Presence. Standing on that prince’s own hearth, Helmeted, the silvery metal of his mail shirt Gleaming with a smith’s high art, he greeted The Danes’ great lord: “Hail, Hrothgar! Higlac is my cousin and my king; the days Of my youth have been filled with glory. Now Grendel’s Name has echoed in our land: sailors Have brought us stories of Herot, the best Of all mead-halls, deserted and useless when the moon Hangs in skies the sun had lit, Light and life fleeing together. My people have said, the wisest, most knowing And best of them, that my duty was to go to the Danes’ Great king. They have seen my strength for themselves, Have watched me rise from the darkness of war, Dripping with my enemies’ blood. I drove Five great giants into chains, chased All of that race from the earth. I swam In the blackness of night, hunting monsters Out of the ocean, and killing them one EPIC An epic is a long narrative poem that traces the adventures of a great hero. Almost all national cultures have their own epics, whose stories and heroes play a role in defining the national character. An epic may describe how a nation was established or highlight specific traits associated with its people. Read lines 109–124. At what point in the story is Beowulf introduced? What traits of an epic hero does he appear to possess? Which traits of Beowulf’s might also be used to describe the British people and their origins? 47 142 cousin: here, a general term for a relative. Beowulf is actually Higlac’s nephew. Comprehension Support Call students’ attention to the lengthy sentence that spans lines 143–148 (“Now Grendel’s / Name has echoed . . .”). Suggest that students approach such long sentences by breaking them up into parts. For example, to facilitate comprehension, the sentence might be broken up into three sections: lines 143–144, lines 144–147 (“sailors . . . lit”), and line 148. Help students paraphrase each of these parts. Model the Skill: epic To model how to identify the characteristics of an epic hero, create an initial list of epic hero traits for students. For example, an epic hero is of noble birth or high position and is of historical or legendary importance. Then have students finish the list with the traits that Beowulf has shown thus far. Possible answer: Beowulf is introduced when he learns of Grendel terrorizing the Danes and how the monster “filled nights with horror.” He sets sail to offer help to Hrothgar. Beowulf is very strong, courageous, and has a great sense of duty, traits an epic hero possesses. His sense of duty and loyalty could also be used to describe the British people. 140 smith’s high art: the skilled craft of a blacksmith (a person who fashions objects from iron). tiered discussion prompts Use these prompts to help students understand Beowulf as an epic hero in lines 141–160: Summarize Why does Beowulf come to see Hrothgar? Possible answer: Beowulf is volunteering his services, suggesting that it is his duty to do so because of his many previous heroic accomplishments. Interpret What impression of Beowulf does the poet convey through Beowulf’s opening remarks to Hrothgar? Possible answer: Beowulf’s opening remarks suggest an epic hero—a warrior who is bold and confident and has performed many heroic deeds. 47 11/22/10 for struggling readers RL 3 e 139 mail shirt: flexible body armor made of metal links or overlapping metal scales. beowulf 12:01:32 NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd PM T E X T A N A LY S I S Point out that lines 145–147 describe Herot. Elicit or explain that the phrase “life fleeing” in line 148 refers to people leaving Herot in fear of Grendel’s deadly attacks. 12:01:38 PM Evaluate What is the effect of having Beowulf describe his own great deeds? Possible answer: Beowulf sounds confident and matter-of-fact about his accomplishments. Some readers might think he sounds boastful. However, had someone else described his deeds, Beowulf might sound even more impressive. beowulf NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 47 47 1/3/11 8:27:12 AM 160 T E X T A N A LY S I S f RL 3 epic Possible answer: The people of Beowulf’s time might have valued great strength and courage because they were frequently attacked by enemies. 165 170 tiered discussion prompts Use these prompts to help students understand Beowulf’s offer to fight Grendel, which is discussed in lines 160–189: Summarize What is Beowulf asking of Hrothgar? Possible answer: Beowulf is asking Hrothgar to let him and his men fight Grendel. Interpret Why does Beowulf insist that “my hands alone shall fight for me”? Possible answer: Because Grendel “needs no weapons,” Beowulf feels that fighting him with “hands alone” gives Beowulf no advantage and thus makes the fight fair. Evaluate What is the significance of Beowulf’s statement, “Fate will unwind as it must”? Possible answer: As discussed in the historical essay, such fatalism was part of the Anglo-Saxons’ pagan religion. 175 180 185 190 195 VOCABULARY own the word L4 • purge: Tell students that the connotation of purge in this sentence is “to purify.” Then have them explain why Beowulf is calling for the hall to be purged. Possible answer: The hall is to be purified, rid of evil. • gorge: Tell students that the Latin root for gorge is gurga, “throat.” Remind students that in this instance gorge is used as a verb, and review the definition with them. Then have them identify the meaning of gorge when it is used as a noun. Possible answer: A gorge is a deep narrow passage with steep sides. 48 unit 48 By one; death was my errand and the fate They had earned. Now Grendel and I are called f Together, and I’ve come. Grant me, then, Lord and protector of this noble place, A single request! I have come so far, Oh shelterer of warriors and your people’s loved friend, That this one favor you should not refuse me— That I, alone and with the help of my men, May purge all evil from this hall. I have heard, Too, that the monster’s scorn of men Is so great that he needs no weapons and fears none. Nor will I. My lord Higlac Might think less of me if I let my sword Go where my feet were afraid to, if I hid Behind some broad linden shield: my hands Alone shall fight for me, struggle for life Against the monster. God must decide Who will be given to death’s cold grip. Grendel’s plan, I think, will be What it has been before, to invade this hall And gorge his belly with our bodies. If he can, If he can. And I think, if my time will have come, There’ll be nothing to mourn over, no corpse to prepare For its grave: Grendel will carry our bloody Flesh to the moors, crunch on our bones And smear torn scraps of our skin on the walls Of his den. No, I expect no Danes Will fret about sewing our shrouds, if he wins. And if death does take me, send the hammered Mail of my armor to Higlac, return The inheritance I had from Hrethel, and he From Wayland. Fate will unwind as it must!” f EPIC Notice that in lines 153–159, Beowulf boasts about past victories that required superhuman strength and courage. Why might the people of Beowulf’s time have valued such traits? purge (pûrj) v. to cleanse or rid of something undesirable 172 linden shield: a shield made from the wood of a linden tree. 172–174 Beowulf insists on fighting Grendel without weapons. gorge (gôrj) v. to stuff with food; glut Targeted Passage 2 185 shrouds: cloths in which dead bodies are wrapped. 188 Hrethel (hrDthPEl): a former king of the Geats—Higlac’s father and Beowulf’s grandfather. Hrothgar replied, protector of the Danes: “Beowulf, you’ve come to us in friendship, and because Of the reception your father found at our court. Edgetho had begun a bitter feud, Killing Hathlaf, a Wulfing warrior: Your father’s countrymen were afraid of war, If he returned to his home, and they turned him away. Then he traveled across the curving waves To the land of the Danes. I was new to the throne, Then, a young man ruling this wide 189 Wayland: a famous blacksmith and magician. 193 Edgetho (DjPthI): Beowulf’s father. 194 Wulfing: a member of another Germanic tribe. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd 48 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for advanced learners/ap Analyze Tone and Characterization As students read Beowulf, ask them to reflect on the poet’s tone and characterization. What can students infer about the poet’s feelings toward Beowulf? toward Hrothgar? toward the poem’s other characters? Does the poet depict all of the characters in a black-andwhite way, as either good or bad, or are there shades of gray? Does the poet imply any opinions? Direct students to write a brief 12:01:39 NA_L12PE-u01 PM essay summarizing and supporting their conclusions. Then ask students to compare their observations. 1 NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 48 1/3/11 8:27:16 AM 2/10 200 205 210 215 220 225 230 Kingdom and its golden city: Hergar, My older brother, a far better man Than I, had died and dying made me, Second among Healfdane’s sons, first In this nation. I bought the end of Edgetho’s Quarrel, sent ancient treasures through the ocean’s Furrows to the Wulfings; your father swore He’d keep that peace. My tongue grows heavy, And my heart, when I try to tell you what Grendel Has brought us, the damage he’s done, here In this hall. You see for yourself how much smaller g Our ranks have become, and can guess what we’ve lost To his terror. Surely the Lord Almighty Could stop his madness, smother his lust! How many times have my men, glowing With courage drawn from too many cups Of ale, sworn to stay after dark And stem that horror with a sweep of their swords. And then, in the morning, this mead-hall glittering With new light would be drenched with blood, the benches Stained red, the floors, all wet from that fiend’s Savage assault—and my soldiers would be fewer Still, death taking more and more. But to table, Beowulf, a banquet in your honor: Let us toast your victories, and talk of the future.” h Then Hrothgar’s men gave places to the Geats, Yielded benches to the brave visitors And led them to the feast. The keeper of the mead Came carrying out the carved flasks, And poured that bright sweetness. A poet Sang, from time to time, in a clear Pure voice. Danes and visiting Geats Celebrated as one, drank and rejoiced. . . . R E A D I N G STR ATEG Y g g OLD ENGLISH POETRY Observe that as Hrothgar begins to speak about Grendel in lines 207–210, his tone, or his attitude toward his subject, becomes bleak and despairing. What repeated sounds does the poet use to suggest this tone? old english poetry RL 4 L 5a Possible answer: The poet repeats h’s, t’s, and d’s. T E X T A N A LY S I S h h EPIC Note that Hrothgar delivers a long speech to Beowulf in lines 190–224. What values are reflected in the speech? RL 3 epic Possible answer: Hrothgar’s long speech reflects the values of friendship, loyalty, and courage. In lines 190–207, Hrothgar describes how he helped Beowulf’s father, Edgetho, appease the anger of the Wulfings. He concludes his speech by describing his great need to end Grendel’s reign of terror. IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . • Have them reread lines 190–198. Discuss who Edgetho was, what he did, and what happened to him as a consequence of his actions. • Have them reread lines 204–206. Discuss how Hrothgar helped Edgetho. beowulf 12:01:39 NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd PM 49 49 11/22/10 for struggling readers Comprehension Support To make sure students understand Hrothgar’s account in lines 191–207, help them summarize the events described. Possible answer: Edgetho, Beowulf’s father, started a feud with the Wulfing tribe by killing Hathlaf, one of their warriors. Edgetho’s people turned him away from his homeland, fearing that his presence could cause a war to break out. So Edgetho sailed to the land of the Danes. Hrothgar helped 12:01:40 PM Edgetho by sending treasures to Edgetho’s enemies, the Wulfings, thus buying peace between the tribes. beowulf NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 49 49 1/13/11 11:56:16 AM 2 Targeted Passage the battle with grendel After the banquet, Hrothgar and his followers leave Herot, and Beowulf and his warriors remain to spend the night. Beowulf reiterates his intent to fight Grendel without a sword and, while his followers sleep, lies waiting, eager for Grendel to appear. R E A D I N G STR ATEG Y i Model the Skill: RL 4 L 5a 235 old english poetry To model how caesuras can affect the rhythm of poetry, read to the class lines 233–235. Then have students work in pairs to practice reading aloud these lines. Encourage them to analyze the effectiveness of one another’s reading. Possible answer: The rhythm of the lines reflects the relentless, ominous approach of Grendel as he advances on Herot. 240 245 50 Out from the marsh, from the foot of misty Hills and bogs, bearing God’s hatred, Grendel came, hoping to kill i Anyone he could trap on this trip to high Herot. He moved quickly through the cloudy night, Up from his swampland, sliding silently Toward that gold-shining hall. He had visited Hrothgar’s Home before, knew the way— But never, before nor after that night, Found Herot defended so firmly, his reception So harsh. He journeyed, forever joyless, Straight to the door, then snapped it open, Tore its iron fasteners with a touch i OLD ENGLISH POETRY Reread lines 233–235. Notice that the translator uses punctuation to convey the effect of the midline pauses, or caesuras, in the lines. In what way does the rhythm created by the pauses reinforce the action recounted here? unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd 50 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for advanced learners/ap Analyze Symbolism As students read, have them explore the symbolism in Beowulf. For example, ask what Grendel (and later, Grendel’s mother and the dragon) might symbolize. Possible answer: the universal idea of evil; death; revenge. Remind students that setting, too, has symbolic significance. Ask them to consider the location and description of Grendel’s marsh, the lake, and Herot. What might the places symbolize? 50 unit 12:01:40 NA_L12PE-u01 PM Possible answer: marsh, lake: hell; Herot: heaven. Extend the discussion by asking students to recall other poems, short stories, or novels they may have read in which characters or settings symbolized similar ideas. Have students compare the writing techniques used and discuss which ones were most effective. 1 NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 50 1/3/11 8:27:24 AM 2/10 250 255 260 265 270 275 280 285 And rushed angrily over the threshold. He strode quickly across the inlaid Floor, snarling and fierce: his eyes Gleamed in the darkness, burned with a gruesome Light. Then he stopped, seeing the hall Crowded with sleeping warriors, stuffed With rows of young soldiers resting together. And his heart laughed, he relished the sight, Intended to tear the life from those bodies By morning; the monster’s mind was hot With the thought of food and the feasting his belly Would soon know. But fate, that night, intended Grendel to gnaw the broken bones Of his last human supper. Human Eyes were watching his evil steps, Waiting to see his swift hard claws. Grendel snatched at the first Geat He came to, ripped him apart, cut His body to bits with powerful jaws, Drank the blood from his veins and bolted Him down, hands and feet; death And Grendel’s great teeth came together, Snapping life shut. Then he stepped to another Still body, clutched at Beowulf with his claws, Grasped at a strong-hearted wakeful sleeper —And was instantly seized himself, claws Bent back as Beowulf leaned up on one arm. That shepherd of evil, guardian of crime, Knew at once that nowhere on earth Had he met a man whose hands were harder; His mind was flooded with fear—but nothing Could take his talons and himself from that tight Hard grip. Grendel’s one thought was to run From Beowulf, flee back to his marsh and hide there: This was a different Herot than the hall he had emptied. But Higlac’s follower remembered his final Boast and, standing erect, stopped The monster’s flight, fastened those claws In his fists till they cracked, clutched Grendel Closer. The infamous killer fought For his freedom, wanting no flesh but retreat, Desiring nothing but escape; his claws Had been caught, he was trapped. That trip to Herot Was a miserable journey for the writhing monster! 246 threshold: the strip of wood or stone at the bottom of a doorway. revisit the big question Where do MONSTERS lurk? Discuss In lines 247–257, what specific details suggest that Grendel is a creature of pure evil? Possible answer: The poet describes him in frightening terms: “snarling and fierce: his eyes . . . burned with a gruesome / Light” (lines 248–250). He tells how Grendel laughs cruelly, relishing the idea of tearing the young soldiers apart and devouring them. tiered discussion prompts Use these prompts to help students understand the battle between Beowulf and Grendel in lines 268–288: Connect In what ways is Beowulf’s encounter with Grendel similar to other manmonster clashes you’ve read about or seen on television or in the movies? How is it different? Accept all thoughtful responses. Analyze What character traits of an epic hero does Beowulf display in this passage? Possible answer: Beowulf shows incredible courage and superhuman strength, facing Grendel without a weapon, seizing Grendel’s claws, and preventing the monster from escaping. talon (tBlPEn) n. a claw 278–289 Up to this point Grendel has killed his human victims easily. Synthesize How do you predict the battle between Beowulf and Grendel will end? Accept all reasonable responses. infamous (GnPfE-mEs) adj. having a very bad reputation VOCABULARY L4 own the word beowulf 12:01:40 NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd PM 51 51 11/22/10 for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Comprehension: Text Structure Point out the sudden narrative shift in line 271. Discuss how the poet first establishes a strong forward flow in lines 262–270, conveying Grendel’s seemingly unstoppable advance. Then, abruptly, the poet inserts a dash at the beginning of line 271, and the forward flow is reversed in lines 271–272: “[Grendel] was instantly seized himself, claws / Bent back.” Discuss how this shift adds drama to the narrative. Hypothesize Have students reread Grendel’s attack on these two pages. Point out that Beowulf does not spring into action until after Grendel kills one of the sleeping Geats (lines 262–268). Have students reflect on the possible reasons for Beowulf’s delay. That is, why does Beowulf not act immediately, so as to spare the Geat’s life? Have students summarize their conclusions in a well-written paragraph, and then share their conclusions with the class. 12:01:47 PM • talon: Have students name birds of prey that are known for their sharp talons and explain how the talons are used. Possible answers: eagles, hawks, osprey, falcons; to catch prey • infamous: Have students name famous people from various walks of life, including presidents and other elected officials, business people, actors, and athletes. Then have students name some infamous people from the same categories. Make a class list and discuss the differences in achievements, why some people are famous and why some are infamous. beowulf NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 51 51 1/3/11 8:27:29 AM 290 295 R E A D I N G STR ATEG Y j old english poetry RL 4 L 5a 300 Possible answer: The repeated hard-letter b and g sounds convey the impression of the blows and impacts of a hard-fought battle. IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Call their attention to such alliterative combinations as “bodies beating at its beautiful walls” (line 295) and “gold-covered boards grating / As Grendel” (lines 299–300). 305 310 Extend the Discussion What sensory details does the poet include to help the reader imagine the sounds of the battle? 315 320 revisit the big question Where do MONSTERS lurk? Discuss In lines 319–322, why might the poet have used the figurative phrase “open a path for his evil soul” rather than simply write “slay” or “wound”? Possible answer: “Evil soul” reinforces the idea that Grendel is a creature of evil, a monster from hell (note that the poet has just referred to him as “hell’s captive” in line 311). 325 330 52 The high hall rang, its roof boards swayed, And Danes shook with terror. Down The aisles the battle swept, angry And wild. Herot trembled, wonderfully Built to withstand the blows, the struggling Great bodies beating at its beautiful walls; Shaped and fastened with iron, inside And out, artfully worked, the building Stood firm. Its benches rattled, fell To the floor, gold-covered boards grating As Grendel and Beowulf battled across them. j Hrothgar’s wise men had fashioned Herot To stand forever; only fire, They had planned, could shatter what such skill had put Together, swallow in hot flames such splendor Of ivory and iron and wood. Suddenly The sounds changed, the Danes started In new terror, cowering in their beds as the terrible Screams of the Almighty’s enemy sang In the darkness, the horrible shrieks of pain And defeat, the tears torn out of Grendel’s Taut throat, hell’s captive caught in the arms Of him who of all the men on earth Was the strongest. That mighty protector of men Meant to hold the monster till its life Leaped out, knowing the fiend was no use To anyone in Denmark. All of Beowulf ’s Band had jumped from their beds, ancestral Swords raised and ready, determined To protect their prince if they could. Their courage Was great but all wasted: they could hack at Grendel From every side, trying to open A path for his evil soul, but their points Could not hurt him, the sharpest and hardest iron Could not scratch at his skin, for that sin-stained demon Had bewitched all men’s weapons, laid spells That blunted every mortal man’s blade. And yet his time had come, his days Were over, his death near; down To hell he would go, swept groaning and helpless To the waiting hands of still worse fiends. j OLD ENGLISH POETRY Reread lines 293–300. What impression of the battle does the alliteration help convey? 2 TargetedL 4a Passage Language Coach Homophones Many word pairs sound alike but have different spellings and meanings. For example, taught is the past tense of teach. Which word in line 311 is a homophone for taught? Guess the word’s meaning using the surrounding text. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd 52 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for struggling readers Vocabulary Support Call attention to the way the poet integrates a description of Herot into the battle. Discuss these interrelated phrases: • wonderfully / Built to withstand the blows (lines 293–294) • artfully worked (line 297) • fashioned . . . To stand forever (lines 301–302) • splendor / Of ivory and iron and wood (lines 304–305) 52 unit 12:01:48 NA_L12PE-u01 PM for english language learners Language Coach L 4a Homophones Possible answer: “Taut” is the homophone. It might mean tight, because that’s how your throat feels when you’re in trouble. Remind students to look at the spelling of new words, especially homophones. Then have students write four sentences, two that show an understanding of taut and two that show an understanding of taught. 1 NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 52 1/21/11 1:40:20 PM 2/10 335 340 345 350 355 360 365 370 Now he discovered—once the afflictor Of men, tormentor of their days—what it meant To feud with Almighty God: Grendel Saw that his strength was deserting him, his claws Bound fast, Higlac’s brave follower tearing at His hands. The monster’s hatred rose higher, But his power had gone. He twisted in pain, And the bleeding sinews deep in his shoulder Snapped, muscle and bone split And broke. The battle was over, Beowulf Had been granted new glory: Grendel escaped, But wounded as he was could flee to his den, His miserable hole at the bottom of the marsh, Only to die, to wait for the end Of all his days. And after that bloody Combat the Danes laughed with delight. He who had come to them from across the sea, Bold and strong-minded, had driven affliction Off, purged Herot clean. He was happy, Now, with that night’s fierce work; the Danes Had been served as he’d boasted he’d serve them; Beowulf, A prince of the Geats, had killed Grendel, Ended the grief, the sorrow, the suffering Forced on Hrothgar’s helpless people By a bloodthirsty fiend. No Dane doubted The victory, for the proof, hanging high From the rafters where Beowulf had hung it, was the monster’s Arm, claw and shoulder and all. revisit the big question Where do MONSTERS lurk? 338 sinews (sGnPyLz): the tendons that connect muscles to bones. Discuss In lines 314–333, in what ways does the poet make the audience aware that Grendel is truly evil? Possible answer: Beowulf’s men try to cut Grendel to release “his evil soul” (line 322). Grendel himself is described as “sinstained” (line 324). He is destined to be sent to hell upon his death (line 329). tiered discussion prompts Use these prompts to help students understand the poet’s portrayal of Beowulf’s victory over Grendel in lines 337–358: Recall What happens to Grendel? Possible answer: Grendel finally tears loose from Beowulf’s grip, but he loses his arm, claw, and shoulder in the process. He returns to his den to die. Analyze What striking images does the poet use to bring the narrative to life? Possible answer: The poet describes in detail how Grendel “twisted in pain / And the bleeding sinews deep in his shoulder / Snapped, muscle and bone split / And broke” (lines 337–340). He goes on to tell how the monster retreated to his “miserable hole at the bottom of the marsh” (line 343). Finally, he concludes the passage with the dramatic image of Grendel’s “arm, claw, and shoulder” hanging from the rafters (line 358). And then, in the morning, crowds surrounded Herot, warriors coming to that hall From faraway lands, princes and leaders Of men hurrying to behold the monster’s Great staggering tracks. They gaped with no sense Of sorrow, felt no regret for his suffering, Went tracing his bloody footprints, his beaten And lonely flight, to the edge of the lake Where he’d dragged his corpselike way, doomed And already weary of his vanishing life. The water was bloody, steaming and boiling In horrible pounding waves, heat Sucked from his magic veins; but the swirling Surf had covered his death, hidden beowulf 12:01:48 NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd PM 53 53 11/22/10 for struggling readers for english language learners Vocabulary Support • afflictor (line 331), “someone who causes suffering or injury” Related Vocabulary Point out the poet’s use of descriptive language to characterize the defeated and mortally wounded Grendel. Discuss these interrelated phrases: • sinews (lines 338), “tendons” • purged (line 349), “freed from something bad” • Great staggering tracks (line 363) • Surf (line 372), “the foam and splash of breaking waves” • beaten / And lonely flight (lines 365–366) 12:01:49 PM Evaluate How important is Beowulf to the fate of Denmark? Possible answer: In defeating Grendel, Beowulf has “driven affliction / Off” (lines 348–349) and saved the Danes from the monster. He has “Ended the grief, the sorrow, the suffering / Forced on” the Danes (lines 353–354). Like a typical epic hero, Beowulf has been “Bold and strongminded” (line 348) and killed the terrible, seemingly invincible monster. • no regret for his suffering (line 364) • dragged his corpselike way, doomed / And already weary of his vanishing life (lines 367–368) beowulf NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 53 53 1/3/11 8:27:37 AM 375 k grammar and style L3 Analyze Imagery Point out that the poet also uses alliteration to heighten the descriptive effect in these lines, as in “swirling surf” and “deep in murky darkness.” Ask students to find other vivid images in the poem, such as those in lines 181–184 and 262–268, and think about how the poet combines adjectives and verbs to make an impact. 380 385 390 R E A D I N G STR ATEG Y l old english poetry RL 4 L 5a 395 Deep in murky darkness his miserable End, as hell opened to receive him. k Then old and young rejoiced, turned back From that happy pilgrimage, mounted their hard-hooved Horses, high-spirited stallions, and rode them Slowly toward Herot again, retelling Beowulf ’s bravery as they jogged along. And over and over they swore that nowhere On earth or under the spreading sky Or between the seas, neither south nor north, Was there a warrior worthier to rule over men. (But no one meant Beowulf ’s praise to belittle Hrothgar, their kind and gracious king!) And sometimes, when the path ran straight and clear, They would let their horses race, red And brown and pale yellow backs streaming Down the road. And sometimes a proud old soldier Who had heard songs of the ancient heroes And could sing them all through, story after story, Would weave a net of words for Beowulf ’s Victory, tying the knot of his verses Smoothly, swiftly, into place with a poet’s Quick skill, singing his new song aloud While he shaped it, and the old songs as well. . . . l k GRAMMAR AND STYLE To capture a scene, the poet often uses vivid imagery. Notice the use in lines 369–374, for example, of adjectives such as bloody, steaming, pounding, and swirling to help readers see and feel the violent, churning water. l OLD ENGLISH POETRY Reread lines 389–396. In what Targeted Passage ways does this description reflect the techniques used by Anglo-Saxon poets? Cite details. 2 Possible answer: Anglo-Saxon poets used alliteration and rhythmic lines of stressed syllables to “weave a net of words” and tie “verses smoothly, swiftly, into place with a poet’s quick skill.” answers 1. Beowulf hears about Grendel’s attacks on the Danes and travels to Denmark to help battle the monster. Text Analysis 1. Clarify Why does Beowulf journey across the sea to the land of the Danes? 2. Beowulf lies in wait for Grendel at Herot, then seizes the monster when he attacks. Grendel manages to tear himself loose, but he is severely injured and returns to the marsh to die. 3. Grendel kills at least partly out of hunger (lines 255–256). He may also feel excluded from the men’s celebrations and be jealous of their merrymaking. On a more symbolic level, perhaps this creature of hell rages at the men because he has been denied God’s grace and love. 4. Grendel’s arm serves as a symbol of Beowulf’s great victory—in effect, a trophy of battle. 2. Summarize How does Beowulf trap and kill Grendel? 3. Analyze Motivation What drives Grendel to attack so many men at Herot, the mead hall? 4. Make Inferences Why does Beowulf hang Grendel’s arm from the rafters of Herot? 54 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd 54 differentiated instruction 11/22/10 12:01:49 NA_L12PE-u01 PM for struggling readers Vocabulary Support • murky (line 373), “thick and heavy; gloomy” • pilgrimage (line 376), “journey” 54 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 54 1/3/11 8:27:40 AM 2/10 tiered discussion prompts For lines 397–417, use these prompts to help students understand the poet’s descriptive comparison: Recall Who has “reversed / The bright vane of [the Danes’] luck”? Answer: Grendel’s mother Interpret Why does Grendel’s mother take and kill one of the Danes? Explain the significance of the “single victim” (line 411) that she chooses. Possible answer: Grendel’s mother takes and kills a soldier to avenge her son’s death. The victim she chooses is “Hrothgar’s closest friend, / The man he most loved of all men on earth” (lines 414–415). grendel’s mother Although one monster has died, another still lives. From her lair in a cold and murky lake, where she has been brooding over her loss, Grendel’s mother emerges, bent on revenge. 400 405 410 415 So she reached Herot, Where the Danes slept as though already dead; Her visit ended their good fortune, reversed The bright vane of their luck. No female, no matter How fierce, could have come with a man’s strength, Fought with the power and courage men fight with, Smashing their shining swords, their bloody, Hammer-forged blades onto boar-headed helmets, Slashing and stabbing with the sharpest of points. The soldiers raised their shields and drew Those gleaming swords, swung them above The piled-up benches, leaving their mail shirts And their helmets where they’d lain when the terror took hold of them. To save her life she moved still faster, Took a single victim and fled from the hall, Running to the moors, discovered, but her supper Assured, sheltered in her dripping claws. She’d taken Hrothgar’s closest friend, The man he most loved of all men on earth; She’d killed a glorious soldier, cut A noble life short. No Geat could have stopped her: Beowulf and his band had been given better What mood is conveyed by this photograph? Which elements help create that mood? 400 vane: a device that turns to show the direction the wind is blowing—here associated metaphorically with luck, which is as changeable as the wind. 404 boar-headed helmets: Germanic warriors often wore helmets bearing the images of wild pigs or other fierce creatures in the hope that the images would increase their ferocity and protect them against their enemies. beowulf 12:01:49 NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd PM 55 Evaluate In your opinion, does the poet’s description capture the ferocity of battle? Explain. Possible answer: Yes; the poet’s vivid verbs (“Smashing,” “Slashing,” “stabbing”) and adjectives (“shining,” “bloody,” “Hammer-forged,” “boar-headed”) strongly convey the brutality of war. Analyze Visuals Possible answer: The very dark storm clouds behind the structures and the light shining through the open door create a mood of danger and mystery. 55 11/22/10 12:01:50 PM for english language learners Vocabulary: Idioms Help students use context clues to determine the meaning of these idioms in the story: • bent on revenge (section introduction), “determined to cause harm in return for harm sustained” • took hold of (line 409), “affected” • cut . . . short (lines 416–417), “ended too soon” beowulf NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 55 55 1/3/11 8:27:46 AM 420 tiered discussion prompts For lines 425–446, use these prompts to help students understand the poet’s technique: Summarize In what sort of place does Grendel’s mother live? Possible answer: She lives in a dark and dank lair—a cold and gloomy lake, with storm-tossed black waves. Analyze What details of setting help to create an ominous mood? Possible answer: Details such as these—which describe the lake as dangerous, gloomy, and eerie— create an ominous mood: “secret places, windy / Cliffs, wolf-dens” (lines 425–426); “mist / Steams like black clouds” (lines 427–428); “[trees] are all covered / With frozen spray, and wind down snakelike / Roots” (lines 429–431); “keep it dark” (line 432). The lake is so ominous that a deer would rather be killed by hounds than jump in the water. Beds; sleep had come to them in a different Hall. Then all Herot burst into shouts: She had carried off Grendel’s claw. Sorrow Had returned to Denmark. They’d traded deaths, Danes and monsters, and no one had won, Both had lost! . . . Devastated by the loss of his friend, Hrothgar sends for Beowulf and recounts what Grendel’s mother has done. Then Hrothgar describes the dark lake where Grendel’s mother has dwelt with her son. 425 430 435 440 Synthesize What do you predict will happen if Beowulf seeks out Grendel’s mother? Accept all thoughtful responses. 445 56 “They live in secret places, windy Cliffs, wolf-dens where water pours From the rocks, then runs underground, where mist Steams like black clouds, and the groves of trees Growing out over their lake are all covered With frozen spray, and wind down snakelike Roots that reach as far as the water And help keep it dark. At night that lake Burns like a torch. No one knows its bottom, No wisdom reaches such depths. A deer, Hunted through the woods by packs of hounds, A stag with great horns, though driven through the forest From faraway places, prefers to die On those shores, refuses to save its life In that water. It isn’t far, nor is it A pleasant spot! When the wind stirs And storms, waves splash toward the sky, As dark as the air, as black as the rain That the heavens weep. Our only help, Again, lies with you. Grendel’s mother Is hidden in her terrible home, in a place You’ve not seen. Seek it, if you dare! Save us, Once more, and again twisted gold, Heaped-up ancient treasure, will reward you For the battle you win!” . . . L 4a Language Coach Homographs Words with the same spelling but different meanings, pronunciations, or Targeted Passage both are homographs. The word wind, for example, can rhyme with sinned or kind. What is the pronunciation and meaning of wind in line 430? How can you tell? 2 447–449 Germanic warriors placed great importance on amassing treasure as a way of acquiring fame and temporarily defeating fate. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd 56 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners Language Coach L 4a Homophones Answer: Wind rhymes with kind in this line. You can say that roots wind (wFnd) but not that they wind (wGnd). Ask students to identify the parts of speech that “wind” can have. Ask them to pronounce it as a noun and to pronounce it as a verb. Then have students write a pair of sentences, one using wind as a noun and the other using it as a verb. 56 unit 12:01:55 NA_L12PE-u01 PM for english language learners Comprehension: Text Structure Point out that lines 425–449 have a problem-solution structure. Work with small groups of students to read lines 425–443 and summarize the problem. Then work with the students to read lines 443–449 and summarize the solution. Possible answer: The problem is that Grendel’s mother, who has killed Hrothgar’s friend, lives at the bottom of a burning lake. The proposed solution is that Beowulf fight her. 1 NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 56 1/3/11 8:27:49 AM 2/10 revisit the big question Where do MONSTERS lurk? Discuss What specific details in lines 450–458 suggest that the underwater lair of Grendel’s mother is an evil place? Possible answer: Evil is associated with darkness. In addition, Beowulf sinks “for hours . . . through the waves” until he finally reaches the bottom. This long downward movement suggests a descent into hell. the battle with grendel’s mother Beowulf accepts Hrothgar’s challenge, and the king and his men accompany the hero to the dreadful lair of Grendel’s mother. Fearlessly, Beowulf prepares to battle the terrible creature. 450 455 460 He leaped into the lake, would not wait for anyone’s Answer; the heaving water covered him Over. For hours he sank through the waves; At last he saw the mud of the bottom. And all at once the greedy she-wolf Who’d ruled those waters for half a hundred Years discovered him, saw that a creature From above had come to explore the bottom Of her wet world. She welcomed him in her claws, Clutched at him savagely but could not harm him, Tried to work her fingers through the tight Ring-woven mail on his breast, but tore beowulf 12:01:55 NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd PM 57 57 11/22/10 12:01:56 PM for advanced learners/ap Use Descriptive Details Have students reread lines 425–443. Then ask students to write a prose description of the dwelling place of Grendel’s mother, using sensory images and descriptive details. Challenge students to create vivid images and establish a definite mood. Encourage them to use their imagination to develop their description. Have students share their work with the class. beowulf NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 57 57 1/3/11 8:27:54 AM 465 T E X T A N A LY S I S m RL 3 epic Possible answer: The setting is on a grand scale—an underwater battle-hall with a “high-arching roof,” a fiery lake—and the battle pits a fearless hero against powerful, supernatural creatures (“a host of sea beasts”). Beowulf performs in remarkable heroic fashion, holding off the monsters and remaining alive underwater without air for hours. IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . • Have them discuss the specific surroundings in which the battle occurs, as described in lines 469 and 472–474. 470 475 480 485 • Ask them to identify aspects of the battle and Beowulf’s actions that are larger than life. 490 495 500 58 And scratched in vain. Then she carried him, armor And sword and all, to her home; he struggled To free his weapon, and failed. The fight Brought other monsters swimming to see Her catch, a host of sea beasts who beat at His mail shirt, stabbing with tusks and teeth As they followed along. Then he realized, suddenly, That she’d brought him into someone’s battle-hall, And there the water’s heat could not hurt him, Nor anything in the lake attack him through The building’s high-arching roof. A brilliant Light burned all around him, the lake Itself like a fiery flame. m Then he saw The mighty water witch, and swung his sword, His ring-marked blade, straight at her head; The iron sang its fierce song, Sang Beowulf ’s strength. But her guest Discovered that no sword could slice her evil Skin, that Hrunting could not hurt her, was useless Now when he needed it. They wrestled, she ripped And tore and clawed at him, bit holes in his helmet, And that too failed him; for the first time in years Of being worn to war it would earn no glory; It was the last time anyone would wear it. But Beowulf Longed only for fame, leaped back Into battle. He tossed his sword aside, Angry; the steel-edged blade lay where He’d dropped it. If weapons were useless he’d use His hands, the strength in his fingers. So fame Comes to the men who mean to win it And care about nothing else! He raised His arms and seized her by the shoulder; anger Doubled his strength, he threw her to the floor. She fell, Grendel’s fierce mother, and the Geats’ Proud prince was ready to leap on her. But she rose At once and repaid him with her clutching claws, Wildly tearing at him. He was weary, that best And strongest of soldiers; his feet stumbled And in an instant she had him down, held helpless. Squatting with her weight on his stomach, she drew A dagger, brown with dried blood, and prepared To avenge her only son. But he was stretched m EPIC Reread lines 464–474. What details of the battle and its setting are characteristic of an epic? 476 his ring-marked blade: For the battle with Grendel’s mother, Beowulf has been given an heirloom sword with an intricately etched blade. 480 Hrunting (hrOnPtGng): the name of Beowulf’s sword. (Germanic warriors’ swords were possessions Passage of suchTargeted value that they were often given names.) 2 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd 58 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Related Vocabulary Point out the poet’s use of strong verbs to convey the furious action of the battle between Beowulf and Grendel’s mother. Discuss these related “fighting” words: Analyze Technique [small-group option] As students read the account of Beowulf’s battle with Grendel’s mother, have them reflect on the poet’s technique. How does the poet use language to add tension and excitement to the struggle? Have pairs or small groups of students share and compare their observations. • • • • • 58 unit wrestled, ripped (line 481) tore, clawed (line 482) leaped (line 486) clutching (line 497) tearing (line 498) 12:01:59 NA_L12PE-u01 PM 1 NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 58 1/3/11 8:27:58 AM 2/10 505 510 515 520 525 530 535 540 545 On his back, and her stabbing blade was blunted By the woven mail shirt he wore on his chest. The hammered links held; the point Could not touch him. He’d have traveled to the bottom of the earth, Edgetho’s son, and died there, if that shining Woven metal had not helped—and Holy God, who sent him victory, gave judgment For truth and right, Ruler of the Heavens, Once Beowulf was back on his feet and fighting. Then he saw, hanging on the wall, a heavy Sword, hammered by giants, strong And blessed with their magic, the best of all weapons But so massive that no ordinary man could lift Its carved and decorated length. He drew it From its scabbard, broke the chain on its hilt, And then, savage, now, angry And desperate, lifted it high over his head And struck with all the strength he had left, Caught her in the neck and cut it through, Broke bones and all. Her body fell To the floor, lifeless, the sword was wet With her blood, and Beowulf rejoiced at the sight. The brilliant light shone, suddenly, As though burning in that hall, and as bright as Heaven’s Own candle, lit in the sky. He looked n At her home, then following along the wall Went walking, his hands tight on the sword, His heart still angry. He was hunting another Dead monster, and took his weapon with him For final revenge against Grendel’s vicious Attacks, his nighttime raids, over And over, coming to Herot when Hrothgar’s Men slept, killing them in their beds, Eating some on the spot, fifteen Or more, and running to his loathsome moor With another such sickening meal waiting In his pouch. But Beowulf repaid him for those visits, Found him lying dead in his corner, Armless, exactly as that fierce fighter Had sent him out from Herot, then struck off His head with a single swift blow. The body Jerked for the last time, then lay still. tiered discussion prompts Use these prompts to help students understand the battle between Beowulf and Grendel’s mother (lines 458–512): Recall Where does the battle take place? Possible answer: The battle takes place inside a battle-hall, at the bottom of the lake in which Grendel’s mother resides. Analyze How does the poet create suspense in the narrative? Possible answer: The poet shows Beowulf in a vulnerable position for the first time. Beowulf’s sword proves ineffective against Grendel’s mother, and his protective helmet fails him. Then, just when the reader thinks that Beowulf has gained the upper hand by throwing the monster to the floor, she turns the tables and takes him down, drawing a dagger with which to kill him. Only his mail shirt saves him. n EPIC What does the light described in lines 526–528 suggest about Beowulf’s victory? Synthesize In what ways is the account of the struggle between Beowulf and Grendel’s mother very contemporary? Possible answer: This kind of fierce, seesawing struggle between a fearless hero and a super-powerful enemy occurs in many modern-day novels and movies, such as in the Superman and Spider-Man movies and the comics they are based on. loathsome (lIthPsEm) adj. disgusting T E X T A N A LY S I S n RL 3 epic Possible answer: The light suggests that good has triumphed over evil, and heaven has triumphed over hell. beowulf 59 VOCABULARY 12:01:59 NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd PM 59 11/22/10 for advanced learners/ap Analyze Symbolism Call attention to lines 526–528. Point out that this is one of a number of places where the poet contrasts light and dark. Ask students to identify other such instances (for example, Herot’s brightness against the swamp’s darkness). Then have them analyze the symbolism of light and dark in the poem, and present their analyses to the class for discussion. 12:02:00 PM L4 own the word loathsome: Reread the definition of loathsome to students. Then have them name words with similar meanings, but that carry less intensity. Possible answers: unlikeable, distasteful, disliked, offensive beowulf NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 59 59 1/3/11 8:28:01 AM 550 T E X T A N A LY S I S o RL 3 epic 555 Possible answer: The lines suggest that people judged a man’s life by his actions and that fame was of paramount importance. 560 tiered discussion prompts Use these prompts to help students understand the poet’s narrative technique in lines 540–583: Recall What are the Danes and the Geats doing while Beowulf is battling Grendel’s mother? Possible answer: They are waiting at the edge of the lake, staring down into the water. Analyze What shifts in setting occur in this passage? How do they heighten the narrative tension? Possible answer: The action moves from the bottom of the lake, where Beowulf battles Grendel’s mother and cuts off Grendel’s head, to the edge of the lake, where Hrothgar, the Danes, and the Geats are waiting to see if Beowulf will return. Then the setting shifts back to Beowulf, who swims back up to land. These shifts heighten the tension, because readers know that Beowulf has survived. Readers are eager for the skeptical onlookers to learn that they have drawn the wrong conclusion regarding “the waves surging and blood / Spurting through” (lines 548–549). Evaluate Is the poet effective in holding the reader’s interest? Explain. Accept all thoughtful responses. 565 570 575 580 585 60 The wise old warriors who surrounded Hrothgar, Like him staring into the monsters’ lake, Saw the waves surging and blood Spurting through. They spoke about Beowulf, All the graybeards, whispered together And said that hope was gone, that the hero Had lost fame and his life at once, and would never Return to the living, come back as triumphant As he had left; almost all agreed that Grendel’s Mighty mother, the she-wolf, had killed him. o The sun slid over past noon, went further Down. The Danes gave up, left The lake and went home, Hrothgar with them. The Geats stayed, sat sadly, watching, Imagining they saw their lord but not believing They would ever see him again. —Then the sword Melted, blood-soaked, dripping down Like water, disappearing like ice when the world’s Eternal Lord loosens invisible Fetters and unwinds icicles and frost As only He can, He who rules Time and seasons, He who is truly God. The monsters’ hall was full of Rich treasures, but all that Beowulf took Was Grendel’s head and the hilt of the giants’ Jeweled sword; the rest of that ring-marked Blade had dissolved in Grendel’s steaming Blood, boiling even after his death. And then the battle’s only survivor Swam up and away from those silent corpses; The water was calm and clean, the whole Huge lake peaceful once the demons who’d lived in it Were dead. Then that noble protector of all seamen Swam to land, rejoicing in the heavy Burdens he was bringing with him. He And all his glorious band of Geats Thanked God that their leader had come back unharmed; They left the lake together. The Geats Carried Beowulf ’s helmet, and his mail shirt. Behind them the water slowly thickened As the monsters’ blood came seeping up. NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd What do lines 549–555 suggest about attitudes toward fame in the Anglo-Saxon period? 2 Targeted Passage 578 that noble protector of all seamen: Beowulf, who will be buried in a tower that will serve as a navigational aid to sailors. 60 11/22/10 differentiated instruction Vocabulary Support • triumphant (line 553), “victorious” • Fetters (line 565), “chains; restraints” • hilt (line 570), “handle” unit o EPIC unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods for struggling readers 60 550 graybeards: old men. 12:02:01 NA_L12PE-u01 PM Concept Support Ask students to identify the alliteration in lines 546–549 (wise . . . warriors; surrounded . . . staring . . . Saw . . . surging . . . Spurting) and the kenning in line 578 (noble protector of all seamen). You may also want to point out the figurative language in lines 561–568: similes making comparisons to water and ice and a metaphor describing God loosening “invisible / Fetters.” 1 NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 60 1/3/11 8:28:05 AM 2/10 590 595 600 605 They walked quickly, happily, across Roads all of them remembered, left The lake and the cliffs alongside it, brave men Staggering under the weight of Grendel’s skull, Too heavy for fewer than four of them to handle— Two on each side of the spear jammed through it— Yet proud of their ugly load and determined That the Danes, seated in Herot, should see it. p Soon, fourteen Geats arrived At the hall, bold and warlike, and with Beowulf, Their lord and leader, they walked on the mead-hall Green. Then the Geats’ brave prince entered Herot, covered with glory for the daring Battles he had fought; he sought Hrothgar To salute him and show Grendel’s head. He carried that terrible trophy by the hair, Brought it straight to where the Danes sat, Drinking, the queen among them. It was a weird And wonderful sight, and the warriors stared. . . . T E X T A N A LY S I S p p EPIC Reread lines 587–594. Why do you think the Geats want the Danes to see Grendel’s skull? RL 3 epic Possible answer: The Geats, taking great pride in Beowulf’s victory, want to share in his glory and brag about his heroism. answers 1. Grendel’s mother killed Hrothgar’s closest friend, and Hrothgar believes that only Beowulf can slay her. 604 queen: Welthow, wife of Hrothgar. 2. Beowulf finds Grendel’s body, cuts off his head, and carries the head and “the hilt of the giants’ / Jeweled sword” (lines 570–571) back up to the surface. 3. The behavior of Grendel’s mother is more understandable, because she is motivated by a desire for revenge for her son’s death, not just by a lust for killing. Text Analysis 1. Clarify Why does Hrothgar ask Beowulf to battle Grendel’s mother? 2. Summarize What does Beowulf do after he kills Grendel’s mother? 3. Compare and Contrast Compare the two monsters. Does the behavior of Grendel’s mother seem as wicked or unreasonable as Grendel’s behavior? Support your opinion with evidence from the text. beowulf 12:02:01 NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd PM 61 61 11/22/10 12:02:01 PM for struggling readers Concept Support Point out that Beowulf single-handedly carries Grendel’s head “by the hair” (line 602), but in lines 589–592 the poet describes how four men were “staggering” under the head’s weight. Ask what this contrast suggests about Beowulf as an epic hero (Beowulf has remarkable, perhaps superhuman, strength). beowulf NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 61 61 1/3/11 8:28:08 AM tiered discussion prompts For lines 606–612, use these prompts to help students understand the poet’s technique: Connect What are your thoughts about Beowulf’s actions at this point in the narrative? Accept all responses. Interpret What do these lines foreshadow about the outcome of Beowulf’s last battle? Explain. Possible answer: The phrases “final boast” (line 606) and “for the last time” (line 612) foreshadow Beowulf’s death. Evaluate Why might the poet want to foreshadow the battle’s outcome? Possible answer: Foreshadowing builds suspense while preparing the reader for what is to come. 2 Targeted Passage beowulf’s last battle With Grendel’s mother destroyed, peace is restored to the land of the Danes, and Beowulf, laden with Hrothgar’s gifts, returns to the land of his own people, the Geats. After his uncle and cousin die, Beowulf becomes king of the Geats and rules in peace and prosperity for 50 years. One day, however, a fire-breathing dragon that has been guarding a treasure for hundreds of years is disturbed by a thief, who enters the treasure tower and steals a cup. The dragon begins terrorizing the Geats, and Beowulf, now an old man, takes on the challenge of fighting it. 610 And Beowulf uttered his final boast: “I’ve never known fear, as a youth I fought In endless battles. I am old, now, But I will fight again, seek fame still, If the dragon hiding in his tower dares To face me.” 62 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd 62 62 11/22/10 12:02:02 NA_L12PE-u01 PM unit 1 : the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 62 1/3/11 8:28:11 AM 2/10 615 620 625 630 635 640 645 650 Then he said farewell to his followers, q Each in his turn, for the last time: “I’d use no sword, no weapon, if this beast Could be killed without it, crushed to death Like Grendel, gripped in my hands and torn Limb from limb. But his breath will be burning Hot, poison will pour from his tongue. I feel no shame, with shield and sword And armor, against this monster: when he comes to me I mean to stand, not run from his shooting Flames, stand till fate decides Which of us wins. My heart is firm, My hands calm: I need no hot Words. Wait for me close by, my friends. We shall see, soon, who will survive This bloody battle, stand when the fighting Is done. No one else could do What I mean to, here, no man but me Could hope to defeat this monster. No one Could try. And this dragon’s treasure, his gold And everything hidden in that tower, will be mine Or war will sweep me to a bitter death!” Then Beowulf rose, still brave, still strong, And with his shield at his side, and a mail shirt on his breast, Strode calmly, confidently, toward the tower, under The rocky cliffs: no coward could have walked there! And then he who’d endured dozens of desperate Battles, who’d stood boldly while swords and shields Clashed, the best of kings, saw Huge stone arches and felt the heat Of the dragon’s breath, flooding down Through the hidden entrance, too hot for anyone To stand, a streaming current of fire And smoke that blocked all passage. And the Geats’ Lord and leader, angry, lowered His sword and roared out a battle cry, A call so loud and clear that it reached through The hoary rock, hung in the dragon’s Ear. The beast rose, angry, Knowing a man had come—and then nothing But war could have followed. Its breath came first, A steaming cloud pouring from the stone, Then the earth itself shook. Beowulf q OLD ENGLISH POETRY Notice the repeated use of the letter f in lines 606–611. What tone does the alliteration help convey? q RL 4 L 5a tiered discussion prompts For lines 616–644, use these prompts to help students understand the poet’s technique: Connect What stories have you read, and what films have you seen, that end with a final battle between good and evil characters? How do those stories and films help you appreciate this passage? Accept all reasonable responses. Analyze What imagery does the poet use to set the stage for Beowulf’s climactic battle with the dragon? Possible answer: The poet uses strong imagery to establish the dragon as a fearsome creature: “his breath will be burning / Hot, poison will pour from his tongue” (lines 616–617); “a streaming current of fire / And smoke that blocked all passage” (lines 643–644). The poet simultaneously establishes Beowulf’s fearless readiness for battle: “when he comes to me / I mean to stand, not run from his shooting / Flames” (lines 619–621); “my heart is firm / My hands calm” (lines 622–623). 648 hoary (hôrPC): gray with age. Evaluate Do you think the poet wants to depict the battle as a contest of equals, or does he view Beowulf as the underdog? Explain your answer. Accept all thoughtful responses. 63 63 11/22/10 differentiated instruction Age Characteristics Beowulf of Beowulf the past during his last battle young old Weapons bare hands Attitude eager to fight for struggling readers Compare and Contrast Use a Comparison Matrix to help students compare the Beowulf of the past with Beowulf at the time of his last battle. Encourage students to think in terms of Beowulf’s abilities, his attitude, and his vision of the battle’s outcome. Here are some examples: old english poetry Possible answer: The alliteration helps convey a defiant tone. beowulf 12:02:02 NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd PM R E A D I N G STR ATEG Y 12:02:06 PM sword and shield resigned to battle BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Comparison Matrix p. A24 beowulf NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 63 63 1/3/11 8:28:16 AM 655 660 665 T E X T A N A LY S I S r RL 3 epic Possible answer: The lines suggest that an epic hero never gives up. He fights on, even when he knows that fate has turned against him. He faces death courageously, just as he has always faced danger. 670 675 680 685 T E X T A N A LY S I S s RL 3 epic Possible answer: The lines imply the importance of loyalty, courage, and kinship, and suggest that too many people have forgotten what these values mean and why they must be preserved. 690 695 Extend the Discussion Why do you think “None of his comrades / Came to him, helped him” (lines 691–692)? 64 Swung his shield into place, held it In front of him, facing the entrance. The dragon Coiled and uncoiled, its heart urging it Into battle. Beowulf ’s ancient sword Was waiting, unsheathed, his sharp and gleaming Blade. The beast came closer; both of them Were ready, each set on slaughter. The Geats’ Great prince stood firm, unmoving, prepared Behind his high shield, waiting in his shining Armor. The monster came quickly toward him, Pouring out fire and smoke, hurrying To its fate. Flames beat at the iron Shield, and for a time it held, protected Beowulf as he’d planned; then it began to melt, And for the first time in his life that famous prince Fought with fate against him, with glory Denied him. He knew it, but he raised his sword And struck at the dragon’s scaly hide. r The ancient blade broke, bit into The monster’s skin, drew blood, but cracked And failed him before it went deep enough, helped him Less than he needed. The dragon leaped With pain, thrashed and beat at him, spouting Murderous flames, spreading them everywhere. And the Geats’ ring-giver did not boast of glorious Victories in other wars: his weapon Had failed him, deserted him, now when he needed it Most, that excellent sword. Edgetho’s Famous son stared at death, Unwilling to leave this world, to exchange it For a dwelling in some distant place—a journey Into darkness that all men must make, as death Ends their few brief hours on earth. Quickly, the dragon came at him, encouraged As Beowulf fell back; its breath flared, And he suffered, wrapped around in swirling Flames—a king, before, but now A beaten warrior. None of his comrades Came to him, helped him, his brave and noble Followers; they ran for their lives, fled Deep in a wood. And only one of them Remained, stood there, miserable, remembering, As a good man must, what kinship should mean. s r EPIC Reread lines 668–671. What do these lines reveal about the qualities of an epic hero? 2 Targeted Passage 678 ring-giver: king; lord. When a man swore allegiance to a Germanic lord in return for his protection, the lord typically bestowed a ring on his follower to symbolize the bond. s EPIC What values are implied in lines 691–696? What message about these values do the lines convey? unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd 64 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Vocabulary: Idioms and Phrasal Verbs [mixed-readiness pairs] Discuss the meaning of these expressions, and then help students use them in original sentences: Anglo-Saxon Fatalism Lines 681–686 reflect the fatalistic Anglo-Saxon view that life is short and fragile (discussed in the historical essay). Ask students to consider whether contemporary literature generally reflects a similar philosophy. Have them express their opinion in a brief essay, supporting their viewpoint with specific details and examples from contemporary works they have read. • set on (line 660), “intending to do” • came at (line 687), “attacked” • Mind was made up (line 704), “had made a decision” 12:02:06 NA_L12PE-u01 PM • over and gone (line 721), “ended” 64 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 64 1/3/11 8:28:20 AM 2/10 700 701 702 703 705 710 715 720 725 730 735 His name was Wiglaf, he was Wexstan’s son And a good soldier; his family had been Swedish, Once. Watching Beowulf, he could see How his king was suffering, burning. Remembering Everything his lord and cousin had given him, Armor and gold and the great estates Wexstan’s family enjoyed, Wiglaf ’s Mind was made up; he raised his yellow Shield and drew his sword. . . . And Wiglaf, his heart heavy, uttered The kind of words his comrades deserved: “I remember how we sat in the mead-hall, drinking And boasting of how brave we’d be when Beowulf Needed us, he who gave us these swords And armor: all of us swore to repay him, When the time came, kindness for kindness —With our lives, if he needed them. He allowed us to join him, Chose us from all his great army, thinking Our boasting words had some weight, believing Our promises, trusting our swords. He took us For soldiers, for men. He meant to kill This monster himself, our mighty king, Fight this battle alone and unaided, As in the days when his strength and daring dazzled Men’s eyes. But those days are over and gone And now our lord must lean on younger Arms. And we must go to him, while angry Flames burn at his flesh, help Our glorious king! By almighty God, I’d rather burn myself than see Flames swirling around my lord. And who are we to carry home Our shields before we’ve slain his enemy And ours, to run back to our homes with Beowulf So hard-pressed here? I swear that nothing He ever did deserved an end Like this, dying miserably and alone, Butchered by this savage beast: we swore That these swords and armor were each for us all!” . . . tiered discussion prompts For lines 708–735, use these prompts to help students understand the character of Wiglaf: Connect Have you ever chosen to do what was right, even though you were afraid? Accept all thoughtful responses. Analyze How does Wiglaf’s speech show that he is different from his comrades? Possible answer: Unlike his comrades, who have abandoned Beowulf and fled for their lives, Wiglaf places high value on honor and loyalty. He makes the point that this is the time for them to prove that their earlier promises of bravery were more than just idle boasts. Wiglaf recognizes their debt to Beowulf and intends to repay it by coming to his aid, even at his own peril. L 5b Language Coach Connotation The images or feelings connected to a word are its connotations. Killed has many synonyms with different connotations. Slain (line 729) means “killed violently or in large numbers.” Butchered (line 734) means “killed viciously.” Why are these connotations important in lines 728–735? beowulf 12:02:06 NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd PM 65 65 12/15/10 for english language learners Language Coach L 5b Connotation Answer: When Wiglaf speaks of slaying the dragon that wounded Beowulf, it is a matter of honor. When he speaks of the dragon’s attack on Beowulf, he uses the more negative word butchered. Discuss the difference in connotation between the words killed, slain, and butchered. Evaluate Does Wiglaf qualify as an epic hero? Why or why not? Possible answer: Wiglaf displays courage and loyalty, two admirable traits associated with epic heroes. However, readers cannot yet judge whether he qualifies as an epic hero, because they have not seen him in action. 7:27:56 PM for advanced learners/ap Interpret a Speech Elicit or explain to students that an exhortation is a speech intended to motivate or encourage someone to take action. Have students prepare and present a dramatic reading of Wiglaf’s exhortation (lines 708–735). Ask students to consider these questions as they prepare their reading. • What words and phrases do they want to emphasize? • Where will they pause for effect? beowulf NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 65 65 1/3/11 8:28:24 AM tiered discussion prompts For lines 736–738, use these prompts to help students understand the poet’s technique: Recall What has happened to Beowulf? Possible answer: He has been mortally wounded in his battle with the dragon. Interpret The poet writes that Beowulf knew “he’d unwound / His string of days on earth” (lines 737–738). What view of fate does this image suggest? Possible answer: The image suggests that life is of a certain length and no longer. Once the “string” of life is “unwound,” it cannot be rewound. Evaluate Why does the poet use the “string of days” image rather than simply say that Beowulf knew his life was coming to an end? Possible answer: The poet chose to use figurative language because it is more moving and memorable. the death of beowulf Wiglaf joins Beowulf, who again attacks the dragon single-handed; but the remnant of his sword shatters, and the monster wounds him in the neck. Wiglaf then strikes the dragon, and he and Beowulf together finally succeed in killing the beast. Their triumph is short-lived, however, because Beowulf ’s wound proves to be mortal. VOCABULARY own the word L4 livid: Have students reread the description of Beowulf’s wound and then describe in their own words what a livid wound would look like. Possible answers: The wound would look discolored, black and blue, although in the case of Beowulf, the wound would probably be bloody and red colored. 2 Iron helmet covered with decorative panels of tinned bronze (early 600s). Anglo-Saxon. From Targeted Mound 1, SuttonPassage Hoo, Suffolk, England. © The British Museum. 740 745 66 Beowulf spoke, in spite of the swollen, Livid wound, knowing he’d unwound His string of days on earth, seen As much as God would grant him; all worldly Pleasure was gone, as life would go, Soon: “I’d leave my armor to my son, Now, if God had given me an heir, A child born of my body, his life Created from mine. I’ve worn this crown For fifty winters: no neighboring people Have tried to threaten the Geats, sent soldiers livid (lGvPGd) adj. discolored from being bruised unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd 66 differentiated instruction 11/22/10 12:02:08 NA_L12PE-u01 PM for struggling readers Develop Reading Fluency Point out that lines 736–740 show good examples of the caesuras (pauses dividing lines) typical of Old English poetry. Read the lines aloud for students, or have a volunteer do so. Discuss how the caesuras help to maintain the rhythm. 66 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 66 1/3/11 8:28:27 AM 2/10 750 755 760 765 770 775 780 785 Against us or talked of terror. My days Have gone by as fate willed, waiting For its word to be spoken, ruling as well As I knew how, swearing no unholy oaths, Seeking no lying wars. I can leave This life happy; I can die, here, Knowing the Lord of all life has never Watched me wash my sword in blood Born of my own family. Belovèd t Wiglaf, go, quickly, find The dragon’s treasure: we’ve taken its life, But its gold is ours, too. Hurry, Bring me ancient silver, precious Jewels, shining armor and gems, Before I die. Death will be softer, Leaving life and this people I’ve ruled So long, if I look at this last of all prizes.” Then Wexstan’s son went in, as quickly As he could, did as the dying Beowulf Asked, entered the inner darkness Of the tower, went with his mail shirt and his sword. Flushed with victory he groped his way, A brave young warrior, and suddenly saw Piles of gleaming gold, precious Gems, scattered on the floor, cups And bracelets, rusty old helmets, beautifully Made but rotting with no hands to rub And polish them. They lay where the dragon left them; It had flown in the darkness, once, before fighting Its final battle. (So gold can easily Triumph, defeat the strongest of men, No matter how deep it is hidden!) And he saw, u Hanging high above, a golden Banner, woven by the best of weavers And beautiful. And over everything he saw A strange light, shining everywhere, On walls and floor and treasure. Nothing Moved, no other monsters appeared; He took what he wanted, all the treasures That pleased his eye, heavy plates And golden cups and the glorious banner, Loaded his arms with all they could hold. T E X T A N A LY S I S t 67 Analyze Although Beowulf is rooted in the pagan spirit of Anglo-Saxon times, by the time the poem was recorded as literature, Christianity had taken firm hold. Have small groups of students explore the resulting conflict between Christian and pagan beliefs, discussing such questions as these: Possible answer: Beowulf’s speech reflects such ideals as peace, justice, family loyalty, honesty, and honor. • “Seeking no lying wars” (line 751), not starting any wars on the basis of lies or deceit • “wash my sword in blood / Born of my own family” (lines 754–755), kill or injure any person related to me T E X T A N A LY S I S u u EPIC Reread lines 768–778. What theme do the lines suggest? RL 3 epic Possible answer: The lines suggest that gold has only transitory value and represents nothing more than material wealth. 67 11/22/10 for advanced learners/ap RL 3 epic IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Discuss with them the meaning of these difficult phrases: • “swearing no unholy oaths” (line 750), making no promises to do evil deeds beowulf 12:02:08 NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd PM t EPIC Note that Beowulf summarizes his 50-year reign in lines 744–755. What ideals are reflected in Beowulf’s speech? 12:02:13 PM • In what ways is it reflected in the poet’s narrative descriptions? • Is the conflict successfully resolved in the selection? Explain. Have students share their observations with the class, supporting their conclusions with specific examples. • In what ways is this conflict reflected in the actions of the characters? beowulf NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 67 67 1/3/11 8:28:33 AM 830 Beowulf ’s dagger, his iron blade, Had finished the fire-spitting terror That once protected tower and treasures Alike; the gray-bearded lord of the Geats Had ended those flying, burning raids Forever. v Then Wiglaf went back, anxious To return while Beowulf was alive, to bring him Treasure they’d won together. He ran, Hoping his wounded king, weak And dying, had not left the world too soon. Then he brought their treasure to Beowulf, and found His famous king bloody, gasping For breath. But Wiglaf sprinkled water Over his lord, until the words Deep in his breast broke through and were heard. Beholding the treasure he spoke, haltingly: “For this, this gold, these jewels, I thank Our Father in Heaven, Ruler of the Earth— For all of this, that His grace has given me, Allowed me to bring to my people while breath Still came to my lips. I sold my life For this treasure, and I sold it well. Take What I leave, Wiglaf, lead my people, Help them; my time is gone. Have The brave Geats build me a tomb, When the funeral flames have burned me, and build it Here, at the water’s edge, high On this spit of land, so sailors can see This tower, and remember my name, and call it Beowulf ’s tower, and boats in the darkness And mist, crossing the sea, will know it.” w Then that brave king gave the golden Necklace from around his throat to Wiglaf, Gave him his gold-covered helmet, and his rings, And his mail shirt, and ordered him to use them well: “You’re the last of all our far-flung family. Fate has swept our race away, Taken warriors in their strength and led them To the death that was waiting. And now I follow them.” The old man’s mouth was silent, spoke No more, had said as much as it could; He would sleep in the fire, soon. His soul 68 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods 790 R E A D I N G STR ATEG Y v old english poetry RL 4 L 5a Possible answer: The kenning for the dragon is “fire-spitting terror”; for Beowulf, it is “gray-bearded lord of the Geats.” The phrase used to describe Beowulf emphasizes how the warrior has aged. 795 800 805 810 815 T E X T A N A LY S I S w RL 3 epic Possible answer: It is important to Beowulf to leave a legacy because he wants future generations to remember him as a legendary hero. In this way, his life and death will have had meaning. 820 825 NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd v OLD ENGLISH POETRY Identify the kennings used in lines 789–794 to refer to the dragon and to Beowulf. What does the phrase used to describe Beowulf emphasize about the warrior? 2 Targeted Passage 816 spit: a narrow point of land extending into a body of water. w EPIC Reread lines 812–819. Why is it important to Beowulf that he leave a legacy behind? 68 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for advanced learners/ap Evaluate Beowulf’s Decision [small-group option] Direct students’ attention to lines 805–810. Invite students to write a paragraph or two explaining whether they agree or disagree with Beowulf when he says that he sold his life well. Have students support their viewpoint with specific reasons. Encourage them to consider whether or not Beowulf was fulfilling his responsibilities as a leader and whether the price he paid to gain 68 unit 12:02:14 NA_L12PE-u01 PM the treasure was too high. Also ask students to reflect on what part, if any, Beowulf’s age may have played in his decision. Have students share their work with a small group. 1 NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 68 1/3/11 8:28:37 AM 2/10 835 840 845 850 855 860 865 870 Left his flesh, flew to glory. . . . And when the battle was over Beowulf ’s followers Came out of the wood, cowards and traitors, Knowing the dragon was dead. Afraid, While it spit its fires, to fight in their lord’s Defense, to throw their javelins and spears, They came like shamefaced jackals, their shields In their hands, to the place where the prince lay dead, And waited for Wiglaf to speak. He was sitting Near Beowulf ’s body, wearily sprinkling Water in the dead man’s face, trying To stir him. He could not. No one could have kept Life in their lord’s body, or turned Aside the Lord’s will: world And men and all move as He orders, And always have, and always will. Then Wiglaf turned and angrily told them What men without courage must hear. Wexstan’s brave son stared at the traitors, His heart sorrowful, and said what he had to: “I say what anyone who speaks the truth Must say. . . . Too few of his warriors remembered To come, when our lord faced death, alone. And now the giving of swords, of golden Rings and rich estates, is over, Ended for you and everyone who shares Your blood: when the brave Geats hear How you bolted and ran none of your race Will have anything left but their lives. And death Would be better for them all, and for you, than the kind Of life you can lead, branded with disgrace!”. . . x Then the warriors rose, Walked slowly down from the cliff, stared At those wonderful sights, stood weeping as they saw Beowulf dead on the sand, their bold Ring-giver resting in his last bed; He’d reached the end of his days, their mighty War-king, the great lord of the Geats, Gone to a glorious death. . . . tiered discussion prompts 836 javelins (jBvPlGnz): light spears used as weapons. 837 jackals (jBkPElz): doglike animals that sometimes feed on the flesh of dead beasts. Synthesize Would the actions of Beowulf’s followers have been interpreted the same way by modern-day standards? Why or why not? Possible answer: Yes; their actions were cowardly and disloyal. 859 bolted: ran away; fled. T E X T A N A LY S I S x x EPIC What does Wiglaf’s speech in lines 851–862 tell you about the importance of honor and the consequences of dishonorable behavior in Beowulf’s time? 69 for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Related Vocabulary Make sure students understand that Wiglaf is berating his comrades—“men without courage” (line 848)—for having betrayed Beowulf at his time of need. Discuss these interrelated words and phrases: Synthesize The Beowulf poet chose to tell the story through a third-person omniscient narrator. Ask students why the poet may have used this approach. Discuss how the narrative might have been different in tone and content if narrated in the first person, perhaps by Hrothgar or Wiglaf. Have students support their responses with thoughtful reasons. • shamefaced jackals (line 837) • bolted (line 859) RL 3 epic Possible answer: The lines suggest that gold has only transitory value and represents nothing more than material wealth. 69 11/22/10 • cowards and traitors (line 833) Summarize What has just happened? Answer: Beowulf has died. Interpret Why are Beowulf’s followers referred to as “cowards and traitors” (line 833) and “shamefaced jackals” (line 837)? Possible answer: They abandoned Beowulf when he needed them most, leaving him to fight the dragon alone. beowulf 12:02:14 NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd PM For lines 832–862, use these prompts to help students understand the reason for Wiglaf’s angry words: 12:02:15 PM • branded with disgrace (line 862) beowulf NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 69 69 1/3/11 8:28:41 AM Analyze Visuals Possible answer: A mood of dejection and gloominess is suggested by the cloudy sky, stooped posture of the man on horseback, and his grasp of a sword that is pointing down. R E A D I N G STR ATEG Y y old english poetry mourning beowulf RL 4 L 5a Possible answer: These lines have a reverential tone. selection wrap–up READ WITH A PURPOSE Now that students have read Beowulf, ask them to think about the fact that Beowulf is more than 1,200 years old. Do they find this surprising? Why or why not? What aspects of the poem have a more contemporary feel than might be expected? What might a modern-day Beowulf look like? Where do characteristics of Beowulf appear in corporate America? on a college campus? CRITIQUE • Ask students whether or not they enjoyed reading the poem, and why. Which parts did they like most? Which did they like least? • After completing the After Reading questions on page 71, have students revisit their responses and tell whether they have changed their opinions. INDEPENDENT READING Students may enjoy reading The Collected Beowulf by Gareth Hinds, a graphic novel version of the epic poem. 875 880 885 890 895 70 Then the Geats built the tower, as Beowulf Had asked, strong and tall, so sailors Could find it from far and wide; working For ten long days they made his monument, Sealed his ashes in walls as straight And high as wise and willing hands Could raise them. And the riches he and Wiglaf Had won from the dragon, rings, necklaces, Ancient, hammered armor—all The treasures they’d taken were left there, too, Silver and jewels buried in the sandy Ground, back in the earth, again And forever hidden and useless to men. And then twelve of the bravest Geats Rode their horses around the tower, Telling their sorrow, telling stories Of their dead king and his greatness, his glory, Praising him for heroic deeds, for a life As noble as his name. So should all men Raise up words for their lords, warm With love, when their shield and protector leaves His body behind, sends his soul On high. And so Beowulf ’s followers y Rode, mourning their belovèd leader, Crying that no better king had ever Lived, no prince so mild, no man So open to his people, so deserving of praise. Analyze Visuals What details in this photograph suggest the mourning for Beowulf? Explain. y OLD ENGLISH POETRY Reread lines 889–893 aloud. Notice the alliteration in the phrases “words for their lords” and “warm with love.” How would you describe the tone of these lines? 896 mild: gentle or kindly. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s11-Beowul.indd 70 11/22/10 differentiated instruction 70 unit for struggling readers for advanced learners/ap Comprehension Support Call students’ attention to the long, complex sentence that spans lines 871–877. Suggest that students can more easily understand this sentence by dividing it into two parts at the semicolon (line 873) and focusing on one part at a time. Elicit or explain that “strong and tall” (line 872) refers back to “tower” (line 871) and that “far and wide” (line 873) is an idiom here meaning “every direction.” Analyze and Evaluate Structure The Beowulf selection has a generally straightforward, chronological narrative flow. Ask students to consider what effect a different structure might have had on the story. Have small groups of students discuss how such changes might have added to, or detracted from, the story, and why. Encourage students to support their answer with specific reasons and examples. 12:02:15 PM 1 NA_L12TE-u01s01-beowlf.indd 70 1/3/11 8:28:44 AM After Reading Practice and Apply Comprehension 1. Recall In what way does Beowulf’s sword fail him? 2. Summarize How do the Geats honor Beowulf after he dies? Text Analysis 3. Examine Epic Characteristics Review the discussion of the characteristics of an epic in the Text Analysis Workshop on pages 38–39. Then use a chart like the one shown to list Beowulf’s traits as an epic hero and the deeds that Traits reveal these traits. Is he a typical epic hero? For preliminary support of post-reading questions, use these copy masters: RL 2 Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text. RL 3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story. RL 4 Analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone. L 5a Interpret figures of speech in context and analyze their role in the text. RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Masters Reading Check p. 28 Characteristics of an Epic p. 21 Question Support p. 29 Additional selection questions are provided for teachers on page 15. Deeds 4. Analyze Old English Poetry Review the list you created as you read. In what ways might the alliteration, caesuras, and kennings in Beowulf have helped Anglo-Saxon poets chant or sing the poem and convey its meaning? answers 1. Beowulf’s sword breaks against the dragon’s scaly hide, allowing the dragon to attack him. 5. Analyze Theme Beowulf is able to defeat Grendel and Grendel’s mother, yet he loses his life when he battles the dragon. What themes does this suggest about the struggle between good and evil? 2. The Geats build a tower, a monument to Beowulf that will help guide sailors. They bury the dragon’s treasure around the tower, and the bravest Geats circle the tower, proclaiming Beowulf’s heroism. 6. Compare and Contrast Compare and contrast the portrayals of Beowulf as a young and old man. Also compare Hrothgar’s recollections of his early deeds with his limitations as an aged king. What view of youth and age do these comparisons convey? Support your conclusions with specific evidence. Possible answers: 3. common core focus Characteristics of an Epic 7. Draw Conclusions Describe Beowulf’s attitude toward death or mortality in each of the following passages: lines 179–189, lines 481–492, and lines 665–691. How does his attitude change over time? 8. Evaluate Author’s Purpose Reread lines 81–85, which reveal the influence of Christianity on the Beowulf Poet. Why might the poet have chosen to describe Hrothgar and Grendel in terms of their relationship to God? Traits of noble birth or high position has qualities that reflect societal ideals does deeds requiring great courage and strength performs actions that determine fate of nation or group Text Criticism 9. Different Perspectives In his 20th-century novel Grendel, writer John Gardner tells the story of Grendel’s attacks against the Danes from the monster’s point of view. Consider the selection you have read from the perspectives of Grendel, Grendel’s mother, and the dragon. What reasons might each of them have to hate Beowulf and other men? Where do monsters lurk? Monsters like Grendel often combine human and animal features. Think of other monsters from literature, television, or film that combine these features. Why are such monsters particularly disturbing? beowulf 71 7. Lines 179–189: Beowulf has a fatalistic attitude toward death; lines 481–492: Driven by his desire for fame, Beowulf faces death fearlessly; lines 665–691: Beowulf resists death, though he realizes it is inevitable. Over time, Beowulf becomes more resigned to his fate. 8. The poet wanted to glorify God while drawing a comparison between the good Hrothgar and the evil Grendel. 1/8/11 12:04:10 PM 9. Grendel might feel excluded from the men’s celebrations and be jealous of their merrymaking; Grendel’s mother wants to avenge her son’s death; the dragon may be angry because men steal from his treasure. Where do MONSTERS lurk? Accept all thoughtful responses. Deeds is born the nephew of king fights with honor battles monsters saves the Danes Students should support their opinion about Beowulf as an epic hero with examples from the text. 71 4. NA_L12PE-u01s11-arBeowul.indd RL 2, RL 3, RL 4, L 5a common core focus Analyze Old English Poetry These techniques help to create a strong rhythm and unified sound, as well as a vivid and compelling narrative. 5. Good and evil are engaged in an ongoing battle, and sometimes evil wins. 6. Youth is a time for brave and daring deeds, as evidenced by Beowulf’s defeat of Grendel and Grendel’s mother. Old age is a time of honor and dignity, but also a time when diminishing strength may necessitate dependence on others, as evidenced by Hrothgar’s dependence on Beowulf and Beowulf’s need for Wiglaf’s help. beowulf NA_L12TE-u01-ar.indd 71 71 1/13/11 11:48:28 AM Vocabulary in Context vocabulary practice answers Vocabulary in Context word list Decide whether the words in each pair are synonyms or antonyms. vocabulary practice affliction 1. affliction/blessing 5. livid/bruised gorge 2. gorge/empty 6. loathsome/delightful infamous lair 1. antonyms 5. synonyms 3. infamous/respected 7. purge/remove 2. antonyms 6. antonyms 4. lair/hideout 8. talon/claw 3. antonyms 7. synonyms 4. synonyms 8. synonyms livid loathsome purge academic vocabulary in writing • concept • culture • parallel • section talon • structure RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master How has the concept of a hero changed since Beowulf’s time? Write a paragraph about how the hero is represented in movies or TV in today’s culture. Refer to at least one section of Beowulf for comparison. Use at least one additional Academic Vocabulary word in your response. Vocabulary Practice p. 26 academic vocabulary in writing Possible answer: Many of today’s heroes are seen as outsiders and work alone, unlike the culture of Beowulf, who was respected and had many loyal followers. Lines 120–122 tell how Beowulf took great care in choosing the “bravest and best of the Geats,” indicating the importance he placed on forming a cohesive group. vocabulary strategy: the anglo-saxon suffix -some vocabulary strategy: the anglo-saxon suffix -some Many English words with Anglo-Saxon word parts were born whole into Old English, changing slightly over time. Others developed from the combination of Old English word parts during the time when people spoke Middle English. The adjective-forming suffix -some, which means “like” or “tending to cause,” appears in both types of words. In Old English, -sum occurred in the word wynsum (today’s winsome). Later, the Middle English word loth (“to feel disgust”) combined with the Old English -sum to make lothsum: “tending to cause disgust.” Though the spelling has changed over time, loathsome has the same meaning today. L 1a, L 4b L 1a Apply the understanding that usage is a matter of convention and can change over time. L 4b Identify and correctly use patterns of word changes that indicate different meanings or parts of speech. PRACTICE Use an adjective ending in the suffix -some to describe each person, place, or thing listed. Form the adjective by adding -some to a word shown in the equation. • Point out that the suffix may be joined to a noun, such as awe, or a verb, such as loathe. • Challenge students to come up with other examples, such as meddlesome, tiresome, irksome. 1. a load of books to carry awe 2. a city skyline sparkling in the sun burden 3. a person who always argues loathe Answers: 4. a smile that charms people quarrel Go to thinkcentral.com. 5. a cockroach win KEYWORD: HML12-72 1. burdensome + -some Interactive Vocabulary 2. awesome 3. quarrelsome 4. winsome 5. loathsome RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master 72 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods Vocabulary Strategy p. 27 NA_L12PE-u01s11-arBeowul.indd Interactive Vocabulary Keywords direct students to a WordSharp tutorial on thinkcentral.com or to other types of vocabulary practice and review. 72 unit NA_L12TE-u01-ar.indd 72 1/13/11 differentiated instruction for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Task Support: Vocabulary Practice Point out that the meaning of the English word infamous is not quite as strong as that of the Spanish equivalent infame, which means “loathsome” or “despicable.” Vocabulary in Writing Have students use as many vocabulary words as they can in a paragraph written in the first person from the point of view of one of the characters of Beowulf. 10:18:02 NA_L12PE-u01 AM 1 72 1/13/11 11:48:32 AM 3/11 Language grammar and style: Create Imagery Review the Grammar and Style note on page 54. To describe a scene or convey a mood, the Beowulf Poet uses imagery—words and phrases that create vivid sensory experiences for the audience. The poet frequently creates this imagery through an effective use of adjectives and verbs. Here is an example from the epic: The dragon leaped With pain, thrashed and beat at him, spouting Murderous flames, spreading them everywhere. (lines 675–677) L 3 Apply knowledge of language to make effective choices for meaning or style. W 2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content. W 9a (RL 3) Analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone. Notice that the verbs leaped, thrashed, and beat suggest a sense of movement and that the adjective murderous conveys the feeling of the flames’ heat. The imagery in the sentence helps you envision the scene and experience its intensity. Language L 3, W 2, W 9a (RL 3) grammar and style Point out that the poet often uses unexpected verbs and adjectives, which makes them especially effective. For example, “spouting murderous flames” is more unusual and dramatic than something like “shooting hot flames” would have been. Possible answers: Students’ sentences will vary. 1. Adjectives: bloody, torn; verbs: crunch, smear PRACTICE Write down each of the following lines from Beowulf. Identify the adjectives and verbs in each sentence that create imagery and then write your own sentence with similar elements. 2. Adjectives: inlaid, snarling, fierce, gruesome; verbs: strode, gleamed, burned example RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master He moved quickly through the cloudy night, / Up from his swampland, sliding silently / Toward that gold-shining hall. She drifted slowly down the leaf-strewn street, away from the city lights, winding sadly toward the deserted house. Create Imagery p. 30 reading-writing connection Suggest that students use a Cluster Diagram to help them brainstorm elements of Beowulf that bring the poem to life for them. Encourage students to identify particular parts of the poem that they enjoyed and to consider what made these parts effective. 1. . . . Grendel will carry our bloody / Flesh to the moors, crunch on our bones / And smear torn scraps of our skin on the walls / Of his den. 2. He strode quickly across the inlaid / Floor, snarling and fierce: his eyes / Gleamed in the darkness, burned with a gruesome / Light. reading-writing connection YOUR BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Expand your understanding of Beowulf by responding to this prompt. Then use the revising tips to improve your analysis. Cluster Diagram p. B18 TURN writing prompt revising tips Writing Online WRITE AN ANALYSIS The review on page 74 describes the experience of listening to an oral performance of Beowulf. Write a three-to-five-paragraph analysis of Beowulf in which you describe what features of the poem bring it to life for you. You might focus on its characters, its vivid descriptions, or its use of elements of Old English poetry. • Clearly identify the features of the poem that make Beowulf a distinctive and powerful work of literature. following toolstools are available online AllThe of the interactive and features onat thinkcentral.com on WriteSmart WriteSmart are alsoand available online CD-ROM: Graphic—in Organizers • Interactive thinkcentral.com the Writing Center. at • Interactive Student Models • Interactive Revision Lessons For additional grammar instruction, see GrammarNotes on thinkcentral.com. • Include details from the poem to show how each of these features makes the poem come to life for you. Interactive Revision Go to thinkcentral.com. KEYWORD: HML12-73 beowulf 10:18:02 NA_L12PE-u01s11-arBeowul.indd AM 73 differentiated instruction for struggling writers • Provide several sample sentences for students, and have them identify the adjectives and verbs. For example: The skater skimmed (verb) across the opaque (adjective) ice, graceful (adjective) and confident (adjective). Her hair streamed (verb) behind her, illuminated (verb) by the silvery (adjective) moonlight. 73 1/8/11 • Encourage students to combine short, simple sentences into one more-complex, longer sentence. For example, ask them to combine these sentences: He shivered under the flimsy blanket. He trembled with each deafening crash of thunder. (Possible answer: He shivered under the flimsy blanket, trembling with each deafening crash of thunder.) 12:04:14 PM Assess and Reteach Assess DIAGNOSTIC AND SELECTION TESTS Selection Tests A, B/C pp. 25–26, 27–28 Interactive Selection Test on thinkcentral.com Reteach Level Up Online Tutorials on thinkcentral.com beowulf NA_L12TE-u01-ar.indd 73 73 1/13/11 11:48:40 AM Reading for Information REVIEW Listening to the story of Beowulf sung by a scop playing a harp is not an experience confined to the past. American musician and medieval scholar Benjamin Bagby performs Beowulf in the original Anglo-Saxon to enthusiastic audiences. The following review captures the excitement of Bagby’s Beowulf. connect A Collaboration Across 1,200 Years This selection connects directly to Beowulf. You can also use it as a minilesson on reading for information. reading for information Point out that “A Collaboration Across 1,200 Years” is a theater review. • Ask students how a theater review is different from other newspaper articles. Possible answer: Most newspaper articles are intended to report information about current events without expressing personal opinions. Reviews, however, are in effect subjective essays. A theater review describes a play or other performance and presents the reviewer’s evaluation of that performance and the actors involved. E uropean noblemen of a thousand years ago had much more exciting and intelligent entertainment than anything to be found now. Anyone who doubts that need only look in on Benjamin Bagby’s astonishing performance of the D. J. R. first quarter of the BRUCKNER epic poem Beowulf— in Anglo-Saxon, no less—tonight at the Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse at Lincoln Center. It will be the last of his three appearances in the Lincoln Center Festival. From the moment he strode on stage on Sunday for the opening night, silencing the audience with that famous first word, “Hwaet!” (“Pay attention!”), until hell swallowed the “pagan soul” of the monster Grendel 80 minutes later, Review By • After students have read the review, ask them to summarize the reviewer’s opinion of Benjamin Bagby’s performance. Possible answer: The reviewer found Bagby’s performance both enjoyable and impressive. He calls it “astonishing” and describes how “Mr. Bagby came as close to holding hundreds of people in a spell as ever a man has.” 74 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s11-c1Collab.indd 74 Mr. Bagby came as close to holding hundreds of people in a spell as ever a man has. As the epic’s warriors argued, boasted, fought or fell into the monster’s maw, there were bursts of laughter, mutters and sighs, and when Mr. Bagby’s voice stopped at the end, as abruptly as it had begun, there was an audible rippling gasp before a thunderclap of applause from cheering people who called him back again and again, unwilling to let him go. Mr. Bagby—a Midwesterner who fell in love with Beowulf at 12 and who now is co-director of a medieval music ensemble, Sequentia, in Cologne, Germany—accompanies himself on a six-string lyre modeled on one found in a seventhcentury tomb near Stuttgart. This surprisingly facile instrument underscores the meter of the epic 74 11/22/10 11:59:47 NA_L12PE-u01 AM unit 1 : the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12TE-u01-rfi.indd 74 1/3/11 8:17:12 AM 2/10 Reading for Information tiered discussion prompts verses and is counterpoint to Mr. Bagby’s voice as he recites, chants and occasionally sings the lines. On the whole, this is a restrained presentation. The performer captures listeners at once simply by letting us feel his conviction that he has a tale to tell that is more captivating than any other story in the world. He avoids histrionic gestures, letting the majestic rhythms of the epic seize our emotions and guide them through the action. Gradually the many voices that fill the great poem emerge and the listener always knows who is speaking: a warrior, a watchman, a king, a sarcastic drunk. A translation is handed out to the audience, but after a while one notices people are following it less and just letting the sound of this strange and beautiful language wash over them. Perhaps not so strange, after all—enough phrases begin to penetrate the understanding that one finally knows deep down that, yes, this is where English came from. How authentic is all this? Well, we know from many historical sources that in the first millennium at royal or noble houses a performer called a scop would present epics. Mr. Bagby has lived with this epic for many years, as well as with ancient music, and his performance is his argument that Beowulf was meant to be heard, not read, and that this is the way we ought to hear it. It is a powerful argument, indeed. The test of it is that when he has finished, you leave with the overwhelming impression that you know the anonymous poet who created Beowulf more than a dozen centuries ago, that you have felt the man’s personality touch you. That is a much too rare experience in theater. reading for information 11:59:47 NA_L12PE-u01s11-c1Collab.indd AM 75 Use these prompts to help students understand the reviewer’s reaction to Benjamin Bagby’s performance of Beowulf: Connect How did reading this review affect your appreciation of the written text of Beowulf? Accept all reasonable answers. Analyze What does the reviewer find most striking about Bagby’s performance? Possible answer: Listeners leave with the feeling that they know the poet who so long ago created Beowulf, that they have been touched by the poet’s personality—“a much too rare experience in theater.” Synthesize How does the reviewer feel that a work such as Beowulf compares to modern-day entertainment? Possible answer: The reviewer feels that Beowulf, particularly when presented in the manner that Bagby has performed it, is superior to modern-day entertainment. As he suggests in his opening sentence, it is “much more exciting and intelligent entertainment than anything to be found now.” 75 11/22/10 11:59:54 AM reading for information NA_L12TE-u01-rfi.indd 75 75 1/3/11 8:17:17 AM Themes Across Cultures Focus and Motivate RL 1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. RL 3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story. RL 4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative meanings. RL 10 Read and comprehend literature. SL 1d Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives. L 4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words. L 4c Consult general and specialized reference materials to determine or clarify a word’s etymology. L 6 Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words and phrases. about the poet Have students read about Homer and his two famous epics and summarize key points. Call attention to the fact that, like Beowulf, the Iliad took shape as an oral work but was preserved in writing for future generations. from the Iliad Video link at thinkcentral.com Epic Poem by Homer Translated by Robert Fitzgerald RL 3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story. RL 4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative meanings. RL 10 Read and comprehend literature. SL 1d Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives. L 4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words. Meet the Author Homer did you know? Homer . . . • was probably illiterate. • inspired Alexander the Great, who carried the Iliad with him on all of his military campaigns. • is quoted more often than any other Western poet, with the possible exception of Shakespeare. about 700 b.c. Roughly a thousand years before the Beowulf Poet composed his epic poem, another oral poet, Homer, created two great epics. The Iliad and the Odyssey were an essential part of the ancient Greek world. Schoolchildren memorized verses from the poems, and scholars discussed their meaning. Alexander the Great slept with a gold-encrusted copy of the Iliad under his pillow. But little or nothing was known about the poet himself. Man of Mystery Nothing much has changed today. Legend and mystery abound in the life of Homer. According to one of the most persistent legends, Homer was blind. However, some scholars have pointed out that the ancient Greeks typically depicted a sage or philosopher as a blind man to emphasize his exceptional inner vision. The poet’s birthplace and date of birth are also matters for speculation. For centuries, scholars even debated about scho whether Homer Hom ever really existed. Today most agree that th the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey Ody was indeed a man named Homer who lived sometime Ho between 800 8 and 600 b.c. and was born either eithe in western Asia Minor or on one of the nearby Aegean islands. Evidence of o his life has been gathered notable quote “No one has ever surpassed him in treating great matters sublimely or small things fittingly.” – Quintilian, ancient Roman orator indirectly from writings of ancient Greece and from Homer’s poems. Clash of Titans The Iliad relates events of the Trojan War, a conflict between Greeks and Trojans in the ancient city of Troy in Asia Minor. Most historians believe that some sort of war really did take place between Greece and Troy around 1200 b.c. According to Homer’s poem, the Trojan War began when Paris, a prince of Troy, kidnapped Helen, the world’s most beautiful woman, from her husband, King Menelaus (mDnQE-lAPEs) of Greece. In retaliation, the king’s brother, Agamemnon (BgQE-mDmPnJn), led the Greek army in an invasion of Troy. The Greeks laid siege to the city for ten years before finally achieving victory. The Iliad describes the final year of that siege. Unlettered Genius Homer was able to draw on a rich oral tradition of stories about heroes and gods. Many scholars believe that he composed his epics orally, despite their great length and complexity. Homer probably could not read or write, but he may have recited his epics for someone else to record, thereby preserving the poems that became the foundation of Western literature. Author Online Go to thinkcentral.com. KEYWORD: HML12-76 76 Selection Resources NA_L12PE-u01s12-brIliad.indd See resources on the Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM and on thinkcentral.com. RESOURCE MANAGER UNIT 1 BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT Plan and Teach, pp. 31–38 Summary, pp. 39–40†‡* Text Analysis and Reading Skill, pp. 41–44†* Vocabulary, pp. 45–47* Word Questioning, p. E9 Open Mind, p. D9 Jigsaw Reading, p. A1 DIAGNOSTIC AND SELECTION TESTS 76 Video link at thinkcentral.com 12/15/10 7:28:14 NA_L12PE-u01 PM TECHNOLOGY Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM Student One Stop DVD-ROM Audio Anthology CD GrammarNotes DVD-ROM ExamView Test Generator on the Teacher One Stop Selection Tests, pp. 29–32 * Resources for Differentiation NA_L12TE-u01s02-iliad.indd 76 † Also in Spanish ‡ In Haitian Creole and Vietnamese 1/3/11 8:22:35 AM 15/10 Teach text analysis: simile and epic simile Homer often helps readers visualize the action in his epics with a simile, a figure of speech that uses the word like or as to make a comparison between two unlike things. A long simile, often continuing for a number of lines, is called an epic simile. In the following epic simile, Achilles compares his hatred for Hector to the hatred between enemies in nature: As between men and lions there are none, no concord between wolves and sheep, but all hold one another hateful through and through, so there can be no courtesy between us . . . As you read the selection from the Iliad, look for examples of similes and epic similes. Review: Epic reading skill: classify characters The Iliad is a complex poem involving many characters— both human and divine. To help you keep track of the epic’s various characters as you read the Iliad, use a chart like the one shown to classify each character as a Greek, a Trojan, or a god. For each god, indicate whether he or she is helping the Greeks or the Trojans. Then note the important actions and characteristics of each character. Character Greek, Trojan, or God? Thetis • a sea goddess • helps the Greeks What inspires What inspires courage? COURAGE? Running into a burning building to rescue a child. Standing up against gangs. Saving a drowning swimmer. These are all acts of courage. But what motivates people to perform them? After all, the logical thing to do when faced with danger is to run away. The three main characters in this epic draw on different types of strength when they confront their adversaries. What helps you find the courage to face your enemies and everyday dangers? Have students reflect on the different ways in which people demonstrate courage, and then ask them to carry out the DISCUSS activity. Encourage students to listen carefully to their partners’ ideas about what motivates individuals to behave courageously. T E X T A N A LY S I S Model the Skill: simile and epic simile To model how to analyze similes, write this passage on the board: DISCUSS With a partner, discuss acts of courage you have witnessed or heard about. Talk about why these heroes did what they did. Are they different from other people? Is everyone capable of courageous acts? If your partner has a different perspective on courage or heroism, give those ideas thoughtful consideration before responding. Actions/Characteristics • tries to console Achilles • loving toward son The sky grew dark and ominous, and beneath the sailors the ocean shifted, stretched, and swelled, like a giant beast waking. Then discuss that the roughening seas are compared to a giant beast stirring to life: the waters are moving unpredictably and may soon prey on the sailors. GUIDED PRACTICE Elicit other examples of similes from prose or poetry. vocabulary in context These words in the poem help convey the passions and exploits of war. Substitute the boldfaced word in each of the following sentences with a word from the list. word list abstain havoc scourge defile ponderous vulnerable felicity rancor RL 4 READING SKILL RL 3 RL 10 Model the Skill: classify characters 1. The feuding families viewed each other with hatred. 2. The elephant’s weighty leg broke the trainer’s stool. 3. The monster left behind a terrible trail of devastation. Complete the activities in your Reader/Writer Notebook. iliad 7:28:14 NA_L12PE-u01s12-brIliad.indd PM V O C A B77U L A R Y S K I L L vocabulary in context DIAGNOSE WORD KNOWLEDGE Have all students complete Vocabulary in Context. Check their words and phrases against the following: abstain (Bb-stAnP) v. to hold oneself back from doing something defile (dG-fFlP) v. to make filthy or impure; to violate the honor of felicity (fG-lGsPG-tC) n. happiness; good fortune havoc (hBvPEk) n. widespread destruction 77 11/22/10 L4 ponderous (pJnPdEr-Es) adj. very heavy rancor (rBngPkEr) n. bitter, longlasting anger; ill will scourge (skûrj) n. a source of great suffering or destruction vulnerable (vOlPnEr-E-bEl) adj. open to attack; easily hurt RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master Vocabulary Study p. 45 12:06:12 PM To help students understand how characters can be classified, explain that there are many ways to classify the characters of a literary work and that the classification criteria used can help readers gain insight into the characters and the overall work. For example, characters might be classified on the basis of social class, geographical origins, ethnic background, education, and so on. Such classifications can help readers see similarities and differences between characters and understand why certain characters are drawn together while others remain apart. GUIDED PRACTICE Help students create a chart classifying Achilles and Hector as they read this selection. RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master Classify Characters p. 43 (for student use while reading the selection) iliad NA_L12TE-u01s02-iliad.indd 77 77 1/3/11 8:22:46 AM Themes Across Cultures Practice and Apply summary The ILIAD The Greek hero Achilles vows to avenge the death of his best friend, Patroclus, who has been killed by the Trojan warrior Hector. When Achilles and Hector fight, Achilles fatally stabs Hector and then refuses Hector’s dying request to return his body to the Trojan people. Instead, Achilles ties the corpse to his chariot and drags it to the Greek camp. Hector’s father—Priam, king of Troy—goes to Achilles to beg for his son’s body. Moved by the old man’s grief and prompted by the gods, Achilles agrees to return Hector’s body. HOMER While the Greeks are laying siege to Troy, a quarrel breaks out between Agamemnon and his greatest warrior, Achilles (E-kGlPCz). As a result, the angry Achilles decides to remain in his tent and let the Greeks fight without him. The Trojans, under the leadership of Hector, are able to drive the Greeks back to the sea. During the battle, Hector kills Achilles’ best friend, Patroclus (pE-trIPklEs). While grieving for his friend, Achilles is visited by his mother, Thetis (thCPtGs), a goddess of the sea. read with a purpose Help students set a purpose for reading. Tell them to read the Iliad to learn how one warrior deals with an enemy who has killed his friend. from Book 18 Bending near her groaning son, the gentle goddess wailed and took his head between her hands in pity, saying softly: tiered discussion prompts Use these prompts to help students understand Thetis’s feelings for Achilles in lines 1–10: Connect Think about a time when you tried to comfort someone you cared about. How does that experience help you understand Thetis’s feelings? Accept all reasonable responses. 5 10 Analyze How does Homer make clear Thetis’s sympathetic feelings toward her son? Possible answer: Through his description, Homer shows just how upset Thetis is at the sight of “her groaning son.” The goddess wail[s] and then grasps Achilles’ head “in pity,” softly asking him why he is crying. Evaluate How well does the poet succeed in conveying Thetis’s feelings? Explain. Possible answer: The image of the mother taking her son’s head between her hands and trying to comfort him captures Thetis’s feelings very effectively. the immortal shield “Child, why are you weeping? What great sorrow came to you? Speak out, do not conceal it. Zeus did all you asked: Achaean troops, for want of you, were all forced back again upon the ship sterns, taking heavy losses none of them could wish.” Analyze Visuals What traits and emotions are suggested by this painting of Achilles? Which details help convey them? 6–7 Previously Achilles asked Thetis to persuade Zeus (zLs), ruler of the gods, to turn the tide of battle against the Greeks so that they would see how much they needed him. 7 Achaean (E-kCPEn): Greek. The great runner groaned and answered: 15 78 “Mother, yes, the master of high Olympus brought it all about, but how have I benefited? My greatest friend is gone: Patroclus, comrade in arms, whom I held dear above all others—dear as myself— unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s12-Iliad.indd 12 Olympus (E-lGmPpEs): the highest mountain in Greece, on whose peak the Greek gods and goddesses were thought to dwell. Achilles Contemplating the Body of Patroclus, Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini. Musée Municipal, Soissons, France. © Giraudon/Art Resource, New York. 78 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners for struggling readers Comprehension: Transitions Read aloud lines 7–10, starting with “Achaean troops...” Have students write a summary of these lines in their own words. Ask for volunteers to share their summaries and discuss them as a group. Comprehension Support Read aloud to students lines 1–10. Then ask these questions: 12:03:30 NA_L12PE-u01 PM • Who is winning? the Trojans • Why did Achilles want his side, the Greeks, to begin losing? He wanted them to realize how important he was to their winning the war. • What is meant by “forced back again upon the ship sterns”? The Greeks were forced to the shore where they had landed. 78 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s02-iliad.indd 78 1/3/11 8:22:55 AM 2/10 Analyze Visuals Possible answer: Several elements help convey the heroic stature of Achilles: the dramatic lighting, Achilles’ central position, his grand clothing, and the laurel wreath that he wears on his head. About the Art Venetian artist Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini (1675–1741) is known for his decorative works done in elaborate rococo style, such as this oil painting, Achilles Contemplating the Body of Patroclus. 12:03:30 NA_L12PE-u01s12-Iliad.indd PM 79 11/22/10 12:03:39 PM for struggling readers for english language learners for advanced learners/ap The Audio Anthology CD provides extra support for students with reading difficulties. It is also recommended for use with English language learners. Vocabulary Support Use Word Questioning to teach these words: reject (line 26), respond (line 168), nonetheless (line 302). Ask students to list qualities of an epic hero that they learned while reading Beowulf. Then have students compile a list of Achilles’ heroic qualities. When finished, have students write a paragraph comparing and contrasting the two. BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Word Questioning p. E9 iliad NA_L12TE-u01s02-iliad.indd 79 79 1/3/11 8:23:05 AM 20 25 READING SKILL a Model the Skill: RL 3 RL 10 30 now gone, lost; Hector cut him down, despoiled him of my own arms, massive and fine, a wonder in all men’s eyes. The gods gave them to Peleus that day they put you in a mortal’s bed— how I wish the immortals of the sea had been your only consorts! How I wish Peleus had taken a mortal queen! Sorrow immeasurable is in store for you as well, when your own child is lost: never again on his homecoming day will you embrace him! I must reject this life, my heart tells me, reject the world of men, if Hector does not feel my battering spear tear the life out of him, making him pay in his own blood for the slaughter of Patroclus!” a classify characters Letting a tear fall, Thetis said: To model how to classify a character, write the following on the board: “If Hector does not feel my battering spear tear the life out of him . . .” Point out that Homer could have simply wrote that Achilles intended to kill Hector. However, the language Homer chose to use emphasizes the intensity of Achilles’ rage and desire for revenge. Possible answer: Achilles reveals that he is vengeful, passionate, and headstrong. “You’ll be swift to meet your end, child, as you say: your doom comes close on the heels of Hector’s own.” 35 Extend the Discussion How might these characteristics benefit Achilles? How might they hurt him? 40 revisit the big question 45 What inspires COURAGE? Discuss Use lines 26–36 to discuss how Achilles is not deterred by the knowledge that his own death is “close on the heels of Hector’s own;” indeed, he says, “May it come quickly.” Is Achilles’ apparently fearless attitude a form of courage? Explain. Possible answer: His attitude is a form of courage in that Achilles is unafraid, but it is courage that is heavily mixed with self-recrimination, guilt, and a desire for vengeance. 50 80 own the word L4 rancor: Read aloud the passage and have students name words and phrases with related meanings that can help them determine the meaning of rancor. Possible answers: strife, anger, envenoms 80 18 Peleus (pCPlC-Es): Achilles’ human father. a CLASSIFY CHARACTERS Reread lines 26–30. Notice that Achilles suggests that his heart is guiding him rather than his head. What characteristics does Achilles reveal in these lines? Achilles the great runner ground his teeth and said: “May it come quickly. As things were, I could not help my friend in his extremity. Far from his home he died; he needed me to shield him or to parry the death stroke. For me there’s no return to my own country. Not the slightest gleam of hope did I afford Patroclus or the other men whom Hector overpowered. Here I sat, my weight a useless burden to the earth, and I am one who has no peer in war among Achaean captains— though in council there are wiser. Ai! let strife and rancor perish from the lives of gods and men, with anger that envenoms even the wise and is far sweeter than slow-dripping honey, clouding the hearts of men like smoke: just so the marshal of the army, Agamemnon, moved me to anger. But we’ll let that go, 38 parry: to turn aside; deflect. rancor (rBngPkEr) n. bitter, longlasting anger; ill will 48 envenoms (Dn-vDnPEmz): fills with poison. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s12-Iliad.indd 80 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners VOCABULARY 16–17 Patroclus wore Achilles’ armor to frighten the Trojans. “Despoiled him of my own arms” refers to Hector’s taking the armor from Patroclus’ corpse. Language: Verb Tenses Make sure students are not confused by the use of subjunctive and conditional tenses. Help students paraphrase each statement: • “How I wish / Peleus had taken a mortal queen!” (lines 21–22) 12:03:43 NA_L12PE-u01 PM • “Likewise with me, if destiny like his / awaits me, I shall rest when I have fallen!” (lines 62–63) • “Now, though, may I win my perfect glory” (line 64) • “. . . should Zeus allow me / victory in the end, your life as prize.” (lines 82–83) • “I must reject this life . . . if Hector does not feel my battering spear” (lines 26–30) unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s02-iliad.indd 80 1/3/11 8:23:10 AM 2/10 Themes Across Cultures though I’m still sore at heart; it is all past, and I have quelled my passion as I must. 55 60 65 70 Now I must go to look for the destroyer of my great friend. I shall confront the dark drear spirit of death at any hour Zeus and the other gods may wish to make an end. Not even Heracles escaped that terror though cherished by the Lord Zeus. Destiny and Hera’s bitter anger mastered him. Likewise with me, if destiny like his awaits me, I shall rest when I have fallen! Now, though, may I win my perfect glory and make some wife of Troy break down, or some deep-breasted Dardan woman sob and wipe tears from her soft cheeks. They’ll know then how long they had been spared the deaths of men, while I abstained from war! Do not attempt to keep me from the fight, though you love me; you cannot make me listen.” 59–61 Heracles (hDrPE-klCzQ): another name for Hercules, the greatest legendary hero of ancient Greece, son of Zeus and a mortal woman named Alcmena (Blk-mCPnE). Zeus’ wife, the goddess Hera (hîrPE), hated and persecuted Heracles until his death. READING SKILL B abstain (Bb-stAnP) v. to hold oneself back from doing something IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Have them use the prereading chart offered on page 77. Greek, Trojan, or Character God? Hector Trojan desolation before troy And when at last the two men faced each other, Hector was the first to speak. He said: 75 80 85 “I will no longer fear you as before, son of Peleus, though I ran from you round Priam’s town three times and could not face you. Now my soul would have me stand and fight, whether I kill you or am killed. So come, we’ll summon gods here as our witnesses, none higher, arbiters of a pact: I swear that, terrible as you are, I’ll not insult your corpse should Zeus allow me victory in the end, your life as prize. Once I have your gear, I’ll give your body back to Achaeans. Grant me, too, this grace.” b 76 Priam’s (prFPEmz) town: Troy. Priam is the Trojan King. 12:03:43 NA_L12PE-u01s12-Iliad.indd PM 81 b CLASSIFY CHARACTERS In lines 82–85, Hector refers to the Greek and Trojan custom of returning the bodies of slain warriors to their people. What does this speech reveal about Hector? Compare and Contrast Philosophies Achilles shows that he is resigned to his fate with such statements as these: “if destiny like his / awaits me, I shall rest when I have fallen!” (lines 62–63) and “make an end. I shall accept my own / whenever Zeus and the other gods desire” (lines 214–215). In Beowulf, the hero declares that “Fate will unwind as it must” (page 48, line 189). • Promises to return Achilles’ body to the Greeks; asks Achilles to do likewise for him • Appears to be honorable and reasonable VOCABULARY L4 own the word abstain: Read the definition of abstain aloud to students. Then have them name common synonyms. Possible answers: refrain, avoid, forgo, refuse, resist 81 11/22/10 for advanced learners/ap Actions/ Characteristics Extend the Discussion Do you think that Achilles will accept the pact that Hector offers? Why or why not? 80 arbiters (ärPbG-tErz): judges; referees. iliad 12:03:44 PM In what ways do Achilles and Beowulf share similar attitudes toward life and death? How do their attitudes differ? Direct students to compare and contrast the philosophies underlying Beowulf and the Iliad in a discussion. Encourage students to support their points with specific examples from the text. iliad NA_L12TE-u01s02-iliad.indd 81 RL 3 RL 10 Possible answer: Hector’s speech suggests that he has great respect for Achilles and realizes that there is a good chance that Achilles will kill him. 66 Dardan (därPdn): Trojan. Achilles seeks to avenge Patroclus by slaughtering Trojans. Apollo, a god who protects Troy, opens the gates of the city so the Trojans can rush to safety inside the walls. Only Hector is left outside. Achilles chases him around the walls three times. Finally the goddess Pallas Athena, disguised as Hector’s brother Deiphobus (dC-GfPE-bEs), appears to Hector and persuades him to fight Achilles. from Book 22 classify characters 81 1/21/11 1:41:08 PM Analyze Visuals Activity After students read the selection, ask them how the mood of the painting compares with the mood of the story. Accept all reasonable responses. About the Art Italian artist Donato Creti (1671–1749) is known for decorative frescoes and altarpieces as well as oil paintings. As is typical of the idealized style of the time, Creti uses bright colors and graceful forms to capture the situation and mood of his subject matter—even such grim subject matter as that of Achilles Dragging Hector Around the Walls of Troy. Achilles Dragging the Body of Hector Around the Walls of Troy, Donato Creti. Oil on canvas, 142.5 cm. × 241.5 cm. Musée Massey, Tarbes, France. © Bridgeman Art Library. But swift Achilles frowned at him and said: 90 95 100 T E X T A N A L Y S I S : Review c 105 epic Possible answer: Plot events are complicated by the participation of supernatural beings—in this case, the goddess Pallas Athena. 82 “Hector, I’ll have no talk of pacts with you, forever unforgiven as you are. As between men and lions there are none, no concord between wolves and sheep, but all hold one another hateful through and through, so there can be no courtesy between us, no sworn truce, till one of us is down and glutting with his blood the wargod Ares. Summon up what skills you have. By god, you’d better be a spearman and a fighter! Now there is no way out. Pallas Athena will have the upper hand of you. The weapon belongs to me. You’ll pay the reckoning in full for all the pain my men have borne, who met death by your spear.” He twirled and cast his shaft with its long shadow. Splendid Hector, keeping his eye upon the point, eluded it by ducking at the instant of the cast, so shaft and bronze shank passed him overhead and punched into the earth. But unperceived by Hector, Pallas Athena plucked it out and gave it back to Achilles. Hector said: c 90 concord (kJnPkôrdQ): peace or harmony. 94 glutting with his blood the wargod Ares (ârPCz): satisfying Ares, the god of war, by bleeding to death. 97–98 Pallas Athena, the goddess of wisdom, favors the Greeks. c EPIC Reread lines 102–108. What characteristic of an epic is revealed in these lines? unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Have them review the characteristics of epics. NA_L12PE-u01s12-Iliad.indd 82 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners • keeping his eye upon (line 103), “watching” Vocabulary: Idioms Help students use context clues to determine the meaning of these idioms: • blotted out (line 120), “eliminated” • through and through (line 91), “completely” • is down (line 93), “has been defeated” • Summon up (line 95), “call upon” 12:03:45 NA_L12PE-u01 PM • for nothing (line 124), “so as to have no effect” • not a soul (line 128), “no person” ’s liking (line 136), “regarded • to favorably by” • no way out (line 97), “no means of escape” • the upper hand (line 98), “advantage or control” 82 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s02-iliad.indd 82 1/3/11 8:23:18 AM 2/10 Themes Across Cultures 110 115 120 125 130 135 140 145 “A clean miss. Godlike as you are, you have not yet known doom for me from Zeus. You thought you had, by heaven. Then you turned into a word-thrower, hoping to make me lose my fighting heart and head in fear of you. You cannot plant your spear between my shoulders while I am running. If you have the gift, just put it through my chest as I come forward. Now it’s for you to dodge my own. Would god you’d give the whole shaft lodging in your body! War for the Trojans would be eased if you were blotted out, bane that you are.” With this he twirled his long spearshaft and cast it, hitting his enemy mid-shield, but off and away the spear rebounded. Furious that he had lost it, made his throw for nothing, Hector stood bemused. He had no other. Then he gave a great shout to Deiphobus to ask for a long spear. But there was no one near him, not a soul. Now in his heart the Trojan realized the truth and said: “This is the end. The gods are calling deathward. I had thought a good soldier, Deiphobus, was with me. He is inside the walls. Athena tricked me. Death is near, and black, not at a distance, not to be evaded. Long ago this hour must have been to Zeus’s liking and to the liking of his archer son. They have been well disposed before, but now the appointed time’s upon me. Still, I would not die without delivering a stroke, or die ingloriously, but in some action memorable to men in days to come.” With this he drew the whetted blade that hung upon his left flank, ponderous and long, collecting all his might the way an eagle narrows himself to dive through shady cloud and strike a lamb or cowering hare: so Hector lanced ahead and swung his whetted blade. Achilles with wild fury in his heart Language Coach revisit the big question Fixed Expressions Words that, combined, have a special meaning are called fixed expressions. When Hector says, “by heaven” (line 111), he means, “as the gods are my witnesses.” What similar expressions do we use today? What inspires 120 bane: a cause of distress, death, or ruin. 125 bemused (bG-myLzdP): dazed; confused. Fixed Expressions Answer: I swear; that’s for sure, etc. Explain that the meaning of a fixed expression cannot be determined by studying its parts. Present some examples, such as: • Come rain or shine, we will be there. • To make up for missing the meeting, I worked extra hard on my project. Ask for other examples of fixed expressions. NA_L12TE-u01s02-iliad.indd 83 Evaluate Are the metaphors that Homer uses to describe Hector and Achilles fitting? Why or why not? Possible answer: The comparisons are only partially valid. Hector may be attacking in the manner of an eagle swooping down from the sky, but Achilles is certainly not a helpless “lamb or cowering hare.” 135–139 Zeus’ “archer son” is Apollo, god of the sun, whose arrows may represent the sun’s rays. Apollo typically favored the Trojans, while Zeus helped individuals on both sides. VOCABULARY ponderous (pJnPdEr-Es) adj. very heavy L4 own the word ponderous: Tell students that ponderous refers to things that have great weight. Have them name common items that they believe are ponderous. For example, a Japanese sumo wrestler and a tyrannosaurus rex could be described as ponderous. 83 11/22/10 Language Coach tiered discussion prompts Summarize What is happening in this passage? Possible answer: Hector draws his sword and launches himself at Achilles. 83 for english language learners Discuss In what ways does Hector display courage in his encounter with Achilles in lines 125–148? Possible answer: Even though Deiphobus is not there to help him and Hector realizes that “This is the end. The gods are calling deathward,” Hector fights on, determined to die “in some action / memorable to men in days to come” (lines 141–142). For lines 143–148, use these prompts to help students understand Homer’s narrative technique: iliad 12:03:45 NA_L12PE-u01s12-Iliad.indd PM COURAGE? 12:03:48 PM for advanced learners/ap Research Greek Terms Many familiar words and phrases come from ancient Greek literature and mythology. Ask students to research the meaning and origin of the following terms and report their findings to the class: Achilles’ heel narcissistic atlas Pandora’s box sword of Damocles Trojan horse odyssey Herculean tantalize iliad 83 1/3/11 8:23:22 AM 150 155 T E X T A N A LY S I S d Model the Skill: RL 4 160 epic simile To model the skill of analyzing epic similes, read aloud to students lines 154–160. Point out the ways in which Achilles’ spear is compared to the evening star. For example, it is conspicuous, amid the first in heaven, and is most lovely. All of these attributes tell the reader that Achilles’ spear has supernatural power. 165 170 Possible answer: The simile compares Achilles’ spear to the evening star. The comparison suggests that the spear is blessed by the heavenly gods and wielded by a godlike being. 175 tiered discussion prompts For lines 169–179, use these prompts to help students understand the character of Achilles: 180 Connect What is your opinion of Achilles at this point in the narrative? Accept all thoughtful responses. Analyze What personal characteristics does Achilles show in his speech to the dying Hector? Possible answer: Achilles shows himself to be boastful, cruel, prideful, unforgiving toward his enemies, and loyal to his friend. Synthesize Now that Hector is dying and Patroclus’ death has been avenged, do you think Achilles’ anger will soften? Why or why not? Possible answer: Accept all reasonable responses. 185 84 pulled in upon his chest his beautiful shield— his helmet with four burnished metal ridges nodding above it, and the golden crest Hephaestus locked there tossing in the wind. Conspicuous as the evening star that comes, amid the first in heaven, at fall of night, and stands most lovely in the west, so shone in sunlight the fine-pointed spear Achilles poised in his right hand, with deadly aim at Hector, at the skin where most it lay exposed. But nearly all was covered d by the bronze gear he took from slain Patroclus, showing only, where his collarbones divided neck and shoulders, the bare throat where the destruction of a life is quickest. Here, then, as the Trojan charged, Achilles drove his point straight through the tender neck, but did not cut the windpipe, leaving Hector able to speak and to respond. He fell aside into the dust. And Prince Achilles now exulted: “Hector, had you thought that you could kill Patroclus and be safe? Nothing to dread from me; I was not there. All childishness. Though distant then, Patroclus’ comrade in arms was greater far than he— and it is I who had been left behind that day beside the deepsea ships who now have made your knees give way. The dogs and kites will rip your body. His will lie in honor when the Achaeans give him funeral.” 153 Hephaestus (hG-fDsPtEs): the god of fire and blacksmith of the gods, who made Achilles’ new armor. d EPIC SIMILE Note the epic simile in lines 154–160. What two things are being compared? What does the comparison suggest about the power of Achilles’ spear? 177 kites: hawklike birds of prey. 178 “His [body]” refers to that of Patroclus. Hector, barely whispering, replied: “I beg you by your soul and by your parents, do not let the dogs feed on me in your encampment by the ships. Accept the bronze and gold my father will provide as gifts, my father and her ladyship my mother. Let them have my body back, so that our men and women may accord me decency of fire when I am dead.” 185–186 Hector’s father is Priam, and his mother is Hecuba (hDkPyE-bE). 188 Burning the bodies of the dead was customary. Truces were often arranged for this purpose. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s12-Iliad.indd 84 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners Language: Pronoun Referents Help students identify the referents for the underlined pronouns: 12:03:49 NA_L12PE-u01 PM • mourned by her who gave you birth (line 200), Patroclus’ mother • And he who said this would (line 225), other Achaeans • amid the first in heaven (lines 154–156), star • where most / it lay exposed (lines 159–160), skin • greater far than he (lines 173–174), Patroclus • His will lie in honor (lines 177–178), Patroclus’ body 84 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s02-iliad.indd 84 1/3/11 8:23:25 AM 2/10 Themes Across Cultures Achilles the great runner scowled and said: 190 195 200 “Beg me no beggary by soul or parents, whining dog! Would god my passion drove me to slaughter you and eat you raw, you’ve caused such agony to me! No man exists who could defend you from the carrion pack— not if they spread for me ten times your ransom, twenty times, and promise more as well; aye, not if Priam, son of Dardanus, tells them to buy you for your weight in gold! You’ll have no bed of death, nor will you be laid out and mourned by her who gave you birth. Dogs and birds will have you, every scrap.” tiered discussion prompts Use these prompts to help students understand Hector’s fate: Summarize What has just happened? Possible answer: Achilles has defeated Hector in combat, and Hector has died of his wound. 194 carrion (kBrPC-En) pack: the wild animals that feed on dead flesh. 197 Dardanus (därPdn-Es): the founder of the line of Trojan kings. Here son means “descendant.” Interpret Explain the meaning of the statement, “no one came who did not stab the body” (line 221). Possible answer: All the other Greek soldiers stab Hector’s body, perhaps as symbolic revenge or simply to gloat over their victory. Then at the point of death Lord Hector said: 205 210 215 220 “I see you now for what you are. No chance to win you over. Iron in your breast your heart is. Think a bit, though: this may be a thing the gods in anger hold against you on that day when Paris and Apollo destroy you at the Gates, great as you are.” 205–208 Although Achilles is still alive as the Iliad ends, other tales of the Trojan War tell how he is eventually killed by Hector’s brother Paris, with the aid of Apollo. Even as he spoke, the end came, and death hid him; spirit from body fluttered to undergloom, bewailing fate that made him leave his youth and manhood in the world. And as he died Achilles spoke again. He said: VOCABULARY At this he pulled his spearhead from the body, laying it aside, and stripped the bloodstained shield and cuirass from his shoulders. Other Achaeans hastened round to see Hector’s fine body and his comely face, and no one came who did not stab the body. Glancing at one another they would say: L4 own the word vulnerable: Ask students to name situations in which they might feel vulnerable. Do they know anyone who could be described as vulnerable as Achilles describes Hector? Can students name Achilles’ vulnerable spot? Possible answer: Achilles heel “Die, make an end. I shall accept my own whenever Zeus and the other gods desire.” “Now Hector has turned vulnerable, softer than when he put the torches to the ships!” 218 cuirass (kwG-rBsP): an armored breastplate. Hector is wearing the armor of Achilles that he took from Patroclus’ body. vulnerable (vOlPnEr-E-bEl) adj. open to attack; easily hurt 224 Hector’s torching of the ships occurred when the Trojans forced the Greeks (fighting without Achilles) back to the sea. iliad 12:03:49 NA_L12PE-u01s12-Iliad.indd PM Synthesize How would the actions of Achilles and the other Greek soldiers be interpreted by modern-day standards? Possible answer: Their actions would probably be interpreted as needlessly brutal. 85 85 11/22/10 for struggling readers for advanced learners/ap Comprehension Support To make sure students understand Achilles’ response in line 190, explain that beggary means “begging,” and help them paraphrase Achilles’ statement. Possible answer: Don’t plead for mercy by invoking my morals or thoughts of my parents! Ask students what earlier line of Hector’s Achilles is responding to. Answer: line 181 Write Descriptive Prose Have students reread Homer’s description of the battle between Achilles and Hector. Then challenge them to write a prose account of the battle, using descriptive and sensory details to create vivid images and establish a mood. Ask volunteers to share their work with the class. 12:03:49 PM iliad NA_L12TE-u01s02-iliad.indd 85 85 1/3/11 8:23:29 AM 225 230 235 And he who said this would inflict a wound. When the great master of pursuit, Achilles, had the body stripped, he stood among them, saying swiftly: “Friends, my lords and captains of Argives, now that the gods at last have let me bring to earth this man who wrought havoc among us—more than all the rest— come, we’ll offer battle around the city, to learn the intentions of the Trojans now. Will they give up their strongpoint at this loss? Can they fight on, though Hector’s dead? 228–229 captains of Argives (ärPjFvzQ): Greek officers. havoc (hBvPEk) n. widespread destruction But wait: 240 READING SKILL e classify characters RL 3 RL 10 Possible answer: Achilles wants to disgrace Hector and humiliate the Trojans. He also wants to publicly proclaim his victory while assuaging his feelings about Patroclus’ death. 245 Extend the Discussion How does the image of Achilles in your mind compare with the artist’s depiction of Achilles in the painting on page 79? 250 255 VOCABULARY own the word L4 • havoc: Ask students to describe the havoc caused by natural disasters, such as floods, hurricanes, or drought. Then have them write a pair of sentences using the term, the first describing the havoc referred to in this stanza and the second describing a recent situation they have witnessed or read about. • defile: Read the first part of the definition of defile aloud to students. Then have them explain its meaning in the passage. Possible answer: The body was dragged through dirt and dust. 260 86 why do I ponder, why take up these questions? Down by the ships Patroclus’ body lies unwept, unburied. I shall not forget him while I can keep my feet among the living. If in the dead world they forget the dead, I say there, too, I shall remember him, my friend. Men of Achaea, lift a song! Down to the ships we go, and take this body, our glory. We have beaten Hector down, to whom as to a god the Trojans prayed.” Indeed, he had in mind for Hector’s body outrage and shame. Behind both feet he pierced the tendons, heel to ankle. Rawhide cords he drew through both and lashed them to his chariot, letting the man’s head trail. Stepping aboard, bearing the great trophy of the arms, he shook the reins, and whipped the team ahead into a willing run. A dustcloud rose above the furrowing body; the dark tresses flowed behind, and the head so princely once lay back in dust. Zeus gave him to his enemies e to be defiled in his own fatherland. So his whole head was blackened. Looking down, his mother tore her braids, threw off her veil, and wailed, heartbroken to behold her son. Piteously his father groaned, and round him lamentation spread throughout the town, most like the clamor to be heard if Ilion’s e CLASSIFY CHARACTERS Reread lines 246–256. Why do you think Achilles mistreats Hector’s body in this manner? defile (dG-fFlP) v. to make filthy or impure; to violate the honor of 263 Ilion’s (GlPC-Enz): Troy’s. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s12-Iliad.indd 86 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for struggling readers Inverted Word Order Explain that Homer often inverts or otherwise complicates the word order of sentences, either by departing from the usual sequence of words or by inserting descriptive phrases. Encourage students to paraphrase and simplify these sentences: • “Conspicuous as the . . . exposed” (lines 154–160), “Achilles aimed his bright spear at Hector’s exposed throat.” 86 240 The “dead world” is the house of Hades, or the underworld, where the Greeks believed the shades of the dead to reside. 12:03:50 NA_L12PE-u01 PM • Iron in your breast / your heart is (lines 204–205), “Your heart is hard.” • Indeed, he had . . . and shame (lines 246–247), “He planned to desecrate Hector’s body.” • Behind both feet . . . ankle (lines 247–248), “Achilles pierced the tendons at the back of Hector’s ankles.” • And he who stood . . . Hector (lines 311–314), “You killed my beloved, superior son, who was defending his land.” unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s02-iliad.indd 86 1/3/11 8:23:32 AM 2/10 Themes Across Cultures 265 270 275 280 towers, top to bottom, seethed in flames. They barely stayed the old man, mad with grief, from passing through the gates. Then in the mire he rolled, and begged them all, each man by name: “Relent, friends. It is hard; but let me go out of the city to the Achaean ships. I’ll make my plea to that demonic heart. He may feel shame before his peers, or pity my old age. His father, too, is old. Peleus, who brought him up to be a scourge to Trojans, cruel to all, but most to me, so many of my sons in flower of youth he cut away. And, though I grieve, I cannot mourn them all as much as I do one, for whom my grief will take me to the grave— and that is Hector. Why could he not have died where I might hold him? In our weeping, then, his mother, now so destitute, and I might have had surfeit and relief of tears.” scourge (skûrj) n. a source of great suffering or destruction T E X T A N A LY S I S 282 surfeit (sûrPfGt): more than enough for satisfaction. f Achilles and his warriors return to their camp and carry out the burial rites for Patroclus. Three times, Achilles drags Hector’s body behind his chariot around Patroclus’ grave. Afterwards, the gods cleanse and restore the body, and Zeus asks Thetis to tell Achilles to return the body to the Trojans. Priam sets out for the Greek camp to ask Achilles to return the body. He is not aware that the god Hermes (hûrPmCz) helps him by putting the sentries to sleep and opening the gates. Hermes leads Priam to Achilles’ tent and then vanishes. from Book 24 285 290 Possible answer: The simile emphasizes that Priam’s action is audacious and desperate. It also suggests that he is risking his life by coming to Achilles alone and unprotected. IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . • Discuss with them the meaning of the phrase “taken with mad Folly” (line 287): falling victim to criminally foolish actions a grace given in sorrow Priam, the great king of Troy, passed by the others, knelt down, took in his arms Achilles’ knees, and kissed the hands of wrath that killed his sons. When, taken with mad Folly in his own land, a man does murder and in exile finds refuge in some rich house, then all who see him stand in awe. So these men stood. f Achilles gazed in wonder at the splendid king, RL 4 epic simile • Help them paraphrase lines 287–290. Possible answer: When a man has foolishly committed a murder and been forced into exile, people who see him stare in wonder. f Extend the Discussion Is the comparison that Homer makes here appropriate? Why or why not? EPIC SIMILE Note the epic simile in lines 287–291. What does the simile emphasize about Priam’s action? VOCABULARY iliad 12:03:50 NA_L12PE-u01s12-Iliad.indd PM 87 11/22/10 for advanced learners/ap Synthesize [small-group option] Homer relates events mainly from the point of view of Achilles and the Greeks. Have students work in small groups to discuss how the narrative might have been different in content and tone if Homer had instead told the story from the viewpoint of Hector, Priam, and the Trojans. Would the narrative have been more or less effective? Why? Direct students to support their responses with thoughtful reasons. Evaluate As students finish reading the Iliad, have them review Quintilian’s quotation on page 76. Ask students whether they agree or disagree that Homer is a master at “treating great matters sublimely” and “small things fittingly.” Have them express their opinions in a paragraph or two, supporting their views with specific reasons and details from the poem. L4 own the word 87 12:03:51 PM scourge: Tell students that another meaning for scourge is “to whip.” Have students write a pair of sentences, one using scourge as a noun, the other using scourge as a verb. Possible answers: Those horrible children are the scourge of our neighborhood. The cruel owner took a whip and scourged the poor, tired horse. iliad NA_L12TE-u01s02-iliad.indd 87 87 1/3/11 8:23:35 AM 295 300 READING SKILL g classify characters RL 3 RL 10 305 Possible answer: Priam is asking Achilles to take pity on an old man, appealing to Achilles’ love and reverence for his own father. 310 tiered discussion prompts and his companions marveled too, all silent, with glances to and fro. Now Priam prayed to the man before him: “Remember your own father, Achilles, in your godlike youth: his years like mine are many, and he stands upon the fearful doorstep of old age. He, too, is hard pressed, it may be, by those around him, there being no one able to defend him from bane of war and ruin. Ah, but he may nonetheless hear news of you alive, and so with glad heart hope through all his days for sight of his dear son, come back from Troy, while I have deathly fortune. g Noble sons I fathered here, but scarce one man is left me. Fifty I had when the Achaeans came, nineteen out of a single belly, others born of attendant women. Most are gone. Raging Ares cut their knees from under them. And he who stood alone among them all, their champion, and Troy’s, ten days ago Use these prompts to help students understand Priam’s appeal to Achilles in lines 317–322: g CLASSIFY CHARACTERS Reread Priam’s speech in lines 295–305. What tactic is Priam using to persuade Achilles to return Hector’s body? Analyze Visuals How do the gestures and facial expressions in this painting convey what happens in the scene between Priam and Achilles? Explain. Recall Why is Priam visiting Achilles? Possible answer: Priam wants to bring home the body of his slain son Hector. Interpret Why does Priam tell Achilles to “think me more pitiful by far” (line 319)? Possible answer: Priam is telling Achilles that he has suffered more than anyone because he has been compelled to kiss the hand of the man who killed his son. Synthesize Do you think Achilles will be moved by Priam’s appeal? Why or why not? Accept all reasonable responses. Achilles Besought by Priam for the Body of his Son Hector (1776), Giovanni Battista Cipriani. Oil on canvas, 421/16˝ × 413/4˝. The Philadelphia Museum of Art. Analyze Visuals Possible answer: Priam kneels before Achilles, clutching Achilles’ knee, begging for the release of Hector’s body. Priam clasps Achilles’ hand and kisses it, even though it belongs to the man who killed his son. Achilles listens attentively to Priam, and uses his hand to keep the guard from harming Priam. About the Art Giovanni Battista Cipriani (1727–1785) was an Italian artist and engraver who worked mainly in England. He is best known for his decorative artwork. His oil painting Achilles Besought by Priam for the Body of his Son Hector captures the feeling of the poignant scene from the Iliad. 88 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s12-Iliad.indd 88 for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Language: Pronoun Referents Help students identify the referents for the underlined words: Evaluate Direct students’ attention to lines 322–331. Point out that in the midst of this passage about the two men’s shared grief, Homer characterizes Hector with the epithet “killer of men” (line 328). Ask students why the poet may have used this jarring phrase in this context and whether it is appropriate. Possible answer: It is appropriate because it reminds readers of Hector’s achievements in battle and the cause of Achilles’ vengefulness. • by those around him (line 299), enemies • nineteen out of a single belly, others (line 308), Priam’s sons • And he who stood alone (line 311), Hector • of one who killed my son (line 322), Achilles • before the eyes of one who (line 340), Achilles 88 • they / feel no affliction (lines 347–348), the gods unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s02-iliad.indd 88 11/22/10 differentiated instruction 1/3/11 12:03:51 NA_L12PE-u01 PM 8:23:39 AM 2/10 Themes Across Cultures you killed him, fighting for his land, my prince, Hector. 315 320 325 330 335 340 345 It is for him that I have come among these ships, to beg him back from you, and I bring ransom without stint. 316 stint: limitation. Achilles, be reverent toward the great gods! And take pity on me, remember your own father. Think me more pitiful by far, since I have brought myself to do what no man else has done before—to lift to my lips the hand of one who killed my son.” Now in Achilles the evocation of his father stirred new longing, and an ache of grief. He lifted the old man’s hand and gently put him by. Then both were overborne as they remembered: the old king huddled at Achilles’ feet wept, and wept for Hector, killer of men, while great Achilles wept for his own father as for Patroclus once again; and sobbing filled the room. h But when Achilles’ heart had known the luxury of tears, and pain within his breast and bones had passed away, he stood then, raised the old king up, in pity for his grey head and greybeard cheek, and spoke in a warm rush of words: “Ah, sad and old! Trouble and pain you’ve borne, and bear, aplenty. Only a great will could have brought you here among the Achaean ships, and here alone before the eyes of one who stripped your sons, your many sons, in battle. Iron must be the heart within you. Come, then, and sit down. We’ll probe our wounds no more but let them rest, though grief lies heavy on us. Tears heal nothing, drying so stiff and cold. This is the way the gods ordained the destiny of men, 326 overborne: overcome; overwhelmed. READING SKILL Notice the change in Achilles’ attitude in lines 322–331. What qualities of Achilles do these lines reveal? L4 Language Coach L4 Word Definitions Answer: designed: Only designed makes sense when substituted into the sentence. Remind students that many words can have more than one definition. Ask for volunteers to share words that have more than one meaning. Have the group come up with sentences that use each word in at least two different ways. • Call attention to the repetition of the word wept in lines 328–329. Discuss how the two men’s shared grief moves Achilles. Word Definitions You often have to consider several definitions to find the one that fits. The word ordained can mean 1) made a priest, 2) designed, or 3) destined. Which meaning fits the use of the word in line 346? How can you tell? 89 11/22/10 for english language learners 12:03:54 PM for struggling readers Comprehension Support Use an Open Mind diagram to help students reflect on Achilles’ emotional state during his meeting with Priam. Have students list thoughts and feelings that might be going through Achilles’ mind. BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency I long to see my own father. In a way, Priam is not so different from my father. I miss my friend Patroclus. Open Mind p. D9 iliad NA_L12TE-u01s02-iliad.indd 89 RL 3 RL 10 Possible answer: These lines show that Achilles can be compassionate and that he has deep feelings for the people he has lost—his father and his friend Patroclus. Language Coach 89 classify characters IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . • Discuss with them the meaning of the word evocation (line 323): “bringing to mind; causing to remember.” Point out that it comes from the verb evoke. iliad 12:03:51 NA_L12PE-u01s12-Iliad.indd PM h h CLASSIFY CHARACTERS 89 1/21/11 1:41:11 PM READING SKILL i 350 RL 3 RL 10 classify characters Possible answer: Achilles accepts that humans are at the mercy of the gods, who control their lives. 355 360 365 370 375 to bear such burdens in our lives, while they feel no affliction. At the door of Zeus i are those two urns of good and evil gifts that he may choose for us; and one for whom the lightning’s joyous king dips in both urns will have by turns bad luck and good. But one to whom he sends all evil—that man goes contemptible by the will of Zeus; ravenous hunger drives him over the wondrous earth, unresting, without honor from gods or men. Mixed fortune came to Peleus. Shining gifts at the gods’ hands he had from birth: felicity, wealth overflowing, rule of the Myrmidons, a bride immortal at his mortal side. But then Zeus gave afflictions too—no family of powerful sons grew up for him at home, but one child, of all seasons and of none. Can I stand by him in his age? Far from my country I sit at Troy to grieve you and your children. You, too, sir, in time past were fortunate, we hear men say. From Macar’s isle of Lesbos northward, and south of Phrygia and the Straits, no one had wealth like yours, or sons like yours. Then gods out of the sky sent you this bitterness: the years of siege, the battles and the losses. Endure it, then. And do not mourn forever for your dead son. There is no remedy. You will not make him stand again. Rather await some new misfortune to be suffered.” i CLASSIFY CHARACTERS Reread lines 345–348. What is Achilles’ attitude toward fate? felicity (fG-lGsPG-tC) n. happiness; good fortune 359 Myrmidons (mûrPmE-dJnzQ): a people of Thessaly in Greece, subjects of Achilles’ father, Peleus. 363 “Of all seasons and of none” suggests that Achilles expects an early death for himself. 367–368 Lesbos (lDzPbJs) . . . Phrygia (frGjPC-E) . . . the Straits: Lesbos is an island off the western coast of Asia Minor; Phrygia was an ancient kingdom in western Asia Minor; the Straits are the Dardanelles. The old king in his majesty replied: T E X T A N A L Y S I S : Review j epic Possible answer: Homer uses the epithet “the great runner” to describe Achilles. This epithet underscores Achilles’ athleticism, speed, and youth. 380 “Never give me a chair, my lord, while Hector lies in your camp uncared for. Yield him to me now. Allow me sight of him. Accept the many gifts I bring. May they reward you, and may you see your home again. You spared my life at once and let me live.” Achilles, the great runner, frowned and eyed him under his brows: revisit the big question 385 What inspires COURAGE? 90 Discuss Does it take courage for Priam to request his son’s body in lines 376–382? Explain. Possible answer: It does indeed take courage, because Priam risks provoking Achilles to anger. VOCABULARY own the word L4 felicity: Tell students that common synonyms for felicity are delight and joy. Have students list common antonyms. Possible answers: sorrow, misery, sadness, unhappiness 90 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s02-iliad.indd 90 j j EPIC Note the use in line 383 of a stock epithet, a brief phrase (similar to a kenning) that points out traits associated with a character. What epithet is used to describe Achilles in this line? What traits does it underscore? “Do not vex me, sir,” he said. “I have intended, in my own good time, unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s12-Iliad.indd 90 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for struggling readers • Where will they pause for effect? Develop Reading Fluency The Iliad contains many heartfelt and passionate speeches, such as Priam’s appeal to Achilles (pages 88–89) and Achilles’ reply (pages 89–90). Have students choose one of the speeches and present a dramatic reading. Ask them to consider these questions as they prepare their reading, using a chart like the sample below to make notes: • Where will they speak more loudly or softly? • What words and phrases do they want to emphasize? Have listeners discuss which parts of the speech they find most effective, and why. Line Numbers 337–341 12:03:55 NA_L12PE-u01 PM Technique Emphasis: “sad,” “old,” “Trouble,” “pain” Pause: after “old,” “borne” 1/3/11 8:23:46 AM 2/10 Themes Across Cultures 390 395 400 405 410 415 420 to yield up Hector to you. She who bore me, the daughter of the Ancient of the sea, has come with word to me from Zeus. I know in your case, too—though you say nothing, Priam— that some god guided you to the shipways here. No strong man in his best days could make entry into this camp. How could he pass the guard, or force our gateway? Therefore, let me be. Sting my sore heart again, and even here, under my own roof, suppliant though you are, I may not spare you, sir, but trample on the express command of Zeus!” When he heard this, the old man feared him and obeyed with silence. Now like a lion at one bound Achilles left the room. Close at his back the officers Automedon and Alcimus went out— comrades in arms whom he esteemed the most after the dead Patroclus. They unharnessed mules and horses, led the old king’s crier to a low bench and sat him down. Then from the polished wagon they took the piled-up price of Hector’s body. One chiton and two capes they left aside as dress and shrouding for the homeward journey. Then, calling to the women slaves, Achilles ordered the body bathed and rubbed with oil— but lifted, too, and placed apart, where Priam could not see his son—for seeing Hector he might in his great pain give way to rage, and fury then might rise up in Achilles to slay the old king, flouting Zeus’s word. k So after bathing and anointing Hector they drew the shirt and beautiful shrouding over him. Then with his own hands lifting him, Achilles laid him upon a couch, and with his two companions aiding, placed him in the wagon. Now a bitter groan burst from Achilles, who stood and prayed to his own dead friend: 387 “The Ancient of the sea” is the sea god Nereus (nîrPC-Es), father of Thetis. tiered discussion prompts Use these prompts to help students understand Achilles in lines 383–397: Restate In your own words, restate the threat Achilles issues Priam. Possible answer: Leave me alone, Priam. If you bother me again, I may not hold back, even though you’re in my home and asking for my mercy. 395 suppliant (sOpPlC-Ent): one who begs or pleads earnestly. Analyze What insight into Achilles do these lines provide? Possible answer: Achilles does not like to be pressured. Though he may feel compassion one moment, this feeling can readily give way to anger, perhaps violence, if he is pushed. 401 Automedon (ô-tJmPE-dn) . . . Alcimus (BlPsE-mEs). Evaluate Is it believable that Achilles could weep with Priam and soon after threaten to kill him? Why or why not? Possible answer: Yes. Achilles’ moods are changeable, and he has very strong emotions, especially as far as Hector is concerned. 408 chiton (kFtPn): a shirtlike garment; tunic. READING SKILL k k CLASSIFY CHARACTERS Reread lines 410–416, which reveal Achilles’ thoughts. What do the lines suggest about Achilles’ temperament? classify characters RL 3 RL 10 Possible answer: The lines suggest that Achilles is impetuous and quick to anger. “Patroclus, do not be angry with me, if somehow iliad 12:03:55 NA_L12PE-u01s12-Iliad.indd PM 91 91 11/22/10 for struggling readers Vocabulary Support • crier (line 404), “someone who makes announcements, usually by shouting them in a public place” • shrouding (line 409), “burial garment” • flouting (line 416), “disregarding; disobeying” • anointing (line 417), “applying oil, especially in a religious ceremony” 12:03:55 PM Comprehension Support Call students’ attention to lines 406–421. Suggest that to facilitate comprehension, students approach this complex passage by breaking it up into parts, especially the long sentence spanning lines 410–416. Elicit or explain that the reason Achilles orders the body “lifted . . . and placed apart, where Priam / could not see his son” is to prevent the old king from seeing the mutilated condition of the body before the “beautiful shrouding” is put on. iliad NA_L12TE-u01s02-iliad.indd 91 91 1/3/11 8:23:50 AM 425 selection wrap–up READ WITH A PURPOSE Now that students have read the Iliad, call attention to the fact that even though the Iliad was written centuries before Beowulf, the two poems share a number of similarities. Ask students to think about how the two works are alike and also how they are different. Which of the two epics did students find more interesting? Why? Possible answer: Both Beowulf and the Iliad revolve around powerful warriors who see themselves as loyal and honorable. However, Achilles is fighting humans and exacts revenge on a foe who has killed his friend Patroclus, whereas Beowulf battles the dragon Grendel, who represents a more abstract form of evil than the Trojans. Answers to the last part of this question will vary, but students should state specific reasons for their preferences. 430 435 440 445 CRITIQUE • Have students rate the poem on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 the highest. Ask students whether they would have rated the work higher if it had been written as prose rather than poetry. Why or why not? 450 • After completing the After Reading questions on page 93, have students revisit their responses and tell whether they have changed their opinions. 455 even in the world of Death you learn of this— that I released Prince Hector to his father. The gifts he gave were not unworthy. Aye, and you shall have your share, this time as well.” The Prince Achilles turned back to his quarters. He took again the splendid chair that stood against the farther wall, then looked at Priam and made his declaration: “As you wished, sir, the body of your son is now set free. He lies in state. At the first sight of Dawn you shall take charge of him yourself and see him. Now let us think of supper. We are told that even Niobe in her extremity took thought for bread—though all her brood had perished, her six young girls and six tall sons. Apollo, making his silver longbow whip and sing, shot the lads down, and Artemis with raining arrows killed the daughters—all this after Niobe had compared herself with Leto, the smooth-cheeked goddess. She has borne two children, Niobe said, How many have I borne! But soon those two destroyed the twelve. Besides, nine days the dead lay stark, no one could bury them, for Zeus had turned all folk of theirs to stone. The gods made graves for them on the tenth day, and then at last, being weak and spent with weeping, Niobe thought of food. Among the rocks of Sipylus’ lonely mountainside, where nymphs who race Achelous river go to rest, she, too, long turned to stone, somewhere broods on the gall immortal gods gave her to drink. 436–455 The mortal woman Niobe (nFPE-bC) claimed that having so many children made her superior to the goddess Leto (lCPtI), who had only two. Leto’s son and daughter, Apollo and Artemis (ärPtE-mGs), punished Niobe by killing all her children. After many days of grieving, Niobe asked the gods to relieve her by turning her to stone. 452 Sipylus (sGpPE-lEs): a mountain in west-central Asia Minor. 453 Achelous (BkQE-lIPEs): a river near Mount Sipylus. 455 gall: bitterness; bile. Like her we’ll think of supper, noble sir. Weep for your son again when you have borne him back to Troy; there he’ll be mourned indeed.” INDEPENDENT READING For a creative look at the siege of Troy, students may enjoy reading Troy by Adèle Geras. Priam and Achilles agree to an 11-day truce. During that time, the Trojans will mourn Hector’s body before its burial. 92 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s12-Iliad.indd 92 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners Vocabulary: Multiple-Meaning Words Explain that the noun extremity (line 437) here means “extreme or desperate condition.” However, extremity also has other meanings, such as “farthest or most remote part or point.” Discuss how students can use context clues to figure out the appropriate meaning of multiple-meaning words. Then have mixed-language-ability Jigsaw groups investigate these other multiple-meaning 92 12:03:56 NA_L12PE-u01 PM words and share their findings: brood (line 438); whip (line 440); stark (line 447); spent (line 450). Also elicit or explain that lies in state (line 434) is an idiom meaning “lies in a public place before burial.” BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT Jigsaw Reading p. A1 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s02-iliad.indd 92 1/3/11 8:23:53 AM 2/10 Themes Across Cultures After Reading Practice and Apply Comprehension 1. Recall Why does Achilles vow to kill Hector? RL 1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text. RL 3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story. RL 4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative meanings. RL 10 Read and comprehend literature. 2. Recall What does Achilles do with Hector after he kills him? 3. Summarize What happens when Priam confronts Achilles? Text Analysis 4. Analyze Epic Similes Reread the following passages, which contain epic similes. Explain what is being compared in each simile, and identify the quality or qualities emphasized in the comparison. For preliminary support of post-reading questions, use these copy masters: RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Masters Reading Check p. 48 Simile and Epic Simile p. 41 Question Support p. 49 Additional questions are provided for teachers on page 35. • “As between men . . . Ares.” (lines 89–94) • “With this he . . . whetted blade.” (lines 143–148) answers • “Conspicuous as . . . exposed.” (lines 154–160) 5. Classify Characters Review the chart in which you classified the characters from the Iliad. Are the gods responsible for what happens to the mortals in the epic? Support your answer with specific details from the Iliad. 1. Hector killed Achilles’ best friend, Patroclus. 2. He drags Hector’s body behind the chariot around Patroclus’ grave. 6. Interpret Characters’ Actions Characters in the Iliad show courage in different ways. What courageous actions do Achilles, Hector, and Priam perform? 3. Priam begs Achilles to return Hector’s body. Moved by the old king’s pitiful appeal, Achilles finally agrees. 7. Draw Conclusions Reread lines 31–33. In these lines and in others, it is apparent that Achilles and other characters in the epic know that he is fated to die soon. What do you think prevents Achilles from attempting to change his fate? Possible answers: 4. common core focus Simile and Epic Simile Lines 89–94: compares the hatred between Achilles and Hector to the animosity between natural enemies; emphasizes the enmity between enemies. Lines 143–148: compares Hector’s attack with that of an eagle; emphasizes the determination of an attacker. Lines 154–160: compares Achilles’ spear to the evening star; emphasizes the spear’s shine. 5. common core focus Classify Characters The gods and the mortals share respons-ibility, but the gods play a key role. For example, Apollo opens the gates of Troy so the Trojans can rush to safety; Pallas Athena, disguised as Hector’s brother, persuades Hector to fight Achilles. 8. Make Judgments In your opinion, do Achilles’ feelings about his friend Patroclus justify the way he treats Hector? Cite evidence from the epic to explain your answer. 9. Compare Epic Heroes Compare and contrast Achilles and Beowulf as epic heroes. Use a diagram like the one shown to list and compare their traits and their actions. Which character do you think is more heroic? Achilles Both Beowulf Text Criticism 10. Critical Interpretations Critic John Scott has said that although the Iliad is set during wartime, “the real greatness of that poem is in the portrayal of powerful human emotions rather than in military exploits.” Do you agree or disagree? Cite evidence to support your response. What inspires courage ? Which character in the Iliad would you define as most courageous? Which do you consider the least courageous? Why? iliad 9. 12:03:56 NA_L12PE-u01s12-arIliad.indd PM 93 Achilles: vengeful, emotional, enlists the gods’ help to kill Hector, mistreats Hector’s body Both: brave, Beowulf: exhibits superhuman powers, honorable, battles monsters RL 1, RL 3, RL 4, RL 10 6. Achilles: fearless in battle; Hector: faces Achilles; Priam: goes to Achilles to retrieve Hector’s body 93 1/8/11 10. Agree, because the most moving aspects of the poem are linked to human emotions— for example, Achilles’ anguish over Patroclus’ death and Priam’s grief over Hector’s death. What inspires COURAGE? 12:05:03 PM 7. Achilles realizes that the gods ultimately determine his fate. Moreover, in his anguish over Patroclus’ death, Achilles is consumed by the desire for revenge. 8. Answers will vary, but many students may feel that Achilles is unnecessarily and excessively cruel. Possible answer: Some students may cite Priam or Achilles as most courageous and Hector as least courageous. Students should support their answers with evidence from the text. Beowulf seems more heroic because he is larger than life in his deeds and is less ruled by human emotions than Achilles. iliad NA_L12TE-u01s02-iliad.indd 93 93 1/13/11 11:08:30 AM Vocabulary in Context vocabulary practice answers Vocabulary in Context word list Identify the word that is not related in meaning to the other words in each numbered set. vocabulary practice abstain defile 1. (a) ponderous, (b) swift, (c) weighty felicity 5. (c) scourge 2. (a) cleanse, (b) defile, (c) corrupt havoc 2. (a) cleanse 6. (a) abstain 3. (a) strong, (b) vulnerable, (c) defenseless ponderous 7. (c) felicity 4. (a) destruction, (b) havoc, (c) protection rancor 3. (a) strong 1. (b) swift scourge 5. (a) guardian, (b) protector, (c) scourge 4. (c) protection vulnerable 6. (a) abstain, (b) proceed, (c) perform 7. (a) bitterness, (b) rancor, (c) felicity RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master Vocabulary Practice p. 46 academic vocabulary in speaking • concept academic vocabulary in speaking In their discussions, students should use academic vocabulary correctly and explain why Achilles and Hector are motivated by revenge. • culture • parallel • section • structure Discuss the concept of revenge as it applies to this section of the Iliad. How does revenge act as a parallel motivation for Hector and Achilles? Use at least one additional Academic Vocabulary word in your discussion. vocabulary strategy: dictionary etymologies vocabulary strategy: dictionary etymologies Learning to decode a word’s etymology, or history, deepens your understanding of its connotations and derivations. Here is a typical dictionary’s etymology: L 4c, L 6 Answers: scourge (skûrj) n. [ME < OFr escorgie < L ex, off, from + corrigia, a strap, whip] 1. havok L 4c Consult general and specialized reference materials to determine or clarify a word’s etymology. L 6 Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words and phrases. The etymology is usually in brackets after the pronunciation and part of speech. The < symbol means “derived from.” The etymology for scourge reads, “a Middle English (ME) word, from the Old French (OFr) escorgie, which comes from the Latin (L) prefix ex- (‘off’ or ‘from’) and corrigia, (‘a strap’ or ‘whip’).” 2. defile 3. scourge 4. abstain 5. vulnerare (“to wound”) and vellere (“to pluck”) PRACTICE Consult a dictionary to answer the following questions about these vocabulary words. (Your dictionary’s introduction will likely have information about the abbreviations and symbols used in its etymologies.) RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master 1. What Middle English word does havoc come from? Vocabulary Strategy p. 47 2. Which word above comes from an Old French word meaning “to trample”? 3. Look up excoriate. Which word above is related to excoriate? 4. Which word above derives from the Latin word tenere, to hold back? Interactive Vocabulary 5. What Latin word or words are vulnerable and revulsion both related to? Keywords direct students to a WordSharp tutorial on thinkcentral.com or to other types of vocabulary practice and review. 94 Assess and Reteach Assess DIAGNOSTIC AND SELECTION TESTS Selection Test A pp. 29–30 Selection Test B/C pp. 31–32 Interactive Selection Test on thinkcentral.com Reteach Level Up Online Tutorials on thinkcentral.com Reteaching Worksheets on thinkcentral.com: Literature Lessons 1–4, 15, 27 94 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s12-arIliad.indd 94 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Task Support: Vocabulary Practice Point out cognates in the numbered items, such as: Vocabulary in Writing Have students use as many vocabulary words as they can in a paragraph written from the point of view of one of the gods or goddesses of the Iliad. • corrupt: corromper (Spanish), corrompre (French) 12:03:27 NA_L12PE-u01 PM • vulnerable: vulnerable (Spanish); vulnérable (French) • destruction: destrucción (Spanish), destruction (French) • guardian: guardian (Spanish), gardien (French) unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s02-iliad.indd 94 1/3/11 8:24:05 AM 2/10 Wrap-Up: The Anglo-Saxon Epic The Epic in Translation The following versions of Beowulf prove the power of the translator. Although both describe the same passage (Grendel’s murderous raid on Herot), they are stunningly dissimilar. “Then, when darkness had dropped, Grendel Went up to Herot, wondering what the warriors Would do in that hall when their drinking was done. He found them sprawled in sleep, suspecting Nothing, their dreams undisturbed. —Translated by Burton Raffel “So, after nightfall, Grendel set out for the lofty house, to see how the Ring-Danes were settling into it after their drink, and there he came upon them, a company of the best asleep from their feasting, insensible to pain and human sorrow. Extension Online INQUIRY & RESEARCH With a partner, use the Internet to compile a list of literary and cinematic epics. Starting with a primary search engine, you may also want to integrate information from online movie databases and literary reference sites. Consider using advanced search terms such as “epic hero” (enclosed in quotation marks) to narrow your results. Of the works you find, which feature heroes closest in spirit and deeds to Beowulf? Write a short essay comparing and contrasting Raffel’s and Heaney’s translations. Which do you prefer? Why? Examine each translator’s word choice, style, and the rhetorical devices they use. How does each translator portray the qualities of an epic? Since you are writing a comparison-contrast essay, apply the Point-by-Point method. Use at least one body paragraph to show how the translations are similar. Then continue with additional similarities or move to differences between the two passages. Emphasize that using the Point-by-Point method described here will provide students with a structured way of discussing similarities and differences between the two translations. The character Aragorn, a hero from the modern-day epic The Lord of the Rings Topic Sentence/Paragraph • Translation 1 Topic Sentence/Paragraph • Translation 1 • Translation 2 Extension Online • Encourage students to reflect on the “spirit and deeds” of Beowulf and jot down some notes in order to make it easier to identify similar literary and cinematic heroes. W 2a–b Organize complex ideas; develop the topic by selecting details, quotations, or other information. W 7 Conduct short research projects; narrow the inquiry; synthesize multiple sources. W 8 Gather relevant information from multiple sources, using advanced searches effectively. wrap-up 12:03:27 NA_L12PE-u01s60-wu1.indd PM This Wrap-Up provides students with an opportunity to reflect on the role of the translator in adapting literary works from another language. Review with students that comparing means identifying similarities and differences between two or more items. Explain that by making comparisons between different translations of an epic poem, students can gain insight into the poem and also see how the choices that a translator makes shape the final work. Writing to Compare and Contrast • Translation 2 Wrap-Up: The Anglo-Saxon Epic Writing to Compare and Contrast —Translated by Seamus Heaney Point-by-Point Method W 2a Organize complex ideas. W 2b Develop the topic by selecting details, quotations, or other information. W 7 Conduct short research projects; narrow the inquiry; synthesize multiple sources. W 8 Gather relevant information from multiple sources, using advanced searches effectively. 95 95 12/30/10 for struggling writers for english language learners Writing Support Explain that students can choose how they want to organize their essays. They can focus first on all aspects of Raffel’s translation and then discuss all aspects of Heaney’s translation. Or, they can take a point-by-point approach. For example, they can discuss language in Raffel’s translation and then language in Heaney’s version, imagery in Raffel’s translation and then imagery in Heaney’s version, and so on. Writing Topic Sentences To help students create topic sentences for the paragraphs of their essays, provide sentence starters such as these: • As students begin their Internet research, suggest that they narrow their search by using such phrases as epic hero, literary epic, and epic movies. Searching on a broad 10:56:18 AM term like epic will produce too many unsuitable hits. • Raffel and Heaney take very different approaches to • Unlike Raffel, Heaney • The biggest difference between the two translations is that wr ap-up NA_L12TE-u01s02-iliad.indd 95 95 1/3/11 8:24:10 AM Reflections of Common Life Focus and Motivate RI 2 Determine two or more central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text. RI 6 Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text, analyzing how style and content contribute to the power, persuasiveness, or beauty of the text. RI 9 Analyze documents of historical and literary significance for their themes, purposes, and rhetorical features. L 5b Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations. about the author from RI 6 Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text, analyzing how style and content contribute to the power, persuasiveness, or beauty of the text. RI 9 Analyze documents of historical and literary significance for their themes, purposes, and rhetorical features. L 5b Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations. did you know? The Venerable Bede . . . • invented the footnote. • popularized the dating of events from the birth of Christ—the b.c./a.d. system. Read the biography aloud. Explain that a monastery is a place where people pursue a religious life of quiet contemplation; that an honorific is an informal title that honors a person; and that venerable is an honorific that commands respect by virtue of a person’s age, character, or achievements. Ask students to suggest words and phrases that describe the Venerable Bede. Point out that studying Bede’s life provides insight into the Middle Ages, just as his writings provide insight into even earlier times. A History of the English Church and People p Historical Writing by the Venerable Bede ecos Meet the Author The Venerable Bede The Venerable Bede (bCd), regarded as the father of English history, lived and worked in a monastery in northern Britain during the late seventh and early eighth centuries. His most famous work, A History of the English Church and People, is a major source of information about life in Britain from the first successful Roman invasion (about a.d. 46) to a.d. 731. The book contains many stories about the spread of Christianity among the English. Bede was taken by his parents to a monastery at Wearmouth, on the northeast coast of Britain, where he was left in the care of the abbot, Benedict Biscop. It is not known why the boy’s parents left him or whether he ever saw them again. When he was nine, Bede moved a short distance to a new monastery at Jarrow, where he spent the rest of his life. A Bookish Boy Bede seems to t have been a naturally devout and studious child. He read widely in the participated monastery libraries and partici fully in the religious life of the monastery. He was exposed to the art and learning of Europe through throu the paintings, books, and religious relig “If history relates good things of good men, the attentive hearer is excited to imitate that which is good.” –Venerable Bede objects brought from Rome by Abbot Biscop. Bede became a deacon of the church at the age of 19—six years earlier than was usual—and was ordained to the priesthood when he was 30. Multitalented Scholar Bede was a brilliant scholar and a gifted writer and teacher. He was also a careful and thorough historian. He sought out original documents and reliable eyewitness accounts on which to base his writing. Working in a chilly, damp, poorly lit cell in the monastery, Bede managed to write about 40 books, including works on spelling, grammar, science, history, and religion. Still Venerable Today Bede’s reputation as a scholar and a devout monk spread throughout Europe during his lifetime and in the centuries following. (The honorific title “Venerable” was probably first applied to him during the century after his death, as an acknowledgment of his achievements.) Although Bede was influenced by the outlook of his time—as is evident in the miracle stories he included in his History—his carefulness and integrity are still respected and valued by scholars today, almost 1,300 years later. Author Online Go to thinkcentral.com. KEYWORD: HML12-96 Have students discuss the meaning of this quote and explain what the Venerable Bede sees as the power of well-presented historical writing. 96 Selection Resources NA_L12PE-u01s21-brChurch.indd See resources on the Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM and on thinkcentral.com. RESOURCE MANAGER UNIT 1 BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT Plan and Teach, pp. 51–58 Summary, pp. 59–60†‡* Text Analysis and Reading Skill, pp. 61–64†* Word Squares, p. E10 DIAGNOSTIC AND SELECTION TESTS c. 673–735 Raised By Monks At the age of seven, notable quote Essential Course of Study INTERACTIVE READER ADAPTED INTERACTIVE READER ELL ADAPTED INTERACTIVE READER Find it Online! 96 TECHNOLOGY Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM Student One Stop DVD-ROM PowerNotes DVD-ROM Audio Anthology CD ExamView Test Generator on the Teacher One Stop 11/22/10 12:04:09 NA_L12PE-u01 PM Features on thinkcentral.com that support the selection include • PowerNotes presentation • ThinkAloud models to enhance comprehension • WordSharp vocabulary tutorials • interactive writing and grammar instruction Selection Tests, pp. 33–36 * Resources for Differentiation NA_L12TE-u01s03-englishchu.indd 96 † Also in Spanish ‡ In Haitian Creole and Vietnamese 1/3/11 8:19:50 AM 2/10 Teach text analysis: historical writing Bede was one of the first to write about English history. Historical writing is a systematic account, often in narrative form, of the past of a nation or a group of people. Historical writing generally has the following characteristics: • It is concerned with real events in the relatively distant past. • The events are treated in chronological order. • It is usually an objective retelling of facts rather than a personal interpretation. However, the author may have a specific purpose in mind, such as teaching a moral lesson. • The author may incorporate literary devices, such as anecdotes, or brief stories that focus on an episode or event in a person’s life to illustrate a point. As you read the selection about the poet Caedmon (kBdPmEn), consider Bede’s use of narrative to tell Caedmon’s story and what it tells you about life in Caedmon’s time. reading skill: analyze author’s purpose The excerpt that you will read is an early biography; one of Bede’s purposes is to inform readers about Caedmon’s life. But there is a second purpose. In the Preface to Bede’s History, he explains to King Ceolwulf (chAlPwMlfQ) his reason for writing about important Englishmen of the past. He believes that they serve as good role models to imitate or examples of bad behavior to avoid. As you read, take notes about Caedmon on a web diagram. Determine which details of Caedmon’s life Bede emphasizes to present him as a positive role model. How do dreams inspire you? History is full of stories of people who received a flash of inspiration during a dream. For example, the 19th-century German chemist Friedrich August Kekulé (kAPkL-lA) said that the ringlike structure of the molecule benzene presented itself to him when he dozed off and dreamed of a snake holding its tail in its mouth. In the following selection, the Venerable Bede recounts a tale of a humble man who fell asleep one night and woke up the next morning an accomplished poet. How do dreams INSPIRE you? After students have read the paragraph about this question, ask them for examples of inspiration. Encourage students to apply their QUICKWRITE responses to the selection by considering what Caedmon discovered about himself through his dream. T E X T A N A LY S I S RI 9 Model the Skill: QUICKWRITE Write a description of a memorable dream that helped you discover something about yourself, solve a problem, or unlock a hidden talent. If no dream has ever inspired you in this way, describe something else that has, such as a conversation or a daydream. historical writing Read to students excerpts from other well-known historical accounts, including Tacitus’s “The Burning of Rome,” William Bradford’s Of Plymoth Plantation, and Coretta Scott King’s Montgomery Boycott. As you read the excerpts, identify the characteristics of historical accounts, including dates, setting, and accounts of events discussed. Identify for students the perspective: is it a first-hand, eyewitness account? Explain to students how to determine the perspective. Caedmon GUIDED PRACTICE Have students preview the first ten lines of this selection. Ask them to identify the characteristics that show that it is a historical account. skillfully composed religious songs Complete the activities in your Reader/Writer Notebook. READING SKILL RI 6 Model the Skill: analyze author’s purpose 97 12:04:09 NA_L12PE-u01s21-brChurch.indd PM 97 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners • integrity, “personal moral strength” Vocabulary Support To support instruction, clarify the meaning of the words listed below. Then invite English language learners to pair with fluent students and practice using these words in simple sentences. • systematic, “orderly” • relatively, “more or less” • objective, “not emotional; not prejudiced” 12:04:18 PM Model for students how to analyze the author’s likely purpose for the biography on page 96. Explain that the author likely wrote the biography to inform readers about important facts and to persuade readers that Bede was a remarkable person. GUIDED PRACTICE Ask what characteristics of the biography show that it was intended for students. • chronicle, “historical account” RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master • abbot, “the person in charge of a monastery” • role models, “people who serve as examples” • devout, “deeply religious” • recounts, “tells (a narrative)” Analyze Author’s Purpose p. 63 (for student use while reading the selection) • deacon, “in the Roman Catholic church, the position one rank below a priest” • accomplished, “skilled” a history of the english church . . . NA_L12TE-u01s03-englishchu.indd 97 97 1/3/11 8:20:01 AM Practice and Apply a history of the english church and people summary In this biographical narrative, Bede tells of Caedmon, a humble man who thought that he had no skill at poetry. One night, Caedmon dreamed that a man told him to sing of God’s creation of the world. Caedmon created verses in his dream, and when he repeated them to an abbess the next day, she advised him to leave secular life. As a monk, Caedmon continued to create beautiful verses about sacred subjects. The Venerable Bede background Caedmon is the earliest English poet known to us by name, and Bede’s History is the only source of information about him. According to Bede, Caedmon composed many poems written in English, his native tongue. However, only his first poem, a hymn to God the Creator, has survived. Caedmon lived at Whitby Abbey, a religious community on the coast of England. It was founded in 657 by St. Hilda, who in Caedmon’s day was still the abbess in charge. read with a purpose Help students set a purpose for reading. Tell them to read A History of the English Church and People to learn how a dream inspired the life of an important historical figure. revisit the big question How do dreams INSPIRE you? Discuss In lines 1–5, how was Caedmon serving as an inspiration to others? Possible answer: Caedmon was an inspiration in that he moved many people to reject worldliness and seek godliness. 10 T E X T A N A LY S I S a historical writing RI 9 Possible answer: The reader learns that poetry was sung at feasts to the accompaniment of a harp. Extend the Discussion What strengths would poetry that is sung to listeners have over poetry that is printed for readers? What ideas about Caedmon are conveyed through this image? a HISTORICAL WRITING What do you learn from this paragraph about the importance of poetry in Caedmon’s time? 1. brother: a man who lives in or works for a religious community but is not a priest or monk. St. Caedmon. Detail of stained glass in Kirkby Malham Church. Yorkshire. © Charles Walker/Topfoto/The Image Works, Inc. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s21-Church.indd 98 for english language learners for struggling readers As students read this selection, have them take notes on Caedmon. Organize students into small groups and have them share their information. Then have each student create a visual representation of Caedmon, share, and explain their drawings to the class. The Audio Anthology CD provides extra support for students with reading difficulties. It is also recommended for use with English language learners. 98 Analyze Visuals 2. directly he saw the harp: as soon as he saw the harp. In Anglo-Saxon times, poetry was often recited to the accompaniment of a small harp. 98 differentiated instruction In this monastery of Whitby there lived a brother1 whom God’s grace made remarkable. So skillful was he in composing religious and devotional songs, that he could quickly turn whatever passages of Scripture were explained to him into delightful and moving poetry in his own English tongue. These verses of his stirred the hearts of many folk to despise the world and aspire to heavenly things. Others after him tried to compose religious poems in English, but none could compare with him, for he received this gift of poetry as a gift from God and did not acquire it through any human teacher. For this reason he could never compose any frivolous or profane verses, but only such as had a religious theme fell fittingly from his devout lips. And although he followed a secular occupation until well advanced in years, he had never learned anything about poetry: indeed, whenever all those present at a feast took it in turns to sing and entertain the company, he would get up from table and go home directly he saw the harp2 approaching him. a On one such occasion he had left the house in which the entertainment was being held and went out to the stable, where it was his duty to look after the beasts that night. He lay down there at the appointed time and fell asleep, and in a dream he saw a man standing beside him who called him by name. “Caedmon,” Comprehension Support Model for students how to gather information by using the web diagram introduced on the previous page. This example covers lines 10–13: 11/22/10 12:04:23 NA_L12PE-u01 PM followed secular occupation for years never learned about poetry Caedmon attended feasts did not sing for people at feasts unit 1: the anglo–saxon and medieval periods NA_L12TE-u01s03-englishchu.indd 98 1/3/11 8:20:10 AM 2/10 Reading Support This selection on thinkcentral.com includes embedded ThinkAloud models–students “thinking aloud” about the story to model the kinds of questions a good reader would ask about a selection. Analyze Visuals Possible answer: The harp conveys Caedmon’s gift of poetry and song. His simple robe suggests his humility and religious piety. About the Art This portrait of Caedmon, a work in stained glass, is located in a church in Yorkshire, England. The harp in his hand—a harp that Bede says he once rejected (lines 11–13)—symbolizes his poetic vocation. tiered discussion prompts In lines 14–20, use these prompts to help students grasp the turning point in Caedmon’s life: Recall In what way does Caedmon discover his poetic talent? Possible answer: A man comes to Caedmon in a dream and commands him to sing. When Caedmon does, he discovers his ability to create poetry. Interpret Who is the man in Caedmon’s dream? Possible answer: He is an angel. Evaluate Based on the events in Bede’s account, is this an entirely historical account? Possible answer: Bede fuses his historical account with events, such as the dream, that may be less reliable. 12:04:23 NA_L12PE-u01s21-Church.indd PM 99 11/22/10 12:04:33 PM for english language learners Vocabulary Support Use Word Squares to teach these words: acquire (line 7), theme (line 9), stable (line 15), Author (line 25), Community (line 42). BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Word Squares p. E10 a history of the english church . . . NA_L12TE-u01s03-englishchu.indd 99 99 1/3/11 8:20:19 AM 20 T E X T A N A LY S I S b historical writing RI 9 Possible answer: Bede attributes Caedmon’s ability to God, who gives Caedmon a dream in which Caedmon is able to compose when he is told to sing about God. Caedmon’s poem praises God for creating the heavens and earth for human beings. 30 Extend the Discussion Explain the irony in Caedmon’s statement in lines 18–19. T E X T A N A LY S I S c historical writing RI 9 40 Possible answer: Dreams were taken seriously as communications from God that can, in turn, dictate the course of real-life events. 50 R E A D I N G STR ATEG Y d analyze author’s purpose RI 6 Possible answer: Bede wants Caedmon to inspire readers to lead a life devoted to God and good, rather than to evil. he said, “sing me a song.” “I don’t know how to sing,” he replied. “It is because I cannot sing that I left the feast and came here.” The man who addressed him then said: “But you shall sing to me.” “What should I sing about?” he replied. “Sing about the Creation of all things,” the other answered. And Caedmon immediately began to sing verses in praise of God the Creator that he had never heard before, and their theme ran thus: “Let us praise the Maker of the kingdom of heaven, the power and purpose of our Creator, and the acts of the Father of glory. Let us sing how the eternal God, the Author of all marvels, first created the heavens for the sons of men as a roof to cover them, and how their almighty Protector gave them the earth for their dwelling place.” This is the general sense, but not the actual words that Caedmon sang in his dream; for however excellent the verses, it is impossible to translate them from one language into another3 without losing much of their beauty and dignity. When Caedmon awoke, he remembered everything that he had sung in his dream, and soon added more verses in the same style to the glory of God. b Early in the morning he went to his superior the reeve,4 and told him about this gift that he had received. The reeve took him before the abbess, who ordered him to give an account of his dream and repeat the verses in the presence of many learned men, so that they might decide their quality and origin. All of them agreed that Caedmon’s gift had been given him by our Lord, and when they had explained to him a passage of scriptural history or doctrine, they asked him to render it into verse if he could. He promised to do this, and returned next morning with excellent verses as they had ordered him. The abbess was delighted that God had given such grace to the man, and advised him to abandon secular life and adopt the monastic state. And when she had admitted him into the Community as a brother, she ordered him to be instructed in the events of sacred history.5 So Caedmon stored up in his memory all that he learned, and like an animal chewing the cud, turned it into such melodious verse that his delightful renderings turned his instructors into his audience. He sang of the creation of the world, the origin of the human c race, and the whole story of Genesis.6 He sang of Israel’s departure from Egypt, their entry into the land of promise, and many other events of scriptural history. He sang of the Lord’s Incarnation, Passion, Resurrection, and Ascension into heaven, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the teaching of the Apostles. He also made many poems on the terrors of the Last Judgment, the horrible pains of Hell, and the joys of the kingdom of heaven. In addition to these, he composed several others on the blessings and judgments of God, by which he sought to turn his hearers from delight in wickedness, and to inspire them to love and do good. For Caedmon was a deeply religious man, who humbly submitted to regular discipline,7 and firmly resisted all who tried to do evil, thus winning a happy death. d L 5b Language Coach Synonyms Identify the five words Caedmon uses to name God in his song (lines 23–27). Why does he use so many? Starting with Creator, rank the words on a numbered scale showing how closely related they are as synonyms (words with the same meaning). b HISTORICAL WRITING Reread lines 14–32. In this anecdote , to what does Bede attribute Caedmon’s ability to compose poetry? c HISTORICAL WRITING Reread lines 33–46. According to this passage, what role did dreams play in real life during Caedmon’s time? d AUTHOR’S PURPOSE What does Bede want readers to learn in lines 52– 56 about how Caedmon’s life changed? 3. impossible . . . another: Caedmon’s verses were composed in Old English, but Bede wrote his history in Latin. 4. reeve: the officer who oversaw the monastery’s farms. 5. sacred history: the narratives of the Christian Bible. IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Ask • What does Caedmon do with God’s gift? 6. Genesis (jDnPG-sGs): the opening book of the Bible, which tells of God’s creation of the universe and the first human beings. 7. regular discipline: the rules of monastic life. • What is Caedmon’s purpose for singing? • What is Caedmon’s death like? Why? 100 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s21-Church.indd 100 12/15/10 differentiated instruction selection wrap–up READ WITH A PURPOSE Now that students have read A History of the English Church and People, ask them to discuss their own beliefs on the significance of dreams. INDEPENDENT READING Students may also enjoy reading Eleanor Shipley Duckett’s Alfred the Great, The King and His England. for english language learners Language Coach Synonyms Answer: Each word describes a different aspect of God. (1) Creator, (2) Maker, (3) Author, (4) Father, (5) Protector L 5b 7:28:40 NA_L12PE-u01 PM for struggling readers Develop Reading Fluency Ask students to work in small groups. Instruct them to take turns in their groups practicing the fluent reading of sentences found in the passage from lines 33–56. Encourage students to clarify unfamiliar terms and use appropriate pacing when reading. Remind them that proper pacing can improve an audience’s comprehension and enjoyment of the text being read. 100 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s03-englishchu.indd 100 1/3/11 8:20:25 AM 15/10 After Reading Practice and Apply Comprehension 1. Recall What was Caedmon’s gift? 2. Recall How did Caedmon receive his gift? 3. Clarify How did Caedmon’s life change because of his gift? Text Analysis 4. Draw Conclusions What would be the reason for including Caedmon’s story in a history of the English church? RI 2 Determine two or more central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text. RI 6 Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text, analyzing how style and content contribute to the power, persuasiveness, or beauty of the text. RI 9 Analyze documents of historical and literary significance for their themes, purposes, and rhetorical features. 5. Analyze Author’s Purpose Review the notes you took about Caedmon as you read. What is the moral message that can be taken from his story? Does presenting Caedmon’s story as a narrative of personal transformation help or hinder Bede’s purpose? For preliminary support of post-reading questions, use these copy masters: RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Masters Reading Check p. 65 Historical Writing p. 61 Question Support p. 66 Additional selection questions are provided for teachers on page 55. answers 6. Analyze Historical Writing What do you learn from Bede about life in seventh-century England? Discuss facts about each of the following: 1. Caedmon’s gift was that he could compose beautiful religious poetry in English. • religious life 2. Caedmon received his gift in a dream, presumably sent by God. • language and literacy 7. Apply Themes What does Caedmon’s story suggest about how creativity was viewed during his time? 3. Caedmon’s life changed in that he left his secular work and joined a monastery, where he was instructed in scripture and urged to write poems on many religious subjects. Text Criticism 8. Historical Context Discuss ways in which Bede’s purpose and worldview shape the way he presents information. How might a modern historian present information differently? How do dreams Possible answers: 4. Bede may have wanted to include him because Caedmon was a major poet, with a life story that Christians would find inspiring. inspire you? A dream inspires Caedmon to change the way he lives. What other factors might inspire a dramatic shift in the way someone lives? a history of the english church and people 7. Accept 101 all reasonable responses supported by the text. 7:28:40 NA_L12PE-u01s21-arChurch.indd PM RI 2, RI 6, RI 9 common core focus Analyze Author’s Purpose Caedmon is admirable because he is humble, devout, gifted, and able to inspire goodness in others. One moral message from his story is that being devout can give a person a satisfying, productive life. 6. common core focus Historical Writing A good Christian life is of utmost concern; transformations via religious visions are taken seriously; monasteries are centers of intellectual as well as spiritual culture. 101 8. Bede is religious and motivated to pres-1/8/11 ent Caedmon as a model to imitate, so he tells only good things about Caedmon and attributes his talent to God. A modern historian might be more objective and more skeptical of the idea that Caedmon’s talent appeared suddenly, full-blown, as the result of a dream. How do dreams INSPIRE you? 5. 12:05:34 PM Assess and Reteach Assess DIAGNOSTIC AND SELECTION TESTS Selection Test A pp. 33–34 Selection Test B/C pp. 35–36 Interactive Selection Test on thinkcentral.com Reteach Level Up Online Tutorials on thinkcentral.com Possible answers: a difficult situation, desire to accomplish something a history of the english church and people NA_L12TE-u01s03-englishchu.indd 101 101 1/13/11 11:06:58 AM Reflections of Common Life Focus and Motivate RL 2 Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one another to produce a complex account. RL 4 Analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is fresh, engaging, or beautiful. RL 9 Demonstrate knowledge of how two or more texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics. RL 10 Read and comprehend literature, including poems. L 4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases. L 4b Identify and correctly use patterns of word changes that indicate different meanings or parts of speech. L 5a Interpret figures of speech in context and analyze their role in the text. L 5b Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations. about the exeter book RL 4 Analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is fresh, engaging, or beautiful. RL 10 Read and comprehend literature, including poems. L 4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases. L 4b Identify and correctly use patterns of word changes that indicate different meanings or parts of speech. L 5b Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations. The Seafarer The Wanderer The Wife’s Lament Poetry from the Exeter Book Meet the Author The Exeter Book c. 950 first bishop of Exeter. He donated it to the Exeter Cathedral library sometime between 1050 and 1072. For several centuries the book was neglected and abused; few people were able to read the Old English language in which it was written and thus had little use for it. Some pages are badly stained or scorched. The original binding and an unknown number of pages are lost. did you know? The Exeter Book . . . • consists of 131 leaves of parchment, each slightly bigger than a standard sheet of paper. • has knife cuts on some of its pages, which suggests that at one point it was used as a cutting board. • inspired the building of a 19-foot-high stainlesssteel statue imprinted with riddles in the city of Exeter. Read the information aloud. Emphasize these points: • The contents of the Exeter Book were not created by the same person but were collected in writing by one scribe. Rediscovery With the rise of Anglo-Saxon Nothing is known about the authors of “The Seafarer,” “The Wanderer,” and “The Wife’s Lament.” All three poems survive in the Exeter Book, a manuscript of Anglo-Saxon poems produced by a single scribe around a.d. 950. In addition to these and other secular poems, the Exeter Book contains religious verse, nearly 100 riddles, and a heroic narrative. It is the largest collection of Old English poetry in existence. Neglected Treasure Originally, the Exeter Book belonged to Leofric (lAPE-frGk), the • The contents reflect a variety of writing forms and purposes. studies in the 19th century, scholars began to take an interest in the Exeter Book. Benjamin Thorpe published the first complete translation in 1842. He assigned titles to “The Seafarer” and “The Wanderer,” as none of the poems in the manuscript had titles. A photographic facsimile was published in 1933; it became the basis for later scholarly editions. A CD version, with facsimile pages and audio readings, was released in 2006. The original manuscript still resides at the library at Exeter Cathedral, where it is cherished as one of the few surviving collections of Anglo-Saxon poetry. • The book was handwritten; the only copy languished in a church library for centuries. Tell students that in addition to being great poetry, the three poems that they will read from the Exeter Book provide insights into the concerns of ordinary people of the time. 102 Selection Resources NA_L12PE-u01s22-brLament.indd See resources on the Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM and on thinkcentral.com. 102 RESOURCE MANAGER UNIT 1 BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT Plan and Teach, pp. 67–74 Text Analysis and Reading Skill, pp. 75–78†* Visualizing, p. A11 Monitoring, p. A12 Open Mind, p. D9 Analysis Frame: Poetic content, pp. D21, D36, D37 Three-Column Journal, p. B10 DIAGNOSTIC AND SELECTION TESTS Selection Tests, pp. 37–40 * Resources for Differentiation NA_L12TE-u01s04-exeter.indd 102 † Also in Spanish 11/22/10 12:03:58 NA_L12PE-u01 PM TECHNOLOGY Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM Student One Stop DVD-ROM Audio Anthology CD ExamView Test Generator on the Teacher One Stop ‡ In Haitian Creole and Vietnamese 1/21/11 1:42:30 PM 2/10 Teach text analysis: imagery Poets communicate through imagery, words and phrases that re-create sensory experiences for the reader by appealing to one or more of the five senses. Notice how the imagery in this passage from “The Seafarer” appeals to the senses of sight, touch, and hearing: My feet were cast In icy bands, bound with frost, With frozen chains, and hardship groaned Around my heart. The images bring to mind coldness and confinement and suggest the speaker’s lonely, painful emotional state. As you read the following three poems, pay attention to the imagery, allowing it to evoke ideas and feelings in you. Review: Old English Poetry reading strategy: monitor your understanding These poems have been translated from Old English into Modern English, but sections of the texts may still be hard to understand. Use the following strategies to understand them: • Visualize the many images layered in the poems. • Question as you read. Ask who the speaker is, for example. • Reread passages that are confusing. • Paraphrase difficult lines, restating them in your own words. • Clarify events. The speakers remember past experiences and reflect on their present experiences. Let indentations and stanza breaks alert you that the speaker is turning to a new thought. For each poem, create a chart to record what the speaker remembers or ponders in each section of the poem to help clarify events the speaker describes. Section 1 (lines 1–26) When are people most ALONE? alone? When people find themselves cut off from contact with others, the sense of isolation can be all consuming. It is not surprising that loneliness is a frequent topic in poetry written during the Anglo-Saxon era—an era during which disease, war, and other perils often wrenched people away from their loved ones. In many Anglo-Saxon poems, images of freezing seas and jagged cliffs mirror this sense of isolation and the challenge of living in a harsh, unpredictable world. Read the question aloud and have students read the paragraph that follows. Ask students to suggest words and phrases that come to mind when they think of the word isolation. Encourage students to draw upon those responses as they complete the QUICKWRITE. T E X T A N A LY S I S RL 4 Model the Skill: imagery To model an understanding of imagery, read lines 74–75 from “The Wanderer.” QUICKWRITE Imagine that you are making a five-minute silent film about isolation and loneliness. What would you show onscreen? Where would you set the film? Who would the main character be, and what would he or she be doing? List some visual images that come to mind. The wind-swept walls stand far and wide, The storm-beaten blocks besmeared with frost . . . Point out to students the sense or senses to which the images appeal and the ideas and feelings that the images evoke. Explain that the images appeal to sight, touch, and possibly hearing. They evoke the idea of barrenness and feelings of cold, grief, and isolation. Film Images • single robed traveler, trudging across the Sahara Desert “The Seafarer” Section When are people most Speaker Remembers or Ponders being cold, hungry, and lonely on the sea GUIDED PRACTICE Ask students to describe an image that a modern poet might present to capture isolation. • endless sand dunes Section 2 R E A D I N G S T R AT E G Y Complete the activities in your Reader/Writer Notebook. RL 10 Model the Skill: monitor your understanding 103 12:03:58 NA_L12PE-u01s22-brLament.indd PM 103 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Concept Support: Monitor Understanding of Older Works Before English language learners read the poems in this lesson, have them work with visualizing, clarifying, and paraphrasing by using a present-day prose text. Provide copies of a newspaper or magazine article. Read the first paragraph aloud and model visualizing, clarifying, and paraphrasing. Call on volunteers to repeat the procedure with subsequent paragraphs. Analyze a Strategy Have students think about their experience with the excerpt from A History of the English Church and People. Ask students to recall how they visualized Bede’s biographical narrative, clarified the events in the story of Caedmon, and paraphrased to check their understanding. Invite students to share their analyses and urge all students to apply these skills to the poems from the Exeter Book. 12:04:05 PM Demonstrate for students how to visualize the images in the lines quoted from “The Wanderer” by choosing one of the images and describing what you see. GUIDED PRACTICE Have students ask questions that help clarify the images. RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master Monitor Understanding of Older Works p. 75 (for student use while reading the selections) poetry from the NA_L12TE-u01s04-exeter.indd 103 EX ETER BOOK 103 1/3/11 8:21:22 AM Practice and Apply summary The speaker, who feels alone in the world, describes his hard life at sea, reflects upon life’s impermanence, and ends with spiritual observations and a prayer. The Seafarer read with a purpose Help students set a purpose for reading. Tell them to read “The Seafarer,” “The Wanderer,” and “The Wife’s Lament” to learn about the work of Anglo-Saxon poets. background The poems in the Exeter Book reflect the hardship and uncertainty of life in Anglo-Saxon times. Men who made their living on the sea had to leave behind their families and sail long distances in primitive, poorly equipped boats. The women and children left behind endured months and even years without knowing whether their menfolk would return. In addition, frequent outbreaks of disease and war scattered communities and brought untimely death to many people. revisit the big question When are people most ALONE? In lines 12–17, what missing element in the world makes the speaker feel such isolation? Possible answer: The speaker feels that love is missing. He believes that he is “Alone in a world blown clear of love” (line 16). 5 additional teaching opportunity 10 Elegy Inform students that each poem in this lesson can be considered an elegy—a poem in which the speaker mourns for someone (such as a friend or spouse) or something (such as a way of life) that has passed away. When students have finished reading “The Seafarer,” have them identify its elegiac element. Possible answer: In the second section of the poem, the speaker mourns the passing of a glorious past, a more honorable age of the world at large (lines 80–102). As students read “The Wanderer” and “The Wife’s Lament,” have them identify passages in which elegiac statements occur. differentiated instruction for english language learners Language Coach 15 20 104 This tale is true, and mine. It tells How the sea took me, swept me back And forth in sorrow and fear and pain, Showed me suffering in a hundred ships, In a thousand ports, and in me. It tells Of smashing surf when I sweated in the cold Of an anxious watch, perched in the bow As it dashed under cliffs. My feet were cast In icy bands, bound with frost, With frozen chains, and hardship groaned Around my heart. Hunger tore At my sea-weary soul. No man sheltered On the quiet fairness of earth can feel How wretched I was, drifting through winter On an ice-cold sea, whirled in sorrow, Alone in a world blown clear of love, Hung with icicles. The hailstorms flew. The only sound was the roaring sea, The freezing waves. The song of the swan Might serve for pleasure, the cry of the sea-fowl, The death-noise of birds instead of laughter, The mewing of gulls instead of mead. Storms beat on the rocky cliffs and were echoed L 5b Etymology A word’s etymology, or origin, can help you understand its connotations—the images or feelings connected with a word. Wretched, which comes from the Old English wrecca (“outcast or exile”), means “miserable.” Why is wretched a better word than miserable in lines 12–17? 22 mead (mCd): an alcoholic beverage drunk at Anglo-Saxon gatherings. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s22-Lament.indd 104 for struggling readers Options for Reading: Audio Recording Etymology Answer: Wretched carries the sense of not just simple misery but of being outcast and alone. Have students write two or three sentences describing a time when they may have felt wretched. L 5b Language Coach • Have students listen to the poems on the Audio Anthology CD (also recommended for English language learners) while they read along in their texts. Ask students to listen for and list the sounds that make each poem’s imagery effective. 11/22/10 12:04:39 NA_L12PE-u01 PM • Have a group of volunteers prepare and perform a choral reading of one of these poems. Remind them to consider the poem’s main idea and imagery and to discuss tone and pacing as they plan and rehearse their performance. Follow up by inviting participants to share any insights into the poem that they gained through the activity. 104 unit 1: the anglo–saxon and medieval periods NA_L12TE-u01s04-exeter.indd 104 1/3/11 8:21:30 AM 2/10 Analyze Visuals Describe the mood of this photograph as well as those on pages 109 and 113. What features of each landscape determine its mood? Analyze Visuals Possible answer: The mood in all three photographs is one of icy-cold loneliness and desolation, matching the mood of the poems. In the images, blue tones suggest coldness and barrenness. Other features that determine the mood are the frozen waters and rock cliff (“The Seafarer”); the small figure of the man walking alone in a vast, empty landscape (“The Wanderer”); and the blurred image of a solitary woman (“The Wife’s Lament”). T E X T A N A LY S I S a 25 30 35 40 By icy-feathered terns and the eagle’s screams; No kinsman could offer comfort there, To a soul left drowning in desolation. a And who could believe, knowing but The passion of cities, swelled proud with wine And no taste of misfortune, how often, how wearily, I put myself back on the paths of the sea. Night would blacken; it would snow from the north; Frost bound the earth and hail would fall, The coldest seeds. And how my heart Would begin to beat, knowing once more The salt waves tossing and the towering sea! The time for journeys would come and my soul Called me eagerly out, sent me over The horizon, seeking foreigners’ homes. But there isn’t a man on earth so proud, So born to greatness, so bold with his youth, Grown so brave, or so graced by God, That he feels no fear as the sails unfurl, Wondering what Fate has willed and will do. No harps ring in his heart, no rewards, a IMAGERY In lines 12–26, what senses does the imagery appeal to? Describe the mood created by the imagery. background Swan Song As students read lines 19–22, point out that people formerly believed that a swan was mute until the moment of its death, when it sang a beautiful song. From that legend came the term swan song, which refers to a final performance, work, or appearance. Ask students to explain the ways in which this information contributes to their understanding of the seafarer and his circumstances. 105 105 11/22/10 for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Concept Support: Monitor Understanding of Older Works Have students continue filling in the chart they began in the Reading Strategy activity, as in this example: Analyze Sound Devices Point out that AngloSaxon poetry is alliterative; that is, lines often are held together by repetitions of consonant sounds. Although “The Seafarer” is shown here in modern translation, the translator has used alliteration in many lines. Have students locate examples in lines 1–38. Possible answers: “sea”/“swept”/“sorrow”/“suffering” (lines 2–4); “smashing”/“surf”/“sweated” (line 6); “bands”/“bound” (line 9); “mewing”/“mead” Section Speaker Remembers or Ponders his former eagerness about returning to sea Section 2 (lines 27–38) Possible answer: the senses of touch (the coldness of icy waters and icicles), sight (the storms that beat against the rocky shore; the birds), and hearing (“the roaring sea” and the cries of various birds, described as “death-noise”); mood: coldness and desolation 24 terns: sea birds similar to gulls. the seafarer 12:04:39 NA_L12PE-u01s22-Lament.indd PM RL 4 imagery 12:04:40 PM (line 22); “kinsman”/“could”/“comfort” (line 25); “drowning”/“desolation” (line 26); “passion”/“proud” (line 28); “put”/“paths” (line 30); “how”/“heart” (line 33); “begin”/“beat” (line 34). Discuss the effect that the alliteration creates. Possible answer: Alliteration creates movement from line to line and often reinforces the mood of an image. the seafarer NA_L12TE-u01s04-exeter.indd 105 105 1/3/11 8:21:35 AM 45 T E X T A N A LY S I S b RL 4 imagery 50 Possible answer: The lively images of summer suggest that the speaker is tempted by thoughts of life on land. 55 IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Direct their attention to the vivid, rich images of life on land in lines 48–49 and 53–54. 60 R E A D I N G S T R AT E G Y c RL 10 monitor 65 Possible answer: Here the speaker’s thoughts turn to God. He says that just as the sea is irresistible, so is a life that is devoted to God, even though earthly life is brief. 70 tiered discussion prompts In lines 66–80, use these prompts to help students explore the message of this transitional section: 75 Connect Which do you think is more important: wealth or a good reputation? Explain. Student responses will vary. 80 Interpret According to the speaker, how does a life become blessed? Possible answer: A life becomes blessed through personal integrity—specifically, by living well even when surrounded by bitterness. Evaluate Would this idea appeal to a modern audience? Why or why not? Possible answer: Most modern audiences would admire a life of integrity. differentiated instruction 85 106 No passion for women, no worldly pleasures, Nothing, only the ocean’s heave; But longing wraps itself around him. Orchards blossom, the towns bloom, Fields grow lovely as the world springs fresh, And all these admonish that willing mind Leaping to journeys, always set In thoughts traveling on a quickening tide. So summer’s sentinel, the cuckoo, sings In his murmuring voice, and our hearts mourn As he urges. Who could understand, In ignorant ease, what we others suffer As the paths of exile stretch endlessly on? b And yet my heart wanders away, My soul roams with the sea, the whales’ Home, wandering to the widest corners Of the world, returning ravenous with desire, Flying solitary, screaming, exciting me To the open ocean, breaking oaths On the curve of a wave. Thus the joys of God c Are fervent with life, where life itself Fades quickly into the earth. The wealth Of the world neither reaches to Heaven nor remains. No man has ever faced the dawn Certain which of Fate’s three threats Would fall: illness, or age, or an enemy’s Sword, snatching the life from his soul. The praise the living pour on the dead Flowers from reputation: plant An earthly life of profit reaped Even from hatred and rancor, of bravery Flung in the devil’s face, and death Can only bring you earthly praise And a song to celebrate a place With the angels, life eternally blessed In the hosts of Heaven. The days are gone When the kingdoms of earth flourished in glory; Now there are no rulers, no emperors, No givers of gold, as once there were, When wonderful things were worked among them And they lived in lordly magnificence. Those powers have vanished, those pleasures are dead, The weakest survives and the world continues, Kept spinning by toil. All glory is tarnished, NA_L12PE-u01s22-Lament.indd for advanced learners/ap Research a Critical View [small-group option] As the text indicates, the speaker of this poem takes a strongly religious turn beginning in line 64. Tell students that this shift in thought is so dramatic that some scholars believe that the second part of the poem is a later addition. (This view is different from the “two speakers” interpretation, discussed on page 115.) Ask a small group of students to find and discuss a few examples that support this critical view. • rancor (line 75), “bitterness or resentment” • flourished (line 81), “grew healthily” • tarnished (line 88), “dirtied; contaminated” • Blanch (line 91), “Turn white” • strewing (line 98), “spreading or scattering” b IMAGERY Note how the images in lines 44–57 contrast with the images of the sea. How is the speaker affected by thoughts of life on land? c MONITOR Notice the break at line 64. Here the speaker turns to a new idea. How do you interpret the sentence beginning “Thus the joys of God . . .”? 80 hosts of Heaven: bands of angels. 106 Vocabulary Support • fervent (line 65), “hot; glowing” 53 summer’s sentinel (sDnPtE-nEl), the cuckoo: summer’s guard or watchman. The cries of cuckoos are common in Europe in summer, but in autumn the birds migrate south. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods for struggling readers • ravenous (line 61), “extremely hungry” 50 admonish (Bd-mJnPGsh): criticize or caution. 11/22/10 12:04:43 NA_L12PE-u01 PM Have group members come to a consensus, share it with the class, and then lead a brief class discussion that covers these questions: • If the second section of the poem (lines 64–124) is a later addition, why was it added? How does it change the meaning of the first section (lines 1–64)? • If the poem is presented as originally intended, how do you explain the shift in line 64? 106 unit 1: the anglo–saxon and medieval periods NA_L12TE-u01s04-exeter.indd 106 1/3/11 8:21:39 AM 2/10 90 95 100 105 110 115 120 The world’s honor ages and shrinks, Bent like the men who mold it. Their faces Blanch as time advances, their beards Wither and they mourn the memory of friends, The sons of princes, sown in the dust. The soul stripped of its flesh knows nothing Of sweetness or sour, feels no pain, Bends neither its hand nor its brain. A brother Opens his palms and pours down gold On his kinsman’s grave, strewing his coffin With treasures intended for Heaven, but nothing Golden shakes the wrath of God For a soul overflowing with sin, and nothing Hidden on earth rises to Heaven. d We all fear God. He turns the earth, He set it swinging firmly in space, Gave life to the world and light to the sky. Death leaps at the fools who forget their God. He who lives humbly has angels from Heaven To carry him courage and strength and belief. A man must conquer pride, not kill it, Be firm with his fellows, chaste for himself, Treat all the world as the world deserves, With love or with hate but never with harm, Though an enemy seek to scorch him in hell, Or set the flames of a funeral pyre Under his lord. Fate is stronger And God mightier than any man’s mind. Our thoughts should turn to where our home is, Consider the ways of coming there, Then strive for sure permission for us To rise to that eternal joy, That life born in the love of God And the hope of Heaven. Praise the Holy e Grace of Him who honored us, Eternal, unchanging creator of earth. Amen. R E A D I N G S T R AT E G Y d RL 10 Model the Skill: monitor Model for students how to correctly classify details in the passage as referring to the past or to the present. Call on volunteers to share their overall impressions of each group of details. Possible answer: The images convey the main idea of past glories and youth that have given way to present decay. Moreover, images such as “The soul stripped of its flesh” (line 94) and “nothing / Golden shakes the wrath of God / For a soul overflowing with sin” (lines 99–101) strongly convey the importance of living a devout life rather than one focused on material wealth. d MONITOR Visualize the images of the world in lines 80–102. What main idea do they convey? 110 chaste (chAst): pure in thought and deed. Extend the Discussion Identify each image in this passage. What additional meanings can you find in individual images? 114 funeral pyre (pFr): a bonfire for burning a corpse. R E A D I N G S T R AT E G Y e MONITOR Paraphrase the advice the speaker gives in lines 117–122. Where is “our home”? e RL 10 monitor Possible answer: Paraphrase: Remember our true home. Think about how you can get there; then live in such a way that you will get there, where you will experience eternal life and eternal joy. “Our home” is Heaven. Translated by Burton Raffel Text Analysis 1. Paraphrase What views does the speaker express about earthly life and God in lines 64–124 ? 2. Compare How does the last half of the poem (from line 64 on) relate to the first half of the poem? the seafarer 12:04:43 NA_L12PE-u01s22-Lament.indd PM 107 107 11/22/10 for advanced learners/ap Evaluate a Translation Point out that a good translator of poetry must be faithful to the literal meaning of the original and must make the translation poetically effective in its new language. Tell students to assume that Burton Raffel (whose translation of Beowulf students have read earlier in this unit) has been completely faithful to the Anglo-Saxon of the original. How effective has he been in making his translation a work of modern English poetry? Ask students to discuss the question, offering their opinions as sophisticated readers and citing textual evidence to support their opinions. Encourage lively conversation with varied views. answers 12:04:44 PM 1. From line 64 on, the speaker expresses the view that life is short and precarious; that the world is not as great as it used to be; and that one should lead a humble, Godfearing life that leads to Heaven. 2. Possible answer: In the first half of the poem, the speaker endures pain because he feels more at home at sea than on land. In the second half of the poem, the speaker devalues earthly existence in favor of pursuing a true “home” in Heaven. In both halves, he devalues everyday life on earth. the seafarer NA_L12TE-u01s04-exeter.indd 107 107 1/3/11 8:21:42 AM The anderer summary The speaker tells of his past as the follower of a lord who was killed, along with the speaker’s kinsmen. Ever since, the grieving speaker has wandered in exile. REVISIT THE BIG QUESTION 5 When are people most ALONE? Discuss What connection do lines 1–6 make between physical and emotional isolation? Possible answer: The opening lines show that the traveler is physically alone; furthermore, he is isolated within his memory, closed off from the world through which he travels. 10 15 R E A D I N G S T R AT E G Y f 20 RL 10 monitor Possible answer: The speaker has seen his kinsmen killed and has had to flee into exile. He feels sad, lonely, and displaced. 25 IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Remind them to visualize, clarify, and paraphrase as they work on this poem’s version of the chart introduced in the opening Reading Strategy activity. 30 Extend the Discussion The speaker says that “silence is noble” and that talking through his feelings cannot erase his sorrow (lines 13–14). Do you agree or disagree with this view? Explain. 35 108 differentiated instruction for english language learners Language Coach L 4b Roots and Affixes Answer: It means “relating to.” Point out spelling rule 11.2 on p. R77. Because the suffix -ly is added to the root word which ends in a consonant, the -ly is added without changing the spelling of ghostly or worldly. Urge students to employ spelling rules as they write English words with increasing accuracy. This lonely traveler longs for grace, For the mercy of God; grief hangs on His heart and follows the frost-cold foam He cuts in the sea, sailing endlessly, Aimlessly, in exile. Fate has opened A single port: memory. He sees His kinsmen slaughtered again, and cries: “I’ve drunk too many lonely dawns, Grey with mourning. Once there were men To whom my heart could hurry, hot With open longing. They’re long since dead. My heart has closed on itself, quietly Learning that silence is noble and sorrow Nothing that speech can cure. Sadness Has never driven sadness off; Fate blows hardest on a bleeding heart. So those who thirst for glory smother Secret weakness and longing, neither Weep nor sigh nor listen to the sickness In their souls. So I, lost and homeless, Forced to flee the darkness that fell On the earth and my lord. f Leaving everything, Weary with winter I wandered out On the frozen waves, hoping to find A place, a people, a lord to replace My lost ones. No one knew me, now, No one offered comfort, allowed Me feasting or joy. How cruel a journey I’ve traveled, sharing my bread with sorrow Alone, an exile in every land, Could only be told by telling my footsteps. For who can hear: “friendless and poor,” And know what I’ve known since the long cheerful nights When, young and yearning, with my lord I yet feasted Most welcome of all. That warmth is dead. He only knows who needs his lord As I do, eager for long-missing aid; He only knows who never sleeps L 4b Language Coach Roots and Affixes Added to an adjective, the suffix -ly forms an adverb (like endlessly or aimlessly, lines 4–5). Added to a noun, -ly means “relating to” and forms an adjective. How is the suffix used in ghostly and worldly (lines 71–72)? f MONITOR What has happened to the speaker, and what is his state of mind? 31 telling: counting. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s22-Lament.indd 108 11/22/10 for struggling readers for english language learners Concept Support [paired option] As students continue to check their understanding of the poems, have them work with the Visualize and Monitoring strategies. Model the strategies, or have students work on them with partners, as needed. Comprehension: Text Structure Point out the long passages within quotation marks: lines 8–85 and 90–108. Make sure students understand that these sections (most of the poem) are the words of the wanderer. Elicit or explain that the lines that frame the quoted sections are the words of another speaker— perhaps the poet. BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparencies Visualizing p. A11 Monitoring p. A12 12:04:44 NA_L12PE-u01 PM 108 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s04-exeter.indd 108 1/3/11 8:21:46 AM 2/10 tiered discussion prompts In lines 22–25, use these prompts to help students understand the wanderer’s journey: Restate When and where did the wanderer begin his journey? Possible answer: He left his homeland in wintertime, journeying on the frigid sea by ship (lines 22–24). Analyze What words and phrases reveal the wanderer’s attitude toward his journey? Possible answer: The wanderer’s attitude is that his journey is bleak and comfortless, as indicated by “How cruel a journey” (line 28); “an exile in every land” (line 30); “‘friendless and poor’” (line 32); and “That warmth is dead” (line 35). Synthesize With whose journey—the wanderer’s or the seafarer’s—do readers probably have more sympathy? Why? Possible answer: The wanderer probably inspires more sympathy. The seafarer goes to sea because, despite its hardships, he feels irresistibly called to it. The wanderer, however, feels forced to travel because of the loss of his lord and kinsmen; he takes no joy in his journey. 12:04:44 NA_L12PE-u01s22-Lament.indd PM 109 11/22/10 12:04:53 PM for struggling readers Explore Metaphor Work with students to visualize, clarify, and paraphrase these metaphors in lines 8–9: • Ask what “drunk too many lonely dawns” means. Possible answer: took in or experienced too many lonely days • Ask what was “Grey with mourning”—the dawns or the wanderer. Possible answer: The adjective refers to the dawns. the wanderer NA_L12TE-u01s04-exeter.indd 109 109 1/3/11 8:21:53 AM 40 T E X T A N A LY S I S g RL 4 imagery 45 Possible answer: The images from the speaker’s past—honoring his lord, greeting his kin—convey warmth, human companionship, and a sense of belonging. The images from his present—the brown waves, the sea-birds, the wintry weather—convey coldness, loneliness, and a lack of human contact. 50 55 tiered discussion prompts In lines 62–77, use these prompts to help students grasp the wanderer’s concept of wisdom: 60 Summarize According to the wanderer, what are the traits of a wise person? Possible answer: A wise person is patient, eventempered, cautious in speech, bold but not blindly so, observant, courageous, modest, not greedy, not boastful, and aware of the impermanence of human achievements. 65 Analyze In what way has the wanderer’s experiences shaped his understanding of wisdom? Possible answer: Perhaps the wanderer was less wise in his younger days and came to his view of wisdom only through the tragedy that he experienced and the wanderings that have followed. 70 75 Evaluate How well does the wanderer’s description of wisdom hold up today? Explain. Accept reasonable answers. 80 110 Without the deepest dreams of longing. Sometimes it seems I see my lord, Kiss and embrace him, bend my hands And head to his knee, kneeling as though He still sat enthroned, ruling his thanes. And I open my eyes, embracing the air, And see the brown sea-billows heave, See the sea-birds bathe, spreading Their white-feathered wings, watch the frost And the hail and the snow. And heavy in heart I long for my lord, alone and unloved. Sometimes it seems I see my kin And greet them gladly, give them welcome, The best of friends. They fade away, Swimming soundlessly out of sight, Leaving nothing. g How loathsome become The frozen waves to a weary heart. In this brief world I cannot wonder That my mind is set on melancholy, Because I never forget the fate Of men, robbed of their riches, suddenly Looted by death—the doom of earth, Sent to us all by every rising Sun. Wisdom is slow, and comes But late. He who has it is patient; He cannot be hasty to hate or speak, He must be bold and yet not blind, Nor ever too craven, complacent, or covetous, Nor ready to gloat before he wins glory. The man’s a fool who flings his boasts Hotly to the heavens, heeding his spleen And not the better boldness of knowledge. What knowing man knows not the ghostly, Waste-like end of worldly wealth: See, already the wreckage is there, The wind-swept walls stand far and wide, The storm-beaten blocks besmeared with frost, The mead-halls crumbled, the monarchs thrown down And stripped of their pleasures. The proudest of warriors Now lie by the wall: some of them war Destroyed; some the monstrous sea-bird Bore over the ocean; to some the old wolf Dealt out death; and for some dejected Followers fashioned an earth-cave coffin. Thus the Maker of men lays waste 43 thanes (thAnz): followers of a lord. g IMAGERY In what way do the images from the speaker’s past contrast with the images of the present? 69 spleen: bad temper. The spleen is a body organ that was formerly thought to be the seat of strong emotions. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s22-Lament.indd 110 11/22/10 differentiated instruction 12:04:58 NA_L12PE-u01 PM for struggling readers Comprehension Support: Characterization Help students develop a mental picture of the wanderer’s character by having them fill out an Open Mind diagram for him, such as the one begun here. Instruct students to visualize him as if he were a person they know and to infer his traits and feelings from what he says about his life. grieving over past losses lonely unhappy emotionally weary BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency 110 Open Mind p. D9 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s04-exeter.indd 110 1/3/11 8:21:58 AM 2/10 85 90 95 100 105 This earth, crushing our callow mirth. And the work of old giants stands withered and still.” 84 callow (kBlPI) mirth: childish joy. h h IMAGERY What ideas about earthly life do you get from the images in lines 74–85? Note that “work of old giants” refers to old ruins and burial mounds. He who these ruins rightly sees, And deeply considers this dark twisted life, Who sagely remembers the endless slaughters Of a bloody past, is bound to proclaim: “Where is the war-steed? Where is the warrior? Where is his war-lord? Where now the feasting-places? Where now the mead-hall pleasures? Alas, bright cup! Alas, brave knight! Alas, you glorious princes! All gone, Lost in the night, as you never had lived. And all that survives you a serpentine wall, Wondrously high, worked in strange ways. Mighty spears have slain these men, Greedy weapons have framed their fate. These rocky slopes are beaten by storms, This earth pinned down by driving snow, By the horror of winter, smothering warmth In the shadows of night. And the north angrily Hurls its hailstorms at our helpless heads. Everything earthly is evilly born, Firmly clutched by a fickle Fate. Fortune vanishes, friendship vanishes, Man is fleeting, woman is fleeting, And all this earth rolls into emptiness.” T E X T A N A LY S I S h RL 4 imagery Possible answer: The images—ruined buildings that once were great, dead men who once were proud warriors—suggest that nothing earthly lasts, that even the grandest human endeavor passes away. 95 serpentine (sûrPpEn-tCnQ): winding or twisting, like a snake. revisit the big question When are people most ALONE? Discuss In lines 104–108, does the wanderer see any remedy for isolation, or does he view all of life as futile? Possible answer: Many students may point to line 108 as evidence that the wanderer views all of life as futile. Others may say that he sees faith in God as the remedy for isolation. R E A D I N G S T R AT E G Y 110 So says the sage in his heart, sitting alone with His thought. It’s good to guard your faith, nor let your grief come forth Until it cannot call for help, nor help but heed The path you’ve placed before it. It’s good to find your grace In God, the heavenly rock where rests our every hope. i i i Possible answer: Another speaker—possibly the poet—describes the wanderer in lines 110–113. The speaker views faith in God as a consolation for earthly suffering. MONITOR Reread lines 110–113. Is the wanderer speaking, or is someone else? What advice is offered in these lines? Translated by Burton Raffel Text Analysis answers 1. His present life is cold, lonely, and sad; formerly, he was warm, welcomed within his family and at court, protected, and happy. 1. Compare How does the wanderer’s present life compare with his former life? 2. Summarize What does a wise man understand, according to the wanderer? the wanderer 12:04:58 NA_L12PE-u01s22-Lament.indd PM 111 Research a Motif [small-group option] Introduce the Latin term ubi sunt, which literally means “where are?” Explain that the term ubi sunt describes a type of medieval verse whose theme is the transitory nature of all things. Invite a group of students to do some research and answer these questions for the class: • How is the ubi sunt motif apparent in each of the poems in this lesson? • What are some questions that might be raised in a piece of ubi sunt writing? NA_L12TE-u01s04-exeter.indd 111 2. A wise man understands that it is best to take a conservative approach to life and that all endeavors in life (and even the best people in life) ultimately pass away. 111 11/22/10 for advanced learners/ap RL 10 monitor 12:04:58 PM Evaluate Authorship Ask students to discuss (orally or in writing) whether, in their opinion, “The Seafarer” and “The Wanderer” were written by the same author. Suggest that students look at narrative elements (such as action, setting, and characterization) in addition to poetic elements (such as imagery, figurative language, and devices of sound). Tell students to assume that the translations of both poems are equally faithful to the originals—a fair assumption, for Burton Raffel is the translator of both poems. If you have at least one student for each side of the case, invite them to hold an informal debate. the wanderer 111 1/3/11 8:22:01 AM summary A wife mourns over her failed marriage: Her husband has left the country and banished her to a den in the woods, where she ponders her loneliness and wishes him ill. The ife’s ament T E X T A N A L Y S I S : Review Model the Skill: old j RL 4 L 5a english poetry Model for students how to correctly read aloud lines 1–4, pausing briefly at each caesura. Discuss how the wife’s plan becomes clearer when the lines are heard. 5 Possible answer: The pauses emphasize the speaker’s weariness and grieving sighs. 10 R E A D I N G S T R AT E G Y k RL 10 monitor Possible answer: The wife is in exile because her husband has sent her away (line 15) rather than kill her outright (line 20), seemingly at the urging of his relatives (lines 11–12). 15 20 25 Extend the Discussion Does the wife’s suspicion of a plot (lines 11–12) make sense? What might have motivated the husband’s relatives to break up the marriage? 112 differentiated instruction for english language learners L4 Multiple Meanings Possible answer: If service means “help” or “the job of a servant,” then the wife seems to be an innocent victim of her in-laws’ conniving. (“The job of a servant,” doesn’t seem to fit very well, however.) If it means that she sought someone else’s love, her in-laws’ response is somewhat more explicable. 112 j First my lord went out away from his people over the wave-tumult. I grieved each dawn wondered where my lord my first on earth might be. Then I went forth a friendless exile to seek service in my sorrow’s need. My man’s kinsmen began to plot by darkened thought to divide us two so we most widely in the world’s kingdom lived wretchedly and I suffered longing. My lord commanded me to move my dwelling here. I had few loved ones in this land or faithful friends. For this my heart grieves: that I should find the man well matched to me hard of fortune mournful of mind hiding his mood thinking of murder. k j OLD ENGLISH POETRY The translator has divided each line with a caesura, or pause, which helps maintain the rhythm of the line. What do the pauses emphasize? 6 my lord: the speaker’s husband. 7 wave-tumult: a kenning, or compound metaphoric expression, for the sea. L4 Language Coach Multiple Meanings Service (line 10) can mean “help” or “the job of a servant,” among other things. One obsolete meaning is “a pledge of love.” How do these different meanings affect your interpretation of the events in lines 11–14? k MONITOR Why is the wife in exile? IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Suggest that they reread lines 9–15 and make notes on the chart introduced in the opening Reading Strategy activity. Language Coach I make this song about me full sadly my own wayfaring. I a woman tell what griefs I had since I grew up new or old never more than now. Ever I know the dark of my exile. Blithe was our bearing often we vowed that but death alone would part us two naught else. But this is turned round now . . . as if it never were our friendship. I must far and near bear the anger of my beloved. The man sent me out to live in the woods unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s22-Lament.indd 112 11/22/10 for struggling readers for advanced learners/ap Concept Support Make sure students understand that in feudal Anglo-Saxon times, society was organized for war and dominated by males. A woman was virtually the property of the male head of her household, usually her husband or father. She was legally bound to obey his commands, and she had little say in major decisions about her life. Arranged marriages during the early teen years were common. Evaluate Style Point out that the translator’s use of caesura sometimes results in unusual sentence structures and ambiguous meanings, as in lines 1–4 and 13–14. Have students paraphrase any lines that they feel are made confusing by this style. Ask them to discuss whether the ambiguity is justified, or whether a more straightforward translation would have been preferable. (Interested students may want to locate and share such a translation.) 12:04:59 NA_L12PE-u01 PM unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s04-exeter.indd 112 1/3/11 8:22:04 AM 2/10 tiered discussion prompts In lines 15–27, use these prompts to help students explore the wife’s situation: Connect Think about a time when you were treated unfairly. How did you respond to this treatment? Answers will vary but should show understanding of the confusion or pain that a person would feel. Interpret In what way have the wife’s feelings about her husband changed over the years? Possible answer: At first the wife loved her husband, but now she is angry and bitter over his mistreatment of her. Evaluate Is the wife’s experience so alien to modern times that readers cannot identify with it, or is there a modern equivalent? Possible answer: People today do not exile their spouses, but they do sometimes turn against their loved ones, creating resentment. REVISIT THE BIG QUESTION When are people most ALONE? Discuss In lines 21–27, how does the wife’s isolation change her feelings toward her husband? Possible answer: The wife’s feelings turn from love to anger and betrayal. 12:04:59 NA_L12PE-u01s22-Lament.indd PM 113 11/22/10 for struggling readers for advanced learners/ap Develop Reading Fluency Direct students to work in pairs for this activity. Using the second, third, and fourth stanzas on this page, have students practice the fluent reading of the caesura, as it is used in “The Wife’s Lament.” Encourage students working in pairs to provide feedback to one another and make constructive suggestions for improving fluency. Remind them to also pay close attention to other unconventional uses of punctuation as they read. Analyze Have students use the Poetic Content Analysis Frame to organize their thoughts about the themes, attitudes, and setting of “The Wife’s Lament.” Urge students to draw upon their notes as they write about the poem or as they help guide mixedability discussion groups. 12:05:09 PM BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Copy Masters Analysis Frame: Poetic Content pp. D21, D36, D37 the wife’s lament NA_L12TE-u01s04-exeter.indd 113 113 1/3/11 8:22:15 AM under an oak tree in this den in the earth. Ancient this earth hall. I am all longing. 30 T E X T A N A LY S I S l RL 4 imagery Possible answer: The images of the dark valleys, high hills, overgrown yard, and bitter briars (lines 30–31) express the speaker’s feelings of confinement and sadness. Those feelings are underscored by the fact that it is summertime (line 37), a time when most people are active, while she remains in exile. 35 40 T E X T A N A LY S I S m RL 4 imagery 45 Possible answer: The speaker imagines that her husband is alone, even outcast, and sorrowful under a rocky, frosty cliff and drenched with water in a ruined hall. 50 IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Direct their attention to the words May that young man and the masculine pronouns his, he, and himself in the passage. Elicit or explain that the imagery refers to a revenge that the wife wishes upon her husband. 28–29 den . . . earth hall: In describing her living quarters, the speaker uses an expression something like the modern “hole in the ground.” The valleys are dark the hills high the yard overgrown bitter with briars a joyless dwelling. Full oft the lack of my lord seizes me cruelly here. Friends there are on earth living beloved lying in bed while I at dawn am walking alone under the oak tree through these earth halls. There I may sit the summerlong day there I can weep over my exile my many hardships. Hence I may not rest from this care of heart which belongs to me ever nor all this longing that has caught me in this life. l l May that young man be sad-minded always hard his heart’s thought while he must wear a blithe bearing with care in the breast a crowd of sorrows. May on himself depend all his world’s joy. Be he outlawed far in a strange folk-land— that my beloved sits under a rocky cliff rimed with frost a lord dreary in spirit drenched with water in a ruined hall. My lord endures much care of mind. He remembers too often a happier dwelling. Woe be to them that for a loved one must wait in longing. m IMAGERY What does the speaker’s description of her surroundings express about her emotional state? 42 that young man: the speaker’s husband. In these final lines, the speaker seems to wish for her husband to lead the same sort of life that he has forced her to endure. m IMAGERY What sad images does the speaker imagine in lines 42–50? Translated by Ann Stanford selection wrap–up READ WITH A PURPOSE Now that students have read “The Seafarer,” “The Wanderer,” and “The Wife’s Lament,” ask them what all three have in common. Possible answer: All three poems discuss travel, or journeys. CRITIQUE Have students give and support opinions about the realism of each poem. After completing the After Reading questions on page 115, have students revisit their responses and tell whether they have changed their opinions. INDEPENDENT READING Students may also enjoy reading Edward Hirsch’s How to Read a Poem. 114 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s22-Lament.indd 114 for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Vocabulary: Outdated Forms Provide these definitions of outdated forms in “The Wife’s Lament.” Have students reread the lines, substituting the modern forms. Compare Tone Ask students to analyze the tone in each of the three poems, recording their responses and textual evidence in a Three-Column Journal. Then have them write a paragraph in which they address this question: What general conclusions can you draw about Anglo-Saxon life based on the tone of each poem? • full (line 1), “very” • Ever (line 5), “Always” • oft (line 32), “often” • Hence (line 39), “From now on; Therefore” • Be he (line 46), “I hope that he will be” 114 11/22/10 differentiated instruction 12:05:14 NA_L12PE-u01 PM BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Three-Column Journal p. B10 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s04-exeter.indd 114 1/21/11 1:42:41 PM 2/10 After Reading Practice and Apply Comprehension 1. Recall How does the speaker in “The Seafarer” feel about life at sea? 2. Clarify Why is the title character in “The Wanderer” in exile? 3. Clarify In “The Wife’s Lament,” what does the wife wish for her husband? Text Analysis 4. Monitor Understanding Review the charts you made as you read. What is the speaker remembering or pondering in each poem? What elements in each poem helped you reach these conclusions? 5. Compare Texts Compare these three poems, noting similarities you see in each of the following elements: • subject • mood • imagery • theme RL 2 Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one another to produce a complex account. RL 4 Analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is fresh, engaging, or beautiful. RL 9 Demonstrate knowledge of how two or more texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics. RL 10 Read and comprehend literature, including poems. For preliminary support of post-reading questions, use these copy masters: RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Masters Imagery p. 75 Question Support p. 79 Additional selection questions are provided for teachers on page 71. answers 1. The speaker finds life at sea painful, but he is irresistibly drawn to it. 6. Synthesize Ideas What ideas about Anglo-Saxon life and religious attitudes do you get from the poems? 2. The wanderer is in exile because his lord and all his kinsmen have been killed. 7. Evaluate Imagery How does the imagery in these poems reflect the passage of time? Support your answer with details from the poems. 3. She wishes for him to be alone, cold, wet, and longing for her. 8. Apply Themes What advice might the speakers of “The Seafarer” and “The Wanderer” give the speaker of “The Wife’s Lament”? In what circumstances could modern people benefit from this advice? Possible answers: 4. Text Criticism alone? A cold, stony landscape mirrors the harsh, unpredictable lives of the Anglo–Saxons. What other kinds of landscapes might evoke a feeling of isolation or loneliness? 5. Subject: All three speakers are alone in dismal surroundings; Mood: isolation and longing; Imagery: cold, sea, rocky cliffs, ruined halls; Theme: the transience of happiness; life on Earth is very difficult. the seafarer / the wanderer / the wife’s lament 6. The attitudes expressed are that life is fleet115 ing and lonely; that there is much warfare and a sense of a lost, glorious past; and that people find consolation in religion. 12:05:14 NA_L12PE-u01s22-arLament.indd PM 7. common core focus Imagery: Accept all reasonable answers. Students should include examples of imagery and styles specific to Old English poetry. 8. The speakers might advise the wife to transcend her grief and find a way to live usefully, for the good of others, in the present. This advice could benefit modern people who have suffered loss. common core focus Monitor Understanding “The Seafarer”: the sea; the brevity of life and wealth; faith “The Wanderer”: the slaughter of his lord and kinsmen; his exile; the brevity of life, wealth, and human accomplishment “The Wife’s Lament”: her separation from her husband; her lonely life in the forest; their past happiness; her wish for his sorrow Students will name different elements. 9. Critical Interpretations There has been much debate over the number of speakers in “The Seafarer.” Some critics believe that a second person begins to speak at line 64, and others believe that there is only one speaker throughout the poem. Which interpretation do you believe is more accurate, and why? When are people most RL 2, RL 4, RL 9, RL 10 115 9. Answers will vary, but a change in speak11/22/10 ers may be seen in the change from pessimism to optimism and the disappearance of first-person pronouns. When are people most ALONE? Possible answers: when separated from friends and family, when feeling discouraged or defeated, when treated unkindly by others 12:06:50 PM Assess and Reteach Assess DIAGNOSTIC AND SELECTION TESTS Selection Test A pp. 37–38 Selection Tests B/C pp. 39–40 Interactive Selection Test on thinkcentral.com Reteach Reteaching Worksheets on thinkcentral.com: Literature Lessons 26, 42 Reading Lesson 2 the seafarer / the wanderer / the wife’s lament NA_L12TE-u01s04-exeter.indd 115 115 1/3/11 8:22:28 AM Reflections of Common Life Focus and Motivate RI 1 Cite evidence to support inferences, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain. RI 6 Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text. RI 9 Analyze documents of historical and literary significance for their themes and purposes. W 3a, d–e Set out a problem, situation, or observation and its significance; create a smooth progression of experiences or events; use precise words and phrases, telling details, and sensory language to convey a vivid picture of the experiences; provide a conclusion that reflects on what is experienced, observed, or resolved. SL 4 Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective. L 3 Understand how language functions in different contexts. about the author from The RI 1 Cite evidence to support inferences, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain. RI 6 Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text. SL 4 Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective. L 3 Understand how language functions in different contexts. Margery Kempe . . . • gave birth to 14 children. • was ridiculed for dressing all in white when married women customarily wore dark clothing. • so annoyed the archbishop of York that he paid a man five shillings to escort her out of town. notable quote Autobiography by Margery Kempe Meet the Author Margery Kempe c. 1373–1439 The Book of Margery Kempe (kDmp), a religious mystic’s story of her spiritual life, is thought to be the earliest surviving autobiography in the English language. Ordinary Wife and Mother Margery did you know? Have students read this page and identify details that reveal both the religious and the secular or worldly aspects of Kempe’s life. Point out that Kempe’s memoir presents a picture of English society in which personal faith and daily life were intertwined. Book of Margery Kempe Kempe was born about 1373 in Lynn—a town in the county of Norfolk, England—where her father served five terms as mayor. Although born to a prominent family, Kempe, like most women of her time, received little education. Around the age of 20, she married John Kempe, a tax collector, and raised a family. Forsaking Secular Life At around the age of 40, Margery Kempe decided to become a “bride of Christ”—to live in chastity and preach to the world. As a vocal, outgoing speaker, she was quite an oddity at a time when most aspects of society, including the religious hierarchy, were controlled by men. Most women remained at home as wives and mothers. Any woman who wished to pursue a spiritual spiritua calling was expected to join a convent or to live as a recluse. Margery Kempe did neither. Once Kempe had made her commitment to G God, she began religious pilgrimages a series of religio Spain, Italy, to Jerusalem, Sp Germany. Although and Germany many men and women she “He commanded her and charged her that she should have written her feelings and revelations and her form of living, so that His goodness might be known to all the world.” View Vi V iew ew o of Jerusalem met considered her a model of human compassion and devotion, many others disapproved of her lifestyle. A Gift of “Holy Tears” It was in Jerusalem that Kempe received her gift of “holy tears.” She would fall into violent fits of crying at unpredictable times throughout the rest of her life, often during church services. Both the clergy and the common people found her hysterical crying at best annoying, at worst heretical. As a result, Kempe encountered a good deal of persecution and ridicule, although she maintained that her tears were a special gift from God, a physical token of her special worth in his eyes. Her Life Story In the 1430s, Kempe began dictating her life story to scribes (like most women of her class, she was illiterate). She began her narrative by describing a deeply troubling experience following the birth of her first child, which eventually led to her devotion to a spiritual life. Her memoir is important for several reasons. It serves as a sort of time capsule of life in the 1400s, preserving for the reader the social customs, speech, and attitudes of the day. It also reveals the singular character of Kempe herself, a woman of strong faith who lived by her convictions despite intense social criticism and opposition. Author Online Go to thinkcentral.com. KEYWORD: HML12-116 116 Selection Resources NA_L12PE-u01s23-brKempe.indd See resources on the Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM and on thinkcentral.com. RESOURCE MANAGER UNIT 1 BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT Plan and Teach, pp. 81–88 Summary, pp. 89–90†‡* Text Analysis and Reading Skill, pp. 91–94†* Grammar and Style, p. 97 Word Questioning, p. E9 DIAGNOSTIC AND SELECTION TESTS 116 12/15/10 7:28:48 NA_L12PE-u01 PM TECHNOLOGY Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM Student One Stop DVD-ROM Audio Anthology CD GrammarNotes DVD-ROM ExamView Test Generator on the Teacher One Stop Selection Tests, pp. 41–44 * Resources for Differentiation NA_L12TE-u01s05-kempe.indd 116 † Also in Spanish ‡ In Haitian Creole and Vietnamese 1/3/11 8:25:39 AM 15/10 Teach text analysis: autobiography The Book of Margery Kempe is an autobiography, a writer’s account of his or her own life. An autobiography, as opposed to a diary or a memoir, is a sustained narrative that attempts to make sense of a person’s life. Most autobiographies are written in the first person, with a narrator who uses the pronoun I. Kempe’s autobiography is instead written in the third person, and Kempe is referred to as “she” or “this creature.” When this creature was twenty years of age, or somewhat more, she was married to a worshipful burgess [of Lynn] and was with child within a short time, as nature would have it. This third-person narration may reflect the fact that Kempe dictated her story to a scribe, who did the actual writing, or it may reflect her desire to be humble. As you read her autobiography, notice what her thoughts and experiences suggest about life in medieval times. reading skill: draw conclusions To draw a conclusion is to reach a judgment based on text evidence, experience, and reasoning. For example, if a person answered a question hesitatingly and could not meet the questioner’s eyes, you might conclude that the person was lying, based on these clues and your own knowledge of human behavior. As you read Kempe’s autobiography, use a chart to note details from the text about her personality and beliefs, her illness, and the society she lives in. Note any additional thoughts you have about these subjects based on your own knowledge. Also note where the text leaves matters uncertain, requiring the reader to infer key information. Then after reading, draw conclusions about Kempe’s life. Evidence from Text My Own Thoughts / Knowledge Where do you find Where do you find strength? Margery Kempe didn’t take the easy path in life. By living as a “bride of Christ” despite being a married woman, she challenged traditional women’s roles and risked being branded as a heretic who could be burned at the stake. Her religious faith gave her the strength she needed to adhere to her convictions. STRENGTH? After students have read the question and the paragraph that follows, ask for examples of ways in which people have found the strength to challenge tradition today. Suggest that students consider those examples as they approach the DISCUSS activity, and invite groups to share insights from the completed activity with the class. T E X T A N A LY S I S DISCUSS People have proved time and again that it is possible to overcome challenges, such as illness, poverty, physical disabilities, and oppression. With a group, discuss what gives people the strength to tackle a challenge or to keep going despite obstacles or setbacks. Draw evidence for your perspective from your own experiences or those of someone you know. RI 6 Model the Skill: autobiography Read this passage aloud: I was born in a small house on a deadend street. No one would have predicted that I would grow up to be the leader of a great nation and change the course of history. Model for students why you would call this passage autobiographical. Explain that the passage is autobiographical in that the author is telling the reader about his or her life and accomplishments. Point out that it, like most autobiographies, is written in the first person. Conclusions Personality Beliefs Illness GUIDED PRACTICE Have students write a R2.5 passage similar to this one. Society Complete the activities in your Reader/Writer Notebook. READING SKILL RI 1 Model the Skill: draw conclusions 117 7:28:48 NA_L12PE-u01s23-brKempe.indd PM 117 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners • token, “a sign or proof” Vocabulary Support To support instruction, clarify the meaning of these words: • sustained, “continuing” • mystic, “a person who experiences insights that go beyond what can be known through reason or the senses” • setbacks, “sudden changes to worse conditions” • chastity, “purity” • hierarchy, “a group organized by ranks according to power” • convictions, “deeply held beliefs” Then, pair English language learners with fluent speakers. Ask each pair to make and use flash cards to review the meaning of these words. 12:06:46 PM Model for students how to draw one or more conclusions about the author of the Literary Analysis passage. Point out that the author’s bold claims suggest that he or she is conceited. GUIDED PRACTICE Ask students to draw a conclusion about Margery Kempe from the facts on the previous page. Make sure that the answer does not merely restate the facts. RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master Draw Conclusions p. 93 (for student use while reading the selection) • heretical, “going against accepted beliefs” the book of margery kempe NA_L12TE-u01s05-kempe.indd 117 117 1/13/11 11:10:23 AM Practice and Apply summary In this autobiographical excerpt, Kempe reports her troubled first pregnancy and its aftermath. Haunted by thoughts that she might die and that her acts of penance are insufficient, she sends for her confessor, but his reproof silences her. Tormenting visions of devils follow, and for several months she has evil thoughts. However, she then has a vision of Jesus Christ, whose words of love and forgiveness restore her. the book of margery kempe Margery Kempe read with a purpose Help students set a purpose for reading. Tell them to read this excerpt from The Book of Margery Kempe to learn about the experiences that brought about a dramatic transformation in the author’s life. chapter one: illness and recovery 10 T E X T A N A LY S I S a autobiography RI 6 Possible answer: Kempe views herself as a weak creature stricken by illness and harassed by the devil. By mentioning her penance, charitable acts, and prayers, she presents herself as a person who wants to be good but who is flawed. 20 Extend the Discussion Why does Kempe, looking back, speak against the many acts of penance that she performed privately? When this creature was twenty years of age, or somewhat more, she was married to a worshipful burgess1 [of Lynn] and was with child within a short time, as nature would have it. And after she had conceived, she was troubled with severe attacks of sickness until the child was born. And then, what with the labor-pains she had in childbirth and the sickness that had gone before, she despaired of her life, believing she might not live. Then she sent for her confessor,2 for she had a thing on her conscience which she had never revealed before that time in all her life. For she was continually hindered by her enemy—the devil—always saying to her while she was in good health that she didn’t need to confess but to do penance by herself alone, and all should be forgiven, for God is merciful enough. And therefore this creature often did great penance in fasting on bread and water, and performed other acts of charity with devout prayers, but she would not reveal that one thing in confession. a And when she was at any time sick or troubled, the devil said in her mind that she should be damned, for she was not shriven3 of that fault. Therefore, after her child was born, and not believing she would live, she sent for her confessor, as said before, fully wishing to be shriven of her whole lifetime, as near as she could. And when she came to the point of saying that thing which she had so long concealed, her confessor was a little too hasty and began sharply to reprove her before she had fully said what she meant, and so she would say no more in spite of Analyze Visuals What details suggest that the woman pictured is convalescent? a AUTOBIOGRAPHY Notice what Kempe tells you about her life in lines 1–13. How does she view herself and her actions? 1. burgess (bûrPjGs): a citizen of an English town. 2. confessor: spiritual advisor; the priest to whom Margery confessed her sins. 3. shriven: absolved; forgiven for a sin or flaw. 118 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s23-Kempe.indd Convalescent (Emma) (1872), Ford Madox Brown. Colored chalks on paper. © Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery/Bridgeman Art Library. 118 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for struggling readers Have students listen to the Audio Anthology CD for this selection. Then list these words on the board: Vocabulary Support • worshipful (line 2), “honorable; respected” • with child (line 2), “pregnant” • hindered (line 8), “kept from a goal” 12:06:52 NA_L12PE-u01 PM • penance (line 9), “any action that shows sorrow over one’s sins” • fasting (line 11), “eating little or no food” • devout (line 12), “very religious” • reprove (line 19), “to scold” Instruct students to practice writing sentences that correctly incorporate these vocabulary terms. • confess (line 9), “to tell one’s sins (to a priest)” 118 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s05-kempe.indd 118 1/3/11 8:26:00 AM 2/10 Analyze Visuals Possible answer: The woman appears convalescent in that she is lying back in bed, partly covered by a blanket; in that her facial expression seems fatigued and possibly feverish; and in that she holds flowers, which may have been given to her by a well-wisher. About the Art Convalescent is a pastel drawing by British artist Ford Madox Brown (1821–1893). Brown was connected to a group of artists known as the Pre-Raphaelites, who admired the art of the 1400s, Margery Kempe’s era. This work had a very personal connection for Brown: The woman depicted is his daughter, Emma, who suffered from an illness marked by fever in 1872. cultural connection Visionaries Many cultures have religious visionaries, both male and female, who set aside everyday life to pursue spiritual truth and contact with the divine. In Hinduism, for example, some spiritual seekers retire into forests to spend virtually all their time in meditation. Among the traditions of some Native American groups is the “vision quest,” a time during which an individual goes into isolation, fasts, and seeks supernatural guidance. Ask students to supply examples of visionaries and seekers from other cultures with which they are familiar. 12:06:52 NA_L12PE-u01s23-Kempe.indd PM 119 11/22/10 for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Vocabulary Support Use Word Questioning to teach these words: somewhat (line 1), odd (line 24), deny (line 30), implement (line 38), Nevertheless (line 61). Evaluate Have students work in pairs to discuss what inspired Kempe in her confession. Ask students whether they agree with Kempe that bad deeds need to be confessed rather than made up for on one’s own. BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency 12:07:14 PM Word Questioning p. E9 the book of margery kempe NA_L12TE-u01s05-kempe.indd 119 119 1/3/11 8:26:10 AM REVISIT THE BIG QUESTION Where do you find STRENGTH? Discuss In lines 21–24, why do you think that Kempe did not have the strength to fight off this torment? Students may suggest that Kempe had looked to her confessor for strength, only to be disappointed; accept all reasonable answers. 30 anything he might do. And soon after, because of the dread she had of damnation on the one hand, and his sharp reproving of her on the other, this creature went out of her mind and was amazingly disturbed and tormented with spirits for half a year, eight weeks and odd days. And in this time she saw, as she thought, devils opening their mouths all alight with burning flames of fire, as if they would have swallowed her in, sometimes pawing at her, sometimes threatening her, sometimes pulling her and hauling her about both night and day during the said time. And also the devils called out to her with great threats, and bade her that she should forsake her Christian faith and belief, and deny her God, his mother, and all the saints in heaven, her good works and all good virtues, her father, her mother, and all her friends. And so she did. She slandered her husband, her friends, and her own self. She spoke many sharp and reproving words; she recognized no virtue nor goodness; she desired all wickedness; just as the spirits tempted her to say and do, so she said and did. She would have killed herself many a time as they stirred her to, and would have been tiered discussion prompts In lines 25–32, use these prompts to help students explore Kempe’s torment: L3 Language Coach Formal Language The translator of Kempe’s autobiography uses formal language different from our everyday speech. Reread lines 28–31, which include the words “the devils . . . bade her that she should forsake her Christian faith. . . .” How could you say this informally? Recall Why is Kempe’s spiritual struggle more severe now than it was immediately after the birth of her child? Possible answer: Kempe tried to seek help from her confessor after the birth of her child, but his hasty reprimand prevented her from finding the spiritual release that she had hoped their meeting would bring. Interpret As Kempe looks back on the aftermath of her child’s birth, what especially troubles her about it? Possible answer: She seems troubled that she obeyed the devils’ call (lines 28–32 and 34), that she forsook her faith for a time (lines 28–32), and that she insulted her loved ones (line 32). Evaluate What aspects of Kempe’s descriptive style most effectively convey her experience? Explain. Possible answer: Vivid images such as “devils opening their mouths all alight with burning flames of fire” (lines 25–26) create a sense of immediacy; in addition, the directness and sincerity of Kempe’s style make the reader sympathetic to her ordeal. Light Entering Empty Room (1995). Tempera on panel. © James Lynch/Getty Images. 120 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s23-Kempe.indd 120 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for struggling readers Develop Reading Fluency Point out to students that the sentences found in lines 28–34 use a great deal of repetition and alliteration. Elicit from students that these devices help to convey a mood of tension and desperation surrounding the actions being described. Direct students to work in small groups to practice reading these lines fluently. Ask them to pay close attention to the repetition and alliteration found in these sentences and 120 12:07:20 NA_L12PE-u01 PM read them in a way that helps to convey the intended mood. for english language learners Language Coach Formal Language The devils urged her to give up her Christian faith. L3 Have students choose three other sentences from the text that include formal language different from our everyday speech and rewrite them in a more informal way. unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s05-kempe.indd 120 1/3/11 8:26:16 AM 2/10 40 50 60 damned with them in hell, and in witness of this she bit her own hand so violently that the mark could be seen for the rest of her life. And also she pitilessly tore the skin on her body near her heart with her nails, for she had no other implement, and she would have done something worse, except that she was tied up and forcibly restrained both day and night so that she could not do as she wanted. b And when she had long been troubled by these and many other temptations, so that people thought she should never have escaped from them alive, then one time as she lay by herself and her keepers were not with her, our merciful Lord Christ Jesus—ever to be trusted, worshiped be his name, never forsaking his servant in time of need—appeared to his creature who had forsaken him, in the likeness of a man, the most seemly, most beauteous, and most amiable that ever might be seen with man’s eye, clad in a mantle of purple silk, sitting upon her bedside, looking upon her with so blessed a countenance that she was strengthened in all her spirits, and he said to her these words: “Daughter, why have you forsaken me, and I never forsook you?” c And as soon as he had said these words, she saw truly how the air opened as bright as any lightning, and he ascended up into the air, not hastily and quickly, but beautifully and gradually, so that she could clearly behold him in the air until it closed up again. And presently the creature grew as calm in her wits and her reason as she ever was before, and asked her husband, as soon as he came to her, if she could have the keys of the buttery4 to get her food and drink as she had done before. Her maids and her keepers advised him that he should not deliver up any keys to her, for they said she would only give away such goods as there were, because she did not know what she was saying, as they believed. Nevertheless, her husband, who always had tenderness and compassion for her, ordered that they should give her the keys. And she took food and drink as her bodily strength would allow her, and she once again recognized her friends and her household, and everybody else who came to her in order to see how our Lord Jesus Christ had worked his grace in her—blessed may he be, who is ever near in tribulation.5 When people think he is far away from them he is very near through his grace. Afterwards this creature performed all her responsibilities wisely and soberly enough, except that she did not truly know our Lord’s power to draw us to him.6 d READING SKILL b DRAW CONCLUSIONS B Reread lines 25–40. What conclusions do you draw about the nature of Kempe’s illness? What details help you draw this conclusion? c draw conclusions RI 1 Possible answer: Kempe may have had postpartum depression or a nervous breakdown. Details that help in drawing the conclusion are that she had frightening hallucinations, she made bad statements about herself and those around her, and at times she wanted to kill herself. GRAMMAR AND STYLE Notice how Kempe layers subordinate clauses, participial phrases, and prepositional phrases in a single-sentence paragraph to fully describe her vision of Jesus. c grammar and style L3 Craft Effective Sentences Elicit or explain these examples: • The subordinate clause who had forsaken him (line 45) emphasizes that Kempe acknowledged her sinful actions. • The participial phrases in lines 47–49 (“clad . . . sitting . . . looking . . . ”) add information about Jesus’ appearance. d AUTOBIOGRAPHY How does Kempe conclude this first episode? How does she view herself at this point in her story? • The paired prepositional phrases in the likeness of a man (lines 45–46) make it clear that Jesus came to Kempe in a friendly way. Point out that modern writers still use subordinate clauses, participial phrases, and prepositional phrases to add information and variety to their writing. 4. buttery: pantry, where food provisions were stored. T E X T A N A LY S I S 5. tribulation (trGbQyE-lAPshEn): suffering; distress. 6. she did not . . . to him: She still was not giving her complete devotion to God, as she would later. D the book of margery kempe 12:07:20 NA_L12PE-u01s23-Kempe.indd PM 121 for advanced learners/ap Evaluating Point of View Ask students to discuss how the third-person point of view affects the impact of this autobiography. For example, consider these questions: • Does the third-person point of view make the reader feel too distant from the author, or does the power of the events that she recounts overcome that problem? • Are the events more meaningful or less meaningful to readers because of the use of the third person? Then have students rewrite brief passages from the selection in the first person, changing nothing except the point of view. After volunteers have read their revisions aloud, invite discussion about whether the change in point of view alters the impact of each passage. 12:07:25 PM selection wrap–up READING WITH A PURPOSE Now that students have read The Book of Margery Kempe, invite them to discuss the types of events that lead to the transformation of individuals’ lives. Ask students whether positive transformations always result from negative events. the book of margery kempe NA_L12TE-u01s05-kempe.indd 121 RI 6 Possible answer: Kempe concludes that Jesus Christ is near to troubled people and is ready to encourage and restore them. 121 11/22/10 autobiography 121 1/13/11 11:10:53 AM After Reading Practice and Apply Comprehension For preliminary support of post-reading questions, use these copy masters: 1. Recall Why did Kempe send for a priest? 2. Summarize How did Kempe behave in the months after seeing the priest? 3. Clarify What changed her behavior? RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Masters Reading Check p. 95 Autobiography p. 91 Question Support p. 96 Text Analysis 4. Examine Autobiography What kind of person does Kempe present herself to be, and for what purpose? Support your answer with details from the text. Be sure to note the key piece of information she leaves out of her autobiography. Additional selection questions are provided for teachers on page 85. answers 5. Draw Conclusions Review the chart you made as you read. What conclusions did you draw about each of the following? RI 1, RI 6, RI 9 • Kempe’s personality 1. Kempe sent for a priest because she thought that she might die, and she wanted to confess a sin. • Kempe’s religious beliefs • Kempe’s illness • English society in Kempe’s time 2. Unable to reveal her sin to her confessor, Kempe abandoned her faith during those months, said terrible things about herself and others, and bit and scratched herself. 6. Interpret Theme Kempe undergoes a transformation during her illness. What does this transformation symbolize? 7. Compare Texts What does this selection have in common with Bede’s account of Caedmon (page 98)? What do the two selections suggest about Christian beliefs in England during early times? 3. The change resulted from Kempe’s mystical vision, in which Jesus assured her that he had not forsaken her. Text Criticism Possible answers: 4. 8. Compare Texts Readers are often divided in their reactions to The Book of Margery Kempe. Some feel that Kempe was mentally unstable and should not be taken seriously. Others see her as a strong-minded woman who insisted on the validity of her own spiritual life. Do you agree with either of these opinions, or do you see Kempe differently? Why? common core focus Autobiography Kempe first presents herself as a troubled person, misunderstood by her confessor (lines 18–21) and tormented by devils (lines 25–40); later, she presents herself as cured by the loving reassurance of Jesus Christ (lines 42–56) and now as a testimony for God’s grace (lines 62–66). However, Kempe never explains what she was going to confess to the priest whom she called for when she thought she was going to die (lines 15-21). 5. common core focus Draw Conclusions Personality: Kempe was willful and she was prone to fear. Religious beliefs: She was a devout Christian. Illness: Her illness was caused by the difficulties of childbirth. Society: The society was dominated by religion; women were expected to fulfill household roles; some people were wealthy enough to have servants. 6. her recovery through a return to God RI 1 Cite evidence to support inferences, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain. RI 6 Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text. RI 9 Analyze documents of historical and literary significance for their themes and purposes. Where do you find strength? Kempe drew upon her faith to find strength. Favorite activities, people, or places can also serve as sources of strength in difficult times. What activity, person, or place serves as such a source of strength during difficult times for you or someone you know? 122 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods 122 8. Students’ answers will vary, but should provide evidence from the text to support their agreement with one of the stated positions, or their own unique interpretation of Kempe and her work. NA_L12pe-u01s23-arKempe.indd 1/8/11 12:05:58 NA_L12pe-u01 PM Where do you find STRENGTH? Possible answers: from family and friends, through spiritual beliefs, from the examples of role models or heroes 7. Both Kempe and Caedmon were transformed by a religious vision, which moved them to devote their lives to God. The two selections suggest that Christian beliefs in England during that time included both traditional teaching and insights gained through personal, mystical revelation. 122 unit 1: the anglo–saxon and medieval periods NA_L12TE-u01s05-kempe.indd 122 1/13/11 11:10:58 AM 8/11 Language grammar and style: Craft Effective Sentences Review the Grammar and Style note on page 121. Margery Kempe uses a series of subordinate clauses, prepositional phrases, and participial phrases to chronicle the harrowing experience of her illness and recovery. The single, lengthy sentence below vividly portrays Kempe’s visions: And in this time she saw, as she thought, devils opening their mouths all alight with burning flames of fire, as if they would have swallowed her in, sometimes pawing at her, sometimes threatening her, sometimes pulling her and hauling her about both night and day during the said time. (lines 25–28) L 3 Apply knowledge of language to make effective choices for meaning or style. W 3a, d–e Set out a problem, situation, or observation and its significance; create a smooth progression of experiences or events; use precise words and phrases, telling details, and sensory language to convey a vivid picture of the experiences; provide a conclusion that reflects on what is experienced, observed, or resolved. Kempe interjects the subordinate clause “as she thought” to alert readers that she was hallucinating, without unduly interrupting the flow of her description. Two prepositional phrases—“with burning flames” and “of fire”—provide vivid sensory details of Kempe’s torment, as do the participial phrases she includes, such as “sometimes pawing at her” and “sometimes threatening her.” Language L 3, W 3a, W 3d–e grammar and style Review the terms subordinate clause, prepositional phrase, and participial phrase. Have students identify these details: • in this time as a prepositional phrase that helps establish the setting • opening their mouths all alight . . . as a participial phrase that presents the first description of the devils • as if they would have swallowed her in as a subordinate clause that describes the devils’ actions PRACTICE Rewrite the following paragraph by incorporating subordinate clauses, prepositional phrases, and participial phrases that mimic Kempe’s style. Possible answer: As the doctor told me the bad news, he handed me a pair of crutches, on which I would have to hobble down the streets for six weeks—as long as it would take for my knee to heal. The first day on crutches was agony. It took me 20 minutes to go one block, stopping every few minutes to catch my breath. The doctor told me the bad news and handed me a pair of crutches. I was going to have to use them for six weeks. It would take that long for my knee to heal. The first day on crutches was agony. It took me 20 minutes to travel one block. I had to stop every few steps to catch my breath. example As the doctor told me the bad news, he put a pair of crutches in my hands. RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master Craft Effective Sentences p. 97 reading-writing connection YOUR TURN Expand your understanding of the excerpt from The Book of Margery Kempe by responding to this prompt. Then, use the revising tips to improve your personal narrative. writing prompt revising tips WRITE A SURVIVAL TALE Think about a time when you or someone you know recovered from an injury, illness, or some other difficult experience. Draft a one-page personal narrative in which you describe the attitudes and strategies that made it survivable. Conclude by reflecting on the importance of the experience. • Ensure the story has a clear beginning, middle, and end. • Add descriptive details and sensory language to vividly portray the experience. • Use subordinate clauses, prepositional phrases, and participial phrases to create a smooth progression of events. reading-writing connection Have students use an Autobiographical or Personal Narrative writing template to plan their survival tales. 123 differentiated instruction for struggling writers following toolstools are available online AllThe of the interactive and features onat thinkcentral.com on WriteSmart WriteSmart are alsoand available online CD-ROM: Graphic—in Organizers • Interactive thinkcentral.com the Writing Center. at • Interactive Student Models • Interactive Revision Lessons For additional grammar instruction, see GrammarNotes on thinkcentral.com. Go to thinkcentral.com. KEYWORD: HML12-123 the book of margery kempe 12:05:58 NA_L12pe-u01s23-arKempe.indd PM Writing Online Interactive Revision 123 1/8/11 12:06:00 PM Assess and Reteach Writing Support Assess • Have students begin by listing difficult experiences and then freewriting about the experience demanding the most strength. DIAGNOSTIC AND SELECTION TESTS • Remind students to include descriptions of their thoughts and feelings rather than recounting bare events. • Remind students to revise and edit with the help of peers. Selection Tests A, B/C pp. 41–42, 43–44 Interactive Selection Test on thinkcentral.com Reteach Level Up Online Tutorials on thinkcentral.com Reteaching Worksheets on thinkcentral.com: Reading Lesson 9: Drawing Conclusions the book of margery kempe NA_L12TE-u01s05-kempe.indd 123 123 1/13/11 11:11:06 AM British Masterpiece RL 9 Demonstrate knowledge of foundational works of literature. W 3b Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue and description to develop experiences, events, and/or characters. W 3d Use telling details to convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, setting, and/or characters. BACKGROUND Some scholars have argued that more than one person wrote Piers Plowman; however, most feel that the style points to a single author: William Langland. While no separate evidence confirms his authorship, the writer refers to himself throughout the text as “Will” or “Long Will.” Other details indicate that he came from the Malvern Hills in western England, the setting he describes in the opening. He apparently trained for the church but was never able to take orders; instead he would end up spending many years in poverty, perhaps even wandering and begging. Plowman Allegory by William Langland background Piers Plowman is a 14th-century narrative poem that combines RL 9 Demonstrate knowledge of foundational works of literature. W 3b, d Use narrative techniques, such as dialogue and description, to develop experiences, events, and/or characters; use telling details to convey a vivid picture of the experiences, events, setting, and/ or characters. deep religious faith with biting social satire. Its authorship is uncertain, but evidence points to William Langland, about whom little is known. The poem’s large number of surviving manuscripts suggests its popularity in its day, and it influenced the works of later writers such as Edmund Spenser, John Milton, and John Bunyan. Piers Plowman, like much medieval literature, is written in Middle English alliterative verse, in which several words in each line repeat the same initial sound. For modern readers, the poem provides valuable insights into medieval life. This excerpt is a modern translation of the so-called B text, the second and best known of the poem’s three surviving versions. text analysis Piers Plowman is an allegory, or work in which characters, settings, and events represent abstract concepts to convey a message, such as the need to lead a more moral life. Like the Venerable Bede (page 96) and Margery Kempe (page 116), Langland uses the device of a dream vision to portray a powerful spiritual struggle and transformation to his audience. Through a series of dreams, Will, the hero of Piers Plowman, travels to a strange, alternative world where Conscience, Reason, and Truth have human characteristics that allow them to walk, talk, and debate important religious issues. Each encounter with these characters represents another step in Will’s quest to achieve greater spiritual understanding. Allegories often incorporate personification, a figure of speech in which the author attributes human qualities to ideas. In Piers Plowman each of the Seven Deadly Sins has a distinct appearance, personality, and point of view. In the following excerpt, for example, Envy, characteristically dissatisfied, carries a knife, shakes his fists in frustration, and admits he deliberately causes trouble wherever he goes. In an effort to redeem himself, Envy begs Repentance to hear his confession in hopes of doing shrift, or penance, for his dreadful deeds. TEXT ANALYSIS Make sure students understand that because the book-length Piers Plowman is an allegory, the first word of the excerpt, Envy, is both the name of an emotion and the name of the character who represents that emotion. As one of the Seven Deadly Sins, according to medieval Christian tradition, envy is a sin that can condemn a person to hell. The others are pride, wrath, greed, lust, sloth, and gluttony. WRITE Encourage students to start with the message they want their allegories to convey. Suggest that they model their allegories on Piers Plowman by starting with a description of their allegorical character that is rich in descriptive details. from Piers WRITE After you read the excerpt, write a short allegory in which you convey a message about an abstract concept, such as love, anger, or fear, by personifying it as a character with human traits. If you saw this character walking down the street, what would he or she look like? How would he or she speak? What would this character say about him- or herself? 124 NA_L12PE-u01s55-bmPiers.indd 124 12/15/10 differentiated instruction for struggling writers Organize Your Ideas Remind students that the characters in their allegories should convey a message about an abstract concept; therefore, students should consider how their characters’ appearance, words, and actions convey meaning. Have students use a Character Traits Web to organize their ideas. Model filling in the web by using the character of Envy from the Piers Plowman excerpt. An Ugly Man Represents Envy Appearance: pale, shaky, lean Actions: shakes fists; spits out his words; starts disputes 7:29:00 NA_L12PE-u01 PM Words: speaks words full of hate; harmful to others BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Character Traits Web p. D7 124 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s06-plowman.indd 124 1/3/11 8:20:38 AM 15/10 8 9 8 9 8 9 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 nvy with heavy heart asked for shrift introduce the masterpiece And grieving for his guilt began his confession. He was pale as a sheep’s pelt, appeared to have the palsy. He was clothed in a coarse cloth—I couldn’t describe it— A tabard and a tunic, a knife tied to his side, Like those of a friar’s frock were the foresleeves. Like a leek that had lain long in the sun So he looked with lean cheeks, louring foully. His body was so blown up for anger that he bit his lips And shook his fist fiercely, he wanted to avenge himself With acts or with words when he saw his chance. Every syllable he spat out was of a serpent’s tongue; From chiding and bringing charges was his chief livelihood, With backbiting and bitter scorn and bearing false witness. This was all his courtesy wherever he showed himself. “I’d like to be shriven,” said this scoundrel, “if shame would let me. By God, I’d be gladder that Gib had bad luck Than if I’d won this week a wey of Essex cheese. I’ve a neighbor dwelling next door, I’ve done him harm often And blamed him behind his back to blacken his name. I’ve done my best to damage him day after day And lied to lords about him to make him lose money, And turned his friends into foes with my false tongue. His good luck and his glad lot grieve me greatly. Between household and household I often start disputes So that both life and limb are lost for my speech. . . . I condemn men when they do evil, yet I do much worse; Whoever upbraids me for that, I hate him deadly after. I wish that every one were my servant, And if any man has more than I, that angers my heart. So I live loveless like a loathsome dog So that my breast is blown up for bitterness of spirit. For many years I might not eat as a man ought For envy and ill will are hard to digest. Is there any sugar or sweet thing to assuage my swelling Or any diapenidion that will drive it from my heart, Or any shrift or shame, unless I have my stomach scraped?” “Yes, readily,” said Repentance, directing him to live better; “Sorrow for sins is salvation for souls.” Piers Plowman Emphasize that the original Middle English version of Piers Plowman was written in unrhymed alliterative verse and that this modern translation maintains the alliterative style. Have students scan the first eight lines to find examples of alliteration that begin with the h, p, f, and l sounds. tiered discussion prompts Use these prompts to help students explore the characterization of Envy: Connect Think of a time when you or someone you know felt envious. What does that memory suggest about what a character named Envy might be like? Students’ descriptions should display an understanding of the feeling of envy, such as that envy can produce unreasonable hostility between people and that it is an ugly emotion. Analyze What do Envy’s words reveal about him? Possible answer: His words reveal that Envy is bitter and rarely, if ever, satisfied and that he freely brings harm upon others. Readers even might doubt the sincerity of this “confession.” Synthesize In what respect is the presentation of Envy allegorical, and in what respect does it represent a realistic portrayal of the emotion? Possible answer: The presentation is allegorical because the character and his behavior are an extreme representation of a single quality. It is realistic because most of the details could apply to an envious individual in everyday life, both in Langland’s time and today. 125 7:29:00 NA_L12PE-u01s55-bmPiers.indd PM 125 11/22/10 12:24:22 PM for english language learners • chiding (line 13), “criticizing” for advanced learners/ap Vocabulary Support • wey (line 18), “a measure of weight (in this case, about 224 pounds)” Research and Compare [small-group option] Ask a small group of students to do research into allegories over the centuries (extending as far back as Aesop’s fables and as recently as George Orwell’s Animal Farm) and prepare an annotated reading list of allegories. As students present the list, have them compare various entries to what they know of Piers Plowman. • shrift (line 1), “forgiveness of sins” • palsy (line 3), “an illness characterized by uncontrollable shaking” • upbraids (line 28), “criticizes” • tabard (line 5), “a short cape” • diapenidion (line 36), “sugar when used as a medicine” • tunic (line 5), “a loose outer coat” • louring (line 8), “looking gloomy or threatening” • assuage (line 35), “to ease or satisfy” british masterpiece NA_L12TE-u01s06-plowman.indd 125 125 1/3/11 8:20:57 AM Reflections of Common Life Focus and Motivate RI 1 Cite evidence to support inferences drawn from the text. RI 6 Determine an author's purpose in a text, analyzing how content contributes to the power, persuasiveness, or beauty of the text. RI 9 Analyze documents of historical and literary significance for their themes, purposes, and rhetorical features. SL 1a Come to discussions prepared, having read and researched material under study. L 3 Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts. L 4a Use context as a clue to the meaning of a word. from The RI 1 Cite evidence to support inferences drawn from the text. RI 6 Determine an author’s purpose in a text, analyzing how content contributes to the power, persuasiveness, or beauty of the text. RI 9 Analyze documents of historical and literary significance for their themes, purposes, and rhetorical features. SL 1a Come to discussions prepared, having read and researched material under study. L 4a Use context as a clue to the meaning of a word. Paston Letters Letters by the Paston Family Meet the Author The Paston Family Endless Legal Wrangling William Paston marrie iedd J hn Jo h Passto ton n I marr (144 (1 440) 0) (142 1421–1 1–1466 4666) Marg Ma rgar rg a et ar Maut Ma utby ut b by (142 (1 422? 2?–1 –148 484) 4) JJoohn h II Joohn John n IIII Maarg M argger ey (1144 442– 2–14 1479 79)) (144 (1444– 4–15 1504 04)) (144 (1447? 7?–147 479? 9?)) marr ma rrie iedd (1 (146 469) 9 Rich Ri char ch ard d Caall llee did you know? The Paston family . . . notable quote “I beg you with all my heart that you will be kind enough to send me word how you are.” –Margaret Paston Tell students that the statement comes from a letter written by Margaret Paston to her husband, John I. Read the quote aloud; then have students paraphrase it. Point out that the letters in this lesson will deal with urgent family matters. • is immortalized in the old Norfolk saying “There never was a Paston poor, a Heydon a coward, or a Cornwallis a fool.” • claimed that they were willed the property of Sir John Fastolf, who inspired Falstaff, a comic character in three of Shakespeare’s plays. The 15th century in England was a period of great unrest and lawlessness. Landowners often attacked their neighbors’ estates and betrayed their political allies. The Wars of the Roses, a conflict between two royal families for control of the kingdom, ravaged England between 1455 and 1485. In addition, several outbreaks of the plague devastated many English families during the century. The Saga Begins A firsthand record of this turbulent era survives in more than 1,000 documents and letters written by the Pastons, an English landowning family. During the early 1400s, William Paston, a lawyer, began accumulating property in Norfolk, a county in eastern England, both through purchases and through his acquisition of estates inherited by his wife, Agnes Berry. William’s extensive landholdings and growing prosperity earned him a number of enemies. Some even challenged his claim to certain properties and brought grief to William’s descendants for many years. and Agnes Berry had five children. The oldest, John I, inherited much of the family property when his father died in 1444, and his marriage to Margaret Mautby led to the acquisition of even more property from his wife’s family. Like his father, John I was a lawyer, possessed of skills that were much needed in his constant legal battles over claims to various properties. His many legal disputes required him to stay in London for long periods of time, leaving Margaret to manage the Paston estates. John I and Margaret’s seven children included two sons named John—John II and John III—and a daughter named Margery. The letters you will read concern John I, Margaret, and these three children. Anxiously Awaited Letters In their letters, the Pastons exchanged detailed information about their legal disputes and other problems. Although writing letters had become an important means of communication by the 15th century, sending the letters was not easy. They had to be delivered by hand, often by a servant or even a total stranger. Weeks might pass before a letter reached its destination, and many never arrived. Despite these limitations, the Pastons wrote hundreds of letters over the course of 90 years, leaving an invaluable source of information about the social and political conditions of the times. Author Online Go to thinkcentral.com. KEYWORD: HML12-126 126 Selection Resources NA_L12PE-u01s24-brPaston.indd See resources on the Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM and on thinkcentral.com. RESOURCE MANAGER UNIT 1 BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT Plan and Teach, pp. 99–106 Summary, pp. 107–108†‡* Text Analysis and Reading Skill, pp. 109–112†* Think-Pair-Share, p. A18 Read Aloud/Think Aloud, p. A34 Word Squares, p. E10 Venn Diagram, p. A26 Two-Column Chart, p. A25 Three-Column Journal, p. B10 Sequence Chain, p. B21 Analysis Frame: Literary Nonfiction, pp. D21, D48, D49 DIAGNOSTIC AND SELECTION TESTS Selection Tests, pp. 45–48 * Resources for Differentiation NA_L12TE-u01s07-paston.indd 126 † Also in Spanish 126 11/22/10 12:06:19 NA_L12PE-u01 PM TECHNOLOGY Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM Student One Stop DVD-ROM Audio Anthology CD GrammarNotes DVD-ROM ExamView Test Generator on the Teacher One Stop ‡ In Haitian Creole and Vietnamese 1/3/11 8:24:15 AM 2/10 Teach text analysis: primary sources Primary sources, such as diaries and letters, are materials created by people who took part in or witnessed the events portrayed. These documents can help you synthesize ideas and make logical connections based on evidence from the text to draw conclusions about the people who wrote them and the period in which they lived. Consider this excerpt from a letter written by Margaret Paston to her husband: They let me know that various of Lord Moleyns’ men said that if they could get their hands on me they would keep me in the castle. They wanted you to get me out again, and said that it would not cause you much heart-ache. The excerpt shows that participants in land disputes of the time would sometimes resort to kidnapping for ransom. As you read these letters, determine what they reveal about their writers and life in the 15th century. reading skill: understand writer’s purpose To understand a writer’s purpose, you must make subtle inferences, or reasonable assumptions based on clues in the text. The writer may wish to accomplish a goal, such as explaining a situation or eliciting a desired response. For example, you can infer how much danger the Pastons face when Margaret urges her husband to “please take care when you eat or drink in any other men’s company, for no one can be trusted.” Clues to the writer’s purpose may include • significant details the writer includes about events or ideas • the writer’s opinions or observations • attempts by the writer to influence the recipient’s thoughts or actions As you read each letter, note significant details the writer provides. Record your thoughts on a chart like the one shown to help you conclude what each writer’s purpose is. Writer/ Recipient/Date Significant Details Your Inferences Writer’s Purpose Margaret to John I, 28 February 1449 What disturbs your sense of What disturbs your sense of SECURITY? security? Imagine living with the fear of being struck down by the plague or learning that parts of your home and property had been destroyed—and feeling powerless to prevent further destruction. For the Paston family, such horrors were a reality. Although they were relatively wealthy and privileged, a sense of security was not something their money could buy. Ask the question; then have students define security before reading the paragraph that follows. After partners have shared some of their responses to the DISCUSS activity, briefly discuss the security concerns that exist today. In what ways are these concerns similar to those experienced in 15th-century England? In what ways are they different? DISCUSS Life in 21st-century America is radically different from life in 15thcentury England, but events can still intrude upon our security. Working with a partner, think of a global, national, or local event that shook your sense of security. Prepare for a thoughtful discussion by researching details of the event that you might not have previously known. Discuss why you found the event disturbing and what you did to attempt to regain your peace of mind. T E X T A N A LY S I S RI 9 Model the Skill: primary sources After students have read the excerpt on this page, model for them what they can learn from primary sources that they probably would not learn from a history textbook. Explain that they can learn about the urgency of a situation through a first-person conversation. Event Terrorist Attacks, 9-11-01 Aspects That Shook My Sense of Security READING SKILL 1. Model the Skill: 2. understand writer’s purpose 3. What I Did to Regain My Sense of Security Model for students how to assess the purposes for Margaret Paston’s letter in the passage. Point out to them that Margaret wishes to inform her husband about the danger she is in. Complete the activities in your Reader/Writer Notebook. the paston letters 12:06:19 NA_L12PE-u01s24-brPaston.indd PM 127 differentiated instruction for english language learners Concept Support: Purposes Call on volunteers to explain why different individuals might have very different purposes for taking the same action. For example, students might join a club for different reasons: one might join to spend time with friends, another might join in order to be able to add activities to a college application, and another might join because he or she believes in the club’s goals. 127 11/22/10 Discuss how some purposes might be revealed through a person’s words or actions. Conclude by telling students that when they read the Paston letters, they should stop at least once per letter and ask themselves why the writer has written the letter. Instruct students to work in mixed-ability pairs. 12:06:30 PM GUIDED PRACTICE Read aloud a letter to the editor from a magazine. Have students assess the writer’s possible motives. RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master Understand Writer’s Purpose p. 111 (for student use while reading the selection) the paston letters NA_L12TE-u01s07-paston.indd 127 RI 1 RI 6 127 1/3/11 8:24:27 AM Practice and Apply summary In the first letter, Margaret Paston tells her husband, John, that she has fled their estate for fear of attack. The next two letters describe events at another Paston estate. Two further letters concern the controversial marriage of Margery Paston to Richard Calle, a Paston estate manager. The last three letters discuss financial problems, an injury, and the plague. he aon etters The Paston Family read with a purpose Help students set a purpose for reading. Tell them to read The Paston Letters to learn about the challenges facing English families during the 15th century. Margaret Paston, in the absence of her husband, John I, was able to deal equally well with small housekeeping problems and with family disasters, including attacks against the Paston manors. While she was living at the Paston estate of Gresham, it was attacked by a Lord Moleyns, who claimed rights to the property and ejected Margaret from her home. Margaret first escaped to a friend’s house about a mile away; but later, fearing that Moleyns’s band of men might kidnap her, she fled to the city of Norwich, where she wrote the following letter to her husband. Analyze Visuals What is the economic status of the family pictured? How can you tell? argaret to ohn I 28 February 1449 READING SKILL a writer’s purpose RI 1 RI 6 Possible answer: Margaret is explaining that she did not stay where John left her because she heard that Lord Moleyns’s men wanted to kidnap her. She may want John to be upset enough by the news to return home. IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Have them work with partners on the chart introduced on the previous page, recording notes like these: Possible Motives Margaret is afraid; she wants John to come home. 128 Clues to Motives Some of Lord M’s men have threatened to kidnap her. 10 Right worshipful husband, I commend myself to you, wishing with all my heart to hear that you are well, and begging that you will not be angry at my leaving the place where you left me. On my word, such news was brought to me by various people who are sympathetic to you and me that I did not dare stay there any longer. I will tell you who the people were when you come home. They let me know that various of Lord Moleyns’ men said that if they could get their hands on me they would carry me off and keep me in the castle. They wanted you to get me out again, and said that it would not cause you much heart-ache. After I heard this news, I could not rest easy until I was here, and I did not dare go out of the place where I was until I was ready to ride away. Nobody in the place knew a that I was leaving except the lady of the house, until an hour before I went. And I told her that I would come here to have clothes made for myself and the children, which I wanted made, and said I thought I would be here a fortnight1 or three a WRITER’S PURPOSE What is Margaret explaining to John I in lines 1–10? Speculate about how she wants him to react. 1. fortnight: 14 nights, or two weeks. 128 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s24-Paston.indd The Four Conditions of Society: Nobility, Jean Bourdichon. Vellum. École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts, Paris. © Bridgeman Art Library. 128 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners for struggling readers Connect to the Text Read aloud the italicized introductory paragraph to students. Ask them to explain why Margaret Paston was forced to leave her home and the purpose for the letter. Then have students predict what the letter might say. Invite volunteers to share their ideas. Have students read silently while they listen to the Audio Anthology CD. Encourage students to listen carefully to this selection in order to clarify difficult passages from the text and improve reading fluency. 12:05:23 NA_L12PE-u01 PM unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s07-paston.indd 128 1/3/11 8:24:36 AM 2/10 Analyze Visuals Possible answer: These are members of a wealthy family, as evidenced by the beautiful clothes and jewelry that they wear; by their comfortable demeanor; and by the well-built, well-furnished room in which they are shown. About the Art French artist Jean Bourdichon (1457–1521) created this painting on vellum (a fine parchment used in medieval books). It is entitled The Four Conditions of Society: Nobility; as the title suggests, it is one of a series. (The other social conditions that Bourdichon depicted are Work, Poverty, and The Wild State.) Bourdichon was the official court painter to four French kings. In addition to painting, he illuminated manuscripts, created stained-glass windows, and designed coins. background Medieval Mail In the Pastons’ time, letter writers exerted great care to make sure that their letters were not opened by unintended recipients. Typically a letter from an affluent or noble writer would be folded, fastened by a paper strap, wrapped with silk thread or string, and finally sealed with wax. Prominent families stamped their wax seals with custommade designs identifying their family (often through the use of the family coat of arms). These seals were both artistically attractive and an aid to security, for the recipient could tell if the seal had been broken. 12:05:23 NA_L12PE-u01s24-Paston.indd PM 129 11/22/10 12:05:34 PM for struggling readers Comprehension Support Encourage students to help each other understand this letter and the subsequent ones by modeling for them the use of a Think-Pair-Share or Read Aloud/ Think Aloud strategy. BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparencies Think-Pair-Share p. A18 Read Aloud/Think Aloud p. A34 the paston letters NA_L12TE-u01s07-paston.indd 129 129 1/3/11 8:24:46 AM tiered discussion prompts In lines 23–36, use these prompts to help students grasp the conflict that this letter discusses: 20 Recall What events in earlier passages indicate that the Pastons are at odds with Lord Moleyns and his men? Possible answer: Margaret has fled the place where John left her, fearing that Lord Moleyns’s men would kidnap her (lines 1–10). Interpret How does Barow take both sides in this conflict? Possible answer: Barow speaks for Lord Moleyns (lines 23–24), but he also tells Margaret that he is willing to meet with John in London, to try to settle the conflict (lines 28–30), and that he has acted only as Lord Moleyns’s servant (lines 30–31). 30 Evaluate Is Margaret’s active role in this conflict surprising? Why or why not? Possible answer: It is surprising to see a medieval woman taking a central role in a business dispute; however, a wife would be expected to take charge on her family’s behalf if her husband were away. weeks. Please keep the reason for my departure a secret until I talk to you, for those who warned me do not on any account want it known. I spoke to your mother as I came this way, and she offered to let me stay in this town, if you agree. She would very much like us to stay at her place, and will send me such things as she can spare so that I can set up house until you can get a place and things of your own to set up a household. Please let me know by the man who brings this what you would like me to do. I would be very unhappy to live so close to Gresham as I was until this matter is completely settled between you and Lord Moleyns. Barow2 told me that there was no better evidence in England than that Lord Moleyns has for [his title to] the manor of Gresham. I told him that I supposed the evidence was of the kind that William Hasard said yours was, and that the seals were not yet cold.3 That, I said, was what I expected his lord’s evidence to be like. I said I knew that your evidence was such that no one could have better evidence, and the seals on it were two hundred years older than he was. Then Barow said to me that if he came to London while you were there he would have a drink with you, to quell any anger there was between you. He said that he only acted as a servant, and as he was ordered to do. Purry4 will tell you about the conversation between Barow and me when I came from Walsingham.5 I beg you with all my heart, for reverence of God, beware of Lord Moleyns and his men, however pleasantly they speak to you, and do not eat or drink with them; for they are so false that they cannot be trusted. And please take care when you eat or drink in any other men’s company, for no one can be trusted. b I beg you with all my heart that you will be kind enough to send me word how you are, and how your affairs are going, by the man who brings this. I am very surprised that you do not send me more news than you have done. . . . b PRIMARY SOURCES From Margaret’s statements in lines 23–36, what can you infer that a claimant might do to gain property in these times? In 1465, in still another property dispute, the Paston estate of Hellesdon was attacked by the duke of Suffolk, who had gained the support of several local officials. Although Margaret and John were not living at Hellesdon at the time, many of their servants and tenants suffered from the extensive damage. In the following two letters, Margaret tells her husband about the devastation. T E X T A N A LY S I S b primary sources RI 9 Possible answer: The reader can infer that a claimant might forge documents or commit murder to gain property. argaret to ohn I 17 October 1465 40 . . . On Tuesday morning John Botillere, also John Palmer, Darcy Arnald your cook and William Malthouse of Aylsham were seized at Hellesdon by the bailiff IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . • Make sure that they read the footnote regarding the seals (lines 25–26). • Discuss why Margaret cautioned John about eating or drinking with others (lines 32–36). 2. Barow: one of Lord Moleyns’s men. 3. the seals . . . cold: A seal, often made by impressing a family emblem on hot wax, was placed on a document to show its authenticity. Margaret is suggesting that Lord Moleyns’s documents are recent forgeries. 4. Purry: perhaps a servant or tenant of the Pastons’. 5. Walsingham (wôlPsGng-Em): a town near Lynn in the English county of Norfolk. 130 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s24-Paston.indd 130 differentiated instruction 11/22/10 12:05:39 NA_L12PE-u01 PM for english language learners Language: Pronoun Referents [mixedreadiness pairs] Because these are personal letters, the pronoun references are careless at times, as in “they say they will carry them off” (lines 43–44). Model reviewing the context of the passage to comprehend events and to find pronoun referents. Have students work on this skill with more fluent partners throughout the selection. 130 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s07-paston.indd 130 1/3/11 8:24:53 AM 2/10 50 60 70 of Eye,6 called Bottisforth, and taken to Costessey,7 and they are being kept there still without any warrant or authority from a justice of the peace; and they say they will carry them off to Eye prison and as many others of your men and tenants as they can get who are friendly towards you or have supported you, and they threaten to kill or imprison them. The duke came to Norwich at 10 o’clock on Tuesday with five hundred men and he sent for the mayor, aldermen and sheriffs, asking them in the king’s name that they should inquire of the constables of every ward within the city which men had been on your side or had helped or supported your men at the time of any of these gatherings and if they could find any they should take them and arrest them and punish them; which the mayor did, and will do anything he can for him and his men. At this the mayor has arrested a man who was with me, called Robert Lovegold, a brazier,8 and threatened him that he shall be hanged by the neck. So I would be glad if you could get a writ sent down for his release, if you think it can be done. He was only with me when Harlesdon and others attacked me at Lammas.9 He is very true and faithful to you, so I would like him to be helped. I have no one attending me who dares to be known, except Little John. William Naunton is here with me, but he dares not be known because he is much threatened. I am told that the old lady and the duke have been frequently set against us by what Harlesdon, the bailiff of Costessey, Andrews and Doget the bailiff’s son and other false villains have told them, who want this affair pursued for their own pleasure; there are evil rumors about it in this part of the world and other places. c As for Sir John Heveningham, Sir John Wyndefeld and other respectable men, they have been made into their catspaws,10 which will not do their reputation any good after this, I think. . . . The lodge and remainder of your place was demolished on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the duke rode on Wednesday to Drayton and then to Costessey while the lodge at Hellesdon was being demolished. Last night at midnight Thomas Slyford, Green, Porter and John Bottisforth the bailiff of Eye and others got a cart and took away the featherbeds and all the stuff of ours that was left at the parson’s and Thomas Water’s house for safe-keeping. I will send you lists later, as accurately as I can, of the things we have lost. Please let me know what you want me to do, whether you want me to stay at Caister11 or come to you in London. I have no time to write any more. God have you in his keeping. Written at Norwich on St. Luke’s eve.12 M.P. revisit the big question What disturbs your sense of SECURITY? Discuss In lines 40–46, why can’t the Paston family look to the law for security in their property dispute with the duke of Suffolk? Possible answer: The Pastons can find no security in the law because the bailiff of Eye, who represents the law, has sided with the duke of Suffolk and is holding four of their allies without a warrant or any judicial authority; furthermore, other supporters of theirs are being threatened with similar arrest. T E X T A N A LY S I S c PRIMARY SOURCES Reread lines 47–63. What methods of intimidation does the duke of Suffolk use against the Pastons? What is the Pastons’ recourse? RI 9 c primary sources To model analyzing primary sources, identify for students the various authority figures the duke has won to his side. Also, point out the menacing connotations of arrest (line 51,) punish (line 52), threatened (line 54), and hanged (line 54). Possible answer: To intimidate the Pastons, the duke of Suffolk arrives with 500 men; he obtains cooperation in the king’s name from the mayor, aldermen, and sheriffs; and he demands that supporters of the Pastons be arrested and punished. The Pastons’ recourse is to try to get a writ from higher authorities for the release of Robert Lovegold, whom the mayor has arrested and threatened to hang. 6. bailiff of Eye: an administrative official of Eye, a town in the English county of Suffolk. 7. Costessey: an estate owned by the duke of Suffolk. 8. brazier (brAPzhEr): a person who makes articles of brass. 9. when Harlesdon . . . Lammas (lBmPEs): when Harlesdon and others of the duke of Suffolk’s men attacked on Lammas, a religious feast celebrated on August 1. 10. catspaws: people who are deceived and used as tools by others; dupes. 11. Caister: one of the Paston estates. 12. St. Luke’s eve: the eve of St. Luke’s Day, a religious feast. The feasts of different saints were celebrated on different days throughout the year, and writers often dated letters with the name of a saint’s day or eve instead of using days and months. the paston letters 12:05:39 NA_L12PE-u01s24-Paston.indd PM 131 131 11/22/10 for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Vocabulary Support Use Word Squares to teach these words: release (line 55), method (line 106), commission (line 109), bond (line 123), attitude (line 171), amend (line 187), assure (line 228). Evaluate Tone Have students reread this letter, focusing on Margaret’s tone. Urge them to think about factors that might influence tone, including diction, sentence length, and repeated phrases such as “dares to be known/ dares not be known” (lines 58–59). BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Word Squares p. E10 Model the Skill: 12:05:40 PM • Have students describe Margaret’s tone. Possible answer: Her tone is matter-of-fact and dry; beneath a calm surface is an undercurrent of alarm and desperation. • Ask students whether the tone is appropriate for the occasion, too emotional, or not emotional enough. Possible answer: Her tone is perfect because it combines both factuality and a sense of urgency. the paston letters NA_L12TE-u01s07-paston.indd 131 131 1/3/11 8:24:57 AM argaret to ohn I 27 October 1465 background Lordly Estates Under the feudal system, land that was not owned by the king was owned by a local landowner, termed the lord of the manor, who might be a noble (such as the duke of Suffolk) or a wealthy commoner (such as the Pastons). Typically, the local village and its church, because they were situated within the manorial estate, were part of the landowner’s domain. Thus, the duke of Suffolk’s attack on the church and the village houses (lines 88–97) was a direct attack on the Pastons’ property. To clarify how much the estate was worth, direct attention to Margaret’s comment, “The duke would have done better to lose £1000 than to have caused this to be done” (lines 81–82). In the 15th century, £1000 was a vast sum. Even 400 years later, in Victorian England, it would have been a respectable annual income for a middle-class professional’s family. Today, £1000 would equal approximately $1,800. 80 90 100 READING SKILL d writer’s purpose RI 1 RI 6 Possible answer: Margaret asks John to have men sent from the king to assess the damage done to their property. She further asks that he finish his business and come home, for she cannot collect rents, she has to pay a lot for men to protect her, and she is in physical danger. Most students will conclude that she fears for her physical safety and for the future of the family estate. 110 . . . I was at Hellesdon last Thursday and saw the place there, and indeed no one can imagine what a horrible mess it is unless they see it. Many people come out each day, both from Norwich and elsewhere, to look at it, and they talk of it as a great shame. The duke would have done better to lose £100013 than to have caused this to be done, and you have all the more goodwill from people because it has been done so foully. And they made your tenants at Hellesdon and Drayton, and others, help them to break down the walls of both the house and the lodge: God knows, it was against their will, but they did not dare do otherwise for fear. I have spoken with your tenants both at Hellesdon and Drayton, and encouraged them as best I can. The duke’s men ransacked the church, and carried off all the goods that were left there, both ours and the tenants, and left little behind; they stood on the high altar and ransacked the images, and took away everything they could find. They shut the parson out of the church until they had finished, and ransacked everyone’s house in the town five or six times. The ringleaders in the thefts were the bailiff of Eye and the bailiff of Stradbroke, Thomas Slyford. And Slyford was the leader in robbing the church and, after the bailiff of Eye, it is he who has most of the proceeds of the robbery. As for the lead, brass, pewter, iron, doors, gates, and other household stuff, men from Costessey and Cawston have got it, and what they could not carry they hacked up in the most spiteful fashion. If possible, I would like some reputable men to be sent for from the king, to see how things are both there and at the lodge, before any snows come, so that they can report the truth, because otherwise it will not be so plain as it is now. For reverence of God, finish your business now, for the expense and trouble we have each day is horrible, and it will be like this until you have finished; and your men dare not go around collecting your rents, while we keep here every day more than twenty people to save ourselves and the place; for indeed, if the place had not been strongly defended, the duke would have come here. . . . d For the reverence of God, if any respectable and profitable method can be used to settle your business, do not neglect it, so that we can get out of these troubles and the great costs and expenses we have and may have in future. It is thought here that if my lord of Norfolk would act on your behalf, and got a commission to inquire into the riots and robberies committed on you and others in this part of the world, then the whole county will wait on him and do as you wish, for people love and respect him more than any other lord, except the king and my lord of Warwick.14 . . . L 4a Language Coach Oral Fluency Part of reading fluently is correct pronunciation. As a plural noun meaning “profits,” proceeds has a stress on the first syllable. As a form of the verb proceed (“go forward”), proceeds has a stress on its final syllable. Which pronunciation should you use in line 95? d WRITER’S PURPOSE In lines 97–105, what does Margaret ask John to do, and why? 13. £1000: a thousand pounds (British money). 14. the king . . . Warwick (wJrPGk): King Edward IV and the earl of Warwick, a figure so influential that he was known as Warwick the Kingmaker. Warwick put his friend, the Yorkist King Edward IV, on the throne but later turned against him and fought with the Lancastrian faction, who opposed the Yorkists in the War of the Roses. 132 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s24-Paston.indd 132 12/15/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners Language Coach Oral Fluency Answer: /prI’sCdz/. L 4a Have students work in pairs, using both meanings and pronunciations of proceeds in sentences. 7:29:16 NA_L12PE-u01 PM for struggling readers Comprehension Support Help students break long, complex sentences into short, simple ones, such as the sentence beginning “For reverence of God, . . . ” in lines 100–105. Model these strategies: • Replace all semicolons with periods. • Change commas into periods when the commas separate independent clauses, such as “each day is horrible, and it will be like this” (lines 101–102). 132 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s07-paston.indd 132 1/3/11 8:25:00 AM 15/10 Please do let me know quickly how you are and how your affairs are going, and let me know how your sons are. I came home late last night, and will be here until I hear from you again. Wykes came home on Saturday, but he did not meet your sons. God have you in his keeping and send us good news from you. Written in haste on the eve of St. Simon and St. Jude. By yours, M.P. background Daughters and Dowries During the Middle Ages, a woman was considered the property of either her father or her husband. Parents who approved of their daughter’s marriage would offer a dowry—a payment of money and property—to the groom. Young men hoped to marry wealthy women as a means of acquiring more wealth for themselves. Margery’s parents, however, disapproved of her engagement to Richard, so they would give her only a meager dowry. By marrying Richard, therefore, she would be surrendering her wealth and her status as a landowner’s daughter. During the 15th century, most marriages among the upper classes were arranged by families, usually to strengthen economic or political ties. The Paston family was greatly alarmed, therefore, when they learned that Margery, a daughter of Margaret and John I, had secretly become engaged to the Paston bailiff Richard Calle. Eventually, the two were married, in spite of bitter opposition from Margery’s family. In the following letter to Margery—the only piece of their correspondence to survive—Richard expresses his feelings about their predicament. The next letter is the response of Margery’s mother, Margaret, to the situation, written to her son John II. ichard alle to argery aston Spring-Summer 1469 120 130 140 My own lady and mistress, and indeed my true wife before God,15 I commend myself to you with a very sad heart as a man who cannot be cheerful and will not be until things stand otherwise with us than they do now. This life that we lead now pleases neither God nor the world, considering the great bond of matrimony that is made between us, and also the great love that has been, and I trust still is, between us, and which for my part was never greater. So I pray that Almighty God will comfort us as soon as it pleases him, for we who ought by rights to be most together are most apart; it seems a thousand years since I last spoke to you. I would rather be with you than all the wealth in the world. Alas, also, good lady, those who keep us apart like this, scarcely realize what they are doing: those who hinder matrimony are cursed in church four times a year. It makes many men think that they can stretch a point of conscience in other matters as well as this one. But whatever happens, lady, bear it as you have done and be as cheerful as you can, for be sure, lady, that God in the long run will of his righteousness help his servants who mean to be true and want to live according to his laws. e I realize, lady, that you have had as much sorrow on my account as any gentlewoman has ever had in this world; I wish to God that all the sorrow you have had had fallen on me, so that you were freed of it; for indeed, lady, it kills me to hear that you are being treated otherwise than you should be. This is a painful life we lead; I cannot imagine that we live like this without God being displeased by it. revisit the big question What disturbs your sense of SECURITY? Discuss In lines 125–132, in what sense is Richard Calle feeling a lack of security? Possible answer: Richard lacks the security that he would like to find by being with Margery as husband and wife, in a marriage approved by Margery’s parents. It is her parents’ opposition to the union that makes him so unhappy. e WRITER’S PURPOSE According to Richard, how do he and Margery stand in relation to God? How might his words affect Margery, and Margery’s parents, were they to read them? READING SKILL e 7:29:16 NA_L12PE-u01s24-Paston.indd PM 133 133 11/22/10 for struggling readers for advanced learners/ap Make Connections [paired option] Encourage pairs of students to make connections to the Paston Letters. Direct each pair to create a Venn Diagram that compares the Pastons’ world to their everyday world. Urge students to think about how they relate to such issues as ambition, romance, material wealth, and health. Invite students to compare their completed diagrams. Contrast Approaches [small-group option] In his letter, Richard uses both logic and emotion to make his points. Have small groups of students complete a Two-Column Chart, such as the one begun here, to distinguish emotional appeals and logical appeals in this letter. As groups review the completed charts, have them contrast the approaches, discussing which of Richard’s comments might have moved Margery the most and which might have moved her parents the most. BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Venn Diagram p. A26 NA_L12TE-u01s07-paston.indd 133 RI 1 RI 6 Possible answer: According to Richard, their marriage is recognized by God, who is displeased that they are living apart. Margery might be comforted, but her parents might be shamed or, more likely, angered, were they to read his words. 15. my true wife before God: In the 1400s, the vow of a man and woman spoken before God, even without a witness, was regarded as an official marriage. the paston letters writer's purpose 12:05:42 PM Logic “those who hinder matrimony are cursed in church” (lines 129–130) Emotion “my true wife before God” (line 120) BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Two-Column Chart p. A25 the paston letters 133 1/3/11 8:25:03 AM Analyze Visuals Possible answer: The formality of this activity is indicated by the serious expression on the woman’s face; by the fact that she is standing upright at a finely appointed desk, wearing formal clothes; and by the fact that she is observed by an audience of women who seem keenly interested in her task. About the Art Jean Bourdichon painted this picture of Anne de Bretagne, or Anne of Brittany (1477–1514). Anne was a powerful woman in her day, governing the duchy of Brittany and becoming the queen consort of two successive French kings. She also was an avid patron of the arts, including commissioning a beautifully illuminated Book of Hours. Analyze Visuals In this picture, a noblewoman writes a letter to her husband. What indicates the formality of this activity? Epistres en Vers François, dedicated to Anne de Bretagne (1500s). Parchment, 29.5 cm × 19.5 cm. 112 pages. Anne de Bretagne replies to her husband, fol.40 verso. Russian National Library, St. Petersburg, Russia. 150 You will want to know that I sent you a letter from London by my lad, and he told me he could not speak to you, because so great a watch was kept on both you and him. He told me that John Thresher came to him in your name, and said that you had sent him to my lad for a letter or token which you thought I had sent you; but he did not trust him and would not deliver anything to him. After that he brought a ring, saying that you sent it to him, commanding him to deliver the letter or token to him, which I gather since then from my lad was not sent by you, but was a plot of my mistress [i.e., Margaret Paston] and James Gloys.16 Alas, what do they intend? I suppose they think we are not engaged; and if this is the case I am very surprised, for they are not being sensible, remembering how plainly I told my mistress about everything at the beginning, and I think you have told her so too, if you have done as you should. And if you have denied it, as I have been told 16. James Gloys: the Paston family chaplain. 134 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s24-Paston.indd 134 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners Language: Verb Tenses Point out that Richard is writing about things that happened in the past, things happening in the present, and things that might happen in the future. Give this example from line 141: “You will want to know that I sent you a letter. . . . ” Use a Three-Column Journal to help students follow the sequence of events and ideas in such passages. 134 Past Line 141: “I sent you a letter. . . . ” Present Line 149: “I suppose they think we are not engaged. . . . ” 12:05:43 NA_L12PE-u01 PM Future Line 141: “You will want to know. . . .” BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Three-Column Journal p. B10 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s07-paston.indd 134 1/3/11 8:25:07 AM 2/10 160 170 180 you have done, it was done neither with a good conscience nor to the pleasure of God, unless you did it for fear and to please those who were with you at the time. If this was the reason you did it, it was justified, considering how insistently you were called on to deny it; and you were told many untrue stories about me, which, God knows, I was never guilty of. My lad told me that your mother asked him if he had brought any letter to you, and she accused him falsely of many other things; among other things, she said to him in the end that I would not tell her about it at the beginning, but she expected that I would at the ending. As for that, God knows that she knew about it first from me and no one else. I do not know what my mistress means, for in truth there is no other gentlewoman alive who I respect more than her and whom I would be more sorry to displease, saving only yourself who by right I ought to cherish and love best, for I am bound to do so by God’s law and will do so while I live, whatever may come of it. I expect that if you tell them the sober truth, they will not damn their souls for our sake. Even if I tell them the truth they will not believe me as much as they would you. And so, good lady, for reverence of God be plain with them and tell the truth, and if they will not agree, let it be between them, God and the devil; and as for the peril we should be in, I pray God it may lie on them and not on us. I am very sad and sorry when I think of their attitude. God guide them and send them rest and peace. f I am very surprised that they are as concerned about this affair as I gather that they are, in view of the fact that nothing can be done about it, and that I deserve better; from any point of view there should be no obstacles to it. Also their honor does not depend on your marriage, but in their own marriage [i.e., John II’s]; I pray God send them a marriage which will be to their honor, to God’s pleasure and to their heart’s ease, for otherwise it would be a great pity. Mistress, I am frightened of writing to you, for I understand that you have showed the letters that I have sent you before to others, but I beg you, let no one see this letter. As soon as you have read it, burn it, for I would not want anyone to see it. You have had nothing in writing from me for two years, and I will not send you any more: so I leave everything to your wisdom. Almighty Jesu preserve, keep and give you your heart’s desire, which I am sure will please God. This letter was written with as great difficulty as I ever wrote anything in my life, for I have been very ill, and am not yet really recovered, may God amend it. tiered discussion prompts In lines 149–171, use these prompts to help students explore the couple’s relationship with Margery’s parents: Restate What is Richard surprised about in lines 149–157? Why? Possible answer: He is surprised that the Pastons do not believe that he and Margery are engaged, for he and Margery have been honest with them. Analyze In what way does Richard show that he wants to be reconciled to the Pastons, despite their attempts to undermine his relationship with Margery? Possible answer: Richard shows a conciliatory attitude in saying that “there is no other gentlewoman alive who I respect more than her [Margaret] and whom I would be more sorry to displease” (lines 163–164). RI 1, RI 6 f WRITER’S PURPOSE In order to reach conclusions about a writer’s purpose, you must make inferences, or reasonable assumptions based on evidence from the text. These inferences can help clarify complicated relationships and events portrayed in the text. Based on this paragraph, what can you infer about the state of Richard and Margery’s relationship? What is Margaret Paston’s reaction to it? What does Richard hope to accomplish by writing this letter to Margery? Explain how you reached your conclusions. Synthesize What might Margery’s motives be (1) if she remained loyal to Richard or (2) if she spurned him and obeyed her parents? Possible answer: (1) Love for Richard and/or a desire for independence from her parents might motivate Margery to remain loyal to Richard. (2) Fear of her parents or a belief that she and Richard are not meant to be might motivate her to spurn him. READING SKILL f argaret to her oldest son, ohn II 10 September 1469 190 the paston letters 135 for struggling readers for advanced learners/ap Comprehension Support Help students fill out a Sequence Chain to grasp the somewhat confusing series of conflicts concerning Richard’s letter from London, first mentioned in line 120. Evaluate Character Invite students to discuss their impressions of Richard Calle, based on the text of his letter. Is he a romantic, truly in love with Margery? Is he merely a schemer, hoping to gain entry into the prominent Paston family? Is he a bit of both? Allow students to speculate while grounding their ideas in textual evidence. BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Review with students the bulleted list of clues to the writer’s purpose on page 127. Have them refer to these clues when determining the purpose of the letter writer. 135 11/22/10 Sequence Chain p. B21 12:05:49 PM Possible answer: Inferences can be made here on the basis of Richard's recounting of Margaret's dealings with his messenger boy and Richard's request to Margery that she tell her mother the truth. Richard and Margery are constrained by the ongoing friction with her family about their relationship. Margaret Paston does not favor the marriage and does not trust Richard. Richard hopes Margery will tell her mother the truth about their relationship and feels the news is better coming from Margery than from him. the paston letters NA_L12TE-u01s07-paston.indd 135 RI 1 RI 6 writer’s purpose . . . When I heard how she [Margery] had behaved, I ordered my servants that she was not to be allowed in my house. I had warned her, and she might have taken heed if she had been well-disposed. I sent messages to one or two others that they 12:05:43 NA_L12PE-u01s24-Paston.indd PM Model the Skill: 135 1/3/11 8:25:12 AM tiered discussion prompts In lines 188–206, use these prompts to help students comprehend and interpret the key points of this letter: Summarize What news is Margaret giving John II? Possible answer: Margaret is telling her son that Margery came back but that Margaret denied her daughter admission to the house; instead, Margery has been sent to stay at Roger Best’s lodgings. 200 Interpret What is Margaret’s tone in this letter? Possible answer: The tone is angry, defensive, and self-righteous. should not let her in if she came. She was brought back to my house to be let in, and James Gloys told those who brought her that I had ordered them all that she should not be allowed in. So my lord of Norwich has lodged her at Roger Best’s, to stay there until the day in question; God knows it is much against his will and his wife’s, but they dare not do otherwise. I am sorry that they are burdened with her, but I am better off with her there than somewhere else, because he and his wife are sober and well-disposed to us, and she will not be allowed to play the good-for-nothing there. g Please do not take all this too hard, because I know that it is a matter close to your heart, as it is to mine and other people’s; but remember, as I do, that we have only lost a good-for-nothing in her, and take it less to heart: if she had been any good, whatever might have happened, things would not have been as they are, for even if he17 were dead now, she would never be as close to me as she was. . . . You can be sure that she will regret her foolishness afterwards, and I pray to God that she does. Please, for my sake, be cheerful about all this. I trust that God will help us; may he do so in all our affairs. argaret to ohn II 28 October 1470 T E X T A N A LY S I S primary sources RI 9 Possible answer: It seems that total obedience is expected of a daughter and that continued disobedience is punished by expulsion from the home. Extend the Discussion In what ways might parents in the United States today handle a situation such as Margery’s unfavorable marriage? Which way of handling things seems better, and why? 210 . . . Unless you pay more attention to your expenses, you will bring great shame on yourself and your friends, and impoverish them so that none of us will be able to help each other, to the great encouragement of our enemies. Those who claim to be your friends in this part of the world realize in what great danger and need you stand, both from various of your friends and from your enemies. It is rumored that I have parted with so much to you that I cannot help either you or any of my friends, which is no honor to us and causes people to esteem us less. At the moment it means that I must disperse my household and lodge somewhere, which I would be very loath to do if I were free to choose. It has caused a great deal of talk in this town and I would not have needed to do it if I had held back when I could. So for God’s sake pay attention and be careful from now on, for I have handed over to you both my own property and your father’s, and have held nothing back, either for myself or for his sake. . . . h writer’s purpose RI 1 RI 6 Possible answer: Margaret writes because she wants her son to stop spending so much money. The complaints may be accurate, but her description of them may be exaggerated. 136 Infer Margaret’s reasons for writing this letter. What rumors does she hope to dispel and why? unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s24-Paston.indd 136 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Vocabulary: Related Vocabulary The italicized text on this page introduces the final three letters. Teach these related words, which signal the letters’ content: Hypothesize Point out that editors were responsible for choosing the letters that appear in this grouping. Have students discuss what they think are the organizing principles for the grouping. Ask them to identify similarities and differences from letter to letter. Also have them suggest the overall view of the Paston family and of the Middle Ages that the grouping as a whole conveys. • struggles, “fights to succeed” • difficulties, “situations that result in trouble and/or embarrassment” • ravages, “very bad effects” • hardships, “conditions that are hard to bear” 136 h WRITER’S PURPOSE 17. he: Richard Calle. READING SKILL h Reread lines 188–198. What behavior seems expected of a daughter? How is disobedience punished? Although the Pastons were considered wealthy, they faced continual struggles. They even experienced occasional financial difficulties, particularly after the death of John I in 1466. John II, though frequently in London to deal with family legal matters, seems at times to have paid more attention to his own interests. The Pastons were also affected by the ravages of warfare and disease. The following three letters deal with some of their hardships. Synthesize In 1469, how would Margaret’s actions have seemed to most people? How would her actions seem today? Possible answer: In 1469, Margaret would have seemed within her rights as a parent; today, however, she would seem cruel to shut out her daughter. g g PRIMARY SOURCES 12:05:51 NA_L12PE-u01 PM unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s07-paston.indd 136 1/3/11 8:25:16 AM 2/10 ohn II to argaret April 1471 220 additional teaching opportunity Mother, I commend myself to you and let you know, blessed be God, my brother John is alive and well, and in no danger of dying. Nevertheless he is badly hurt by an arrow in his right arm below the elbow, and I have sent a surgeon to him, who has dressed the wound; and he tells me that he hopes he will be healed within a very short time. John Mylsent is dead. God have mercy on his soul; William Mylsent is alive and all his other servants seem to have escaped.18 . . . Credibility of Primary Sources Remind students that when evaluating the credibility of information in a primary source, they should always consider an author’s purpose for writing and how these purposes could have affected the information. For example, in lines 207–219, Margaret Paston might well have exaggerated the direness of her predicament in her 28 October 1470 letter to John II if she was strongly motivated to get him to stop spending money. In contrast, in lines 226–237, John II’s letter to John III is likely credible since he had no apparent ulterior reason for altering the information. ohn II to ohn III 15 September 1471 230 . . . Please send me word if any of our friends or well-wishers are dead, for I fear that there is great mortality in Norwich and in other boroughs and towns in Norfolk: I assure you that it is the most widespread plague I ever knew of in England, for by my faith I cannot hear of pilgrims going through the country nor of any other man who rides or goes anywhere, that any town or borough in England is free from the sickness. May God put an end to it, when it please him. So, for God’s sake, get my mother to take care of my younger brothers and see that they are not anywhere where the sickness is prevalent, and that they do not amuse themselves with other young people who go where the sickness is. If anyone has died of the sickness, or is infected with it, in Norwich, for God’s sake let her send them to some friend of hers in the country; I would advise you to do the same. I would rather my mother moved her household into the country. . . . i i PRIMARY SOURCES In this letter, what do you learn about the plague and what people do to avoid being stricken? You might also remind students that when scholars are in doubt as to the credibility of information, they often look for corroboration of facts among other documents from the time. Discuss the kinds of documents scholars might seek out to corroborate the information in the Pastons’ various letters. T E X T A N A LY S I S RI 9 i primary sources Possible answer: The reader learns that the plague is both deadly and widespread. People try to avoid being stricken by not going to places where it has struck and by moving to the country. selection wrap-up 18. my brother John . . . escaped: John II is describing the Battle of Barnet in the War of the Roses. The Pastons fought with the Lancastrian faction, which King Edward IV’s Yorkist faction defeated. 12:05:51 NA_L12PE-u01s24-Paston.indd PM 137 READ WITH A PURPOSE Now that students have read The Paston Letters, ask them to consider how the concerns of families in the 15th the paston letters 137 century are similar to and different than the concerns of families today. Possible answer: 11/22/10 12:05:51 PMThough families today may spend less time resolving civil disputes, they continue to face interpersonal conflicts among their members. for struggling readers for advanced learners/ap Develop Reading Fluency Model for students how to read an excerpt from one of the last three letters using appropriate expression based on the content and punctuation of the letter. Invite students to work in pairs or small groups to practice reading these letters to one another with correct expression. Then, ask students to discuss how the expression demonstrated by fluent readers enhances the listeners' understanding of the letters. Analysis Frame Have students work with Analysis Frame: Literary Nonfiction to generate more ideas about the letters. Urge students to share their insights in class discussion or in writing about the letters. BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Copy Masters Analysis Frame: Literary Nonfiction pp. D21, D48, D49 CRITIQUE Have students compare and contrast the styles and personalities of the individual writers. After completing the After Reading questions on page 138, have students revisit their responses and tell whether they have changed their opinions. INDEPENDENT READING Students may also enjoy reading Joan of Arc, by Mark Twain. the paston letters NA_L12TE-u01s07-paston.indd 137 137 1/3/11 8:25:20 AM After Reading Practice and Apply Comprehension For preliminary support of post-reading questions, use these copy masters: 1. Recall What occurred at the Paston family estate of Hellesdon in October 1465? 2. Clarify Why does Margaret Paston consider her daughter Margery a “good-for-nothing”? RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Masters 3. Summarize Briefly summarize Margaret’s message to John II in her letter of 28 October 1470. Reading Check p. 113 Primary Sources p. 109 Question Support p. 114 Additional selection questions are provided for teachers on page 103. answers Text Analysis 4. Understand Writer’s Purpose Review the chart you made as you read. Describe each letter writer’s purpose on the basis of your inferences. Defend your conclusions with evidence from the text. 5. Draw Conclusions What conclusions did you draw about each letter writer’s personality? In a chart, provide an appropriate adjective to describe each person. Support your descriptions with evidence from the letters. RI 1, RI 6, RI 9, L 3 1. The duke of Suffolk sent men to arrest and threaten people loyal to the Pastons and to ransack the Paston property. Family Member Evidence Richard Calle John II 3. Stop spending so much. I have had to move because of your spending. 6. Analyze Primary Sources What do you learn from these letters about life in 15th-century England? Comment on what they tell you about the role property and family played in people’s lives at that time. Possible answers: 7. Analyze Style These letters have been translated from Middle English into Modern English, but care was taken to preserve features of their original style. What do you notice about the language used in the letters? Does the language seem suited to the context? Explain. common core focus Understand Writer's Purpose Purposes and clues will vary. 5. Margaret: capable—she defends herself. Richard Calle: put-upon—Margaret plots against him; he is frustrated with Margery. John II: irresponsible—his spending has diminished the family fortune. 6. Description Margaret 2. Margery married below her station without her parents’ consent. 4. RI 1 Cite evidence to support inferences drawn from the text. RI 6 Determine an author’s purpose in a text, analyzing how content contributes to the power, persuasiveness, or beauty of the text. RI 9 Analyze documents of historical and literary significance for their themes, purposes, and rhetorical features. L 3 Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts. Text Criticism 8. Critical Interpretations Critics have commented that the Paston letters should be read for their historical value, not their literary value. Do you agree? Explain why the letters are or are not “literature.” common core focus Primary Sources These letters suggest that questions of property ownership and family relations were of utmost importance to people in 15th-century England. What disturbs your sense of security? What are some of the negative results that might occur if you become overly concerned with losing your sense of security? Include specific examples to illustrate your point. 138 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods Assess and Reteach 7. The language and138style are formal. Possible answer to second question: While this period of time was one of disorder, people used formal language when speaking and writing, so the language seems suited to the context. NA_L12PE-u01s24-arPaston.indd Assess DIAGNOSTIC AND SELECTION TESTS Selection Tests A, B/C pp. 45–46, 47–48 Reteach Level Up Online Tutorials on thinkcentral.com Reteaching Worksheets on thinkcentral.com: Reading Lesson 3: Determining Author’s Purpose Study Skills Lesson 5: Using Primary and Secondary Sources 138 8. Agree: The letters are not literature because they are written for a practical purpose. Disagree: They are literature because the writing is deeply felt. 1/8/11 12:06:45 NA_L12PE-u01 PM What disturbs your sense of SECURITY? Possible answer: Being overly concerned about losing your sense of security could cause you to become isolated and unrealistically fearful. For example, you might refuse to travel on airplanes for fear of imagined security threats. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12TE-u01s07-paston.indd 138 1/13/11 11:04:09 AM 2/10 Wrap-Up: Reflections of Common Life Literature and the Common Life By reading autobiographies, such as Margery Kempe’s, and letters, such as Margaret Paston’s, a reader can learn more intimately about what life was like during the writer’s time: in this case, the Middle Ages. Nonfiction writing brings the lives of its authors to life in the reader’s imagination. Writing to Compare Comparing two people, places, or things can help you reach a greater understanding about both of them. Write a comparison of two of the major figures in the nonfiction selections in the “Reflections of Common Life” section, using a chart like the one below to help you organize your thoughts. Then, select three of the categories from your chart. What major similarities or differences do you notice about the two figures based on these categories? What generalizations can you make about what their lives might have been like in the Middle Ages based on these similarities or differences? Include evidence from the two texts to support your analysis. Organize your essay by category to build toward your generalization. Name #1 Name #2 Occupation/Role Socioeconomic Status Extension SPEAKING & LISTENING Imagine a meeting between Margery Kempe and Margaret Paston. What might the two women discuss? With a partner, brainstorm some of the topics you think would come up in a conversation between the two. Then choose roles and role-play their conversation for the class. You might focus on one topic, such as family relationships, for your performance. W 2a Organize ideas and information so that each element builds on that which precedes it. W 2b Develop the topic by selecting facts, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples. W 9 Draw evidence from texts to support analysis. SL 1a Draw on preparation by referring to evidence from texts to stimulate a thoughtful exchange of ideas. SL 1b Work with peers to set clear goals and establish individual roles. Wrap-Up: Reflections of Common Life W 2a–b Organize ideas and information so that each element builds on that which precedes it; develop the topic by selecting facts, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples. W 9 Draw evidence from texts to support analysis. SL 1a–b Draw on preparation by referring to evidence from texts to stimulate a thoughtful exchange of ideas; work with peers to set clear goals and establish individual roles. Family Relationships Hardships/Concerns Joys/Rewards This Wrap-Up provides students with an opportunity to compare and contrast writers of medieval England in order to develop a general understanding of that time and place. Have students begin by reviewing the writings that they have read by each author. Use discussion to remind all students of the major characteristics of each author’s life and writing. Writing to Compare Role of Religion in Life • Have students work in small groups to complete the chart. Instruct them to brainstorm answers, one row of the chart at a time. Have each group arrive at a consensus about points to record, with a group secretary noting the agreed-upon points. To compare and contrast the characters, encourage lively discussion and allow students to write several generalizations. 139 12:06:33 NA_L12PE-u01s60-wu2.indd PM 139 differentiated instruction 12/15/10 • Urge students to draw from these charts as they write their analyses, considering similarities and differences that they can support. 7:29:25 PM Extension for struggling writers Comprehension Support • Make sure that students understand the headings on the chart. Go through the headings from top to bottom and ask volunteers at any level of proficiency to provide brief explanations of each one. For example, Socioeconomic Status might be explained as “a person’s position in society, having to do with his or her wealth and social class.” • Have students work in groups of mixed proficiency to complete the chart. To help students compare and contrast their chosen nonfiction authors, encourage them to pause after each line is filled out and state whether the two authors were mostly alike or mostly different. • Suggest that students choose a topic from the headings that run down the left-hand side of the chart on this page. • Encourage students to return to the two relevant texts and search for stated or implied details about the topic. • Have students rehearse their conversations before performing. wr ap–up NA_L12TE-u01s07-paston.indd 139 139 1/3/11 8:25:32 AM Text Analysis Workshop RL 3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story. RL 6 Analyze a case in which grasping a point of view requires distinguishing what is directly stated in a text from what is really meant (e.g., irony). RL 9 Demonstrate knowledge of foundational works of literature, including how two or more texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics. The Medieval Reader Types of Narratives Help students to create a chart that distinguishes among the medieval narratives and contains examples of each from the unit. Review the characteristics of each one. Imagine you are living in London, England, in the year 1398, and you are similar to the type of person you are now: a student reading and learning about literature. What would you be reading? As an educated person in the 14th century, what might be of interest to you? The Medieval Reader Included in this workshop: RL 3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story. RL 6 Analyze a case in which grasping a point of view requires distinguishing what is directly stated in a text from what is really meant (e.g., irony). RL 9 Demonstrate knowledge of foundational works of literature, including how two or more texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics. • ballad: a type of narrative poem that tells a story and has a regular pattern of rhythm and rhyme (“Barbara Allan,” “Robin Hood and the Three Squires,” “Get Up and Bar the Door”) By the end of the 14th century, a typical Londoner who could read would have been interested in narratives—a type of writing that relates a series of events— written in verse. Typical medieval narratives included ballads, romances, allegories, and moral tales. Most of them were religious in theme, but many others were Detail of Lydgate and the Canterbury Pilgrims concerned with love, exemplary leaving Canterbury (1520) life and behavior, and political and societal issues. Although comedy and humor are not something we often associate with the Middle Ages, the medieval mind had a sophisticated sense of irony and a taste for comic narratives, which were, in fact, common. Between 1350 and 1400, a large body of narrative works was produced in England. These were written in Middle English, a language that had developed and replaced the use of French, which had been the predominant language of educated people in Britain. Literacy had become more common, and books were more widely available, although they were still copied by hand; thus, educated citizens had access to more literary works. Popular narratives of the time included Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (page 230) and the King Arthur romance (page 248), with their themes of chivalry, love, and religious devotion; William Langland’s Piers Plowman (page 124), an allegory that exposed the corruption of church, state, and society; and Geoffrey Chaucer’s groundbreaking work, The Canterbury Tales (page 144). It was Chaucer, with his sense of humor, style, and realistic characterizations, who overshadowed his peers and became known to subsequent generations as one of the greatest poets in the history of English literature. • medieval romance: an adventure tale with extravagant characters, exotic places, heroic events, passionate love, and supernatural forces (Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, King Arthur legends) • allegory: a narrative in which every character and event is a symbol that represents an idea, religious principle, or moral (Piers Plowman) Characteristics of Chaucer’s Style Chaucer had no illusions about humanity, and yet his works show a compassion and fondness for human nature with all its faults and idiosyncrasies. Though The Canterbury Tales went unfinished, it is the work that best exhibits his unique style, which encompasses a variety of traits. • moral tale: a narrative that illustrates a moral lesson, such as a fable or an exemplum (“The Pardoner’s Tale”) Point out that Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales contains nearly every type of medieval narrative, including romance, allegory, and moral tale. Medieval Narratives 140 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s30-law.indd 140 12/15/10 differentiated instruction Characteristics of Chaucer’s Style Poetic Narrative Point out to students that The Canterbury Tales is a narrative poem. Consequently, it contains story elements as well as poetic elements. for struggling readers RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master Note Taking For students who are unfamiliar with medieval narratives or need help with note taking, hand out the copy master at the start of the workshop. Explain to students that they will be learning many terms in this workshop related to medieval narratives and Chaucer’s style. Discuss the terms on this spread, as students record notes on the copy master. Note Taking p. 115 7:29:35 NA_L12PE-u01 PM 140 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01-lw2.indd 140 1/3/11 8:16:03 AM 15/10 chaucer’s frame story • Imagery and Figurative Language Chaucer uses sparse but vivid imagery and figurative language to describe his characters’ physical appearance, as in his depiction of the Summoner: “His face on fire, like a cherubin, / For he had carbuncles.” • Irony The contrast between expectation and reality is known as irony. The ironist seems to be writing with tongue in cheek, and Chaucer is a master of it. While calling attention to his characters’ faults, he also emphasizes their essential humanity. This gives his writing a tone of detachment and compassion. Note the irony he uses in his description of the Doctor, one of the pilgrims described in “The Prologue” to The Canterbury Tales. Yet he was rather close as to expenses And kept the gold he won in pestilences. Gold stimulates the heart, or so we’re told. He therefore had a special love of gold. —from “The Prologue” • Characterization A writer develops characters by describing their physical appearance, making direct statements about them, and allowing them to express their personalities through dialogue. In The Canterbury Tales, each of Chaucer’s characters is also clearly differentiated by the type of story he or she tells and the voice in which each tale is told. Compare these two passages, the first narrated by the Pardoner, and the second narrated by the Wife of Bath. Imagery and Figurative Language Remind students that poets use words in imaginative ways, often expressing ideas that are not literally true. The Summoner’s face, for example, is obviously not on fire. Ask them what this metaphor means. Possible answer: His face is bright red because of the carbuncles, or sores. The frame story is a literary device that joins together one or more stories within a larger story, or frame. Frame stories have been used throughout the world and date back to antiquity. The Panchatantra, a collection of Sanskrit fables gathered around 200 b.c., is an ancient Indian example of a frame story. Giovanni Boccaccio’s Decameron (page 208) is a well-known Italian frame story in which a collection of stories are told by different characters. The Canterbury Tales is one of the most famous examples of the frame story. In his innovative use of the device, Chaucer interwove the frame with the tales. The plot of the frame involves pilgrims on a pilgrimage who are challenged to compete in telling the best tale. Chaucer reveals the pilgrims’ personalities not only through their interactions between tales but also by the tales they tell. As a result, the frame itself acts as a long and engaging narrative whole. It’s of three rioters I have to tell Who, long before the morning service bell, Were sitting in a tavern for a drink. Irony Review with students the three kinds of irony: Verbal irony occurs when someone states one thing and means another. Situational irony is a contrast between what is expected to happen and what actually happens. In dramatic irony, the readers know more than the character or characters do. Ask them what kind of irony Chaucer uses in the excerpt about the Doctor. (verbal irony) Characterization Make sure that students understand that Chaucer’s fame derives in part from his ability to match each pilgrim with his or her tale, as if no other character could have told that story. Close Read Possible answer: The Doctor seems to place money above helping people; the Pardoner seems directed outward, with an interest in violence and drinking; the Wife of Bath seems introspective, ironic, and self-effacing. —from “The Pardoner’s Tale” chaucer’s frame story Close Read Others assert we women find it sweet When we are thought dependable, discreet And secret, firm of purpose and controlled, Never betraying things that we are told. —from “The Wife of Bath’s Tale” Point out to students that Chaucer’s matching of story and character allows him to achieve deeper characterization of his pilgrims and to create additional levels of irony within each story. On the basis of these excerpts, how would you characterize the narrator of each tale? text analysis workshop 7:29:35 NA_L12PE-u01s30-law.indd PM 141 141 12/15/10 for english language learners Language: Skill Words Help students use context and prior knowledge to determine the meanings of these boldface words: • narrative, “writing that tells of an event or a series of events” • figurative language, “language that communicates ideas beyond the literal meanings of words” • characterization, “the techniques that writers use to develop characters” 7:29:42 PM • frame story, “a framework or structure for telling several stories within a story” for advanced learners/ap Character Sketch Encourage students to create a character sketch of one of Chaucer’s pilgrims mentioned on this page, speculating on what the character is like. Have them give reasons for their analysis. Ask them to keep their sketches for comparison after they read The Canterbury Tales. text analysis workshop NA_L12TE-u01-lw2.indd 141 141 1/3/11 8:16:13 AM The Age of Chaucer Focus and Motivate RL 1 Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly. RL 3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story. RL 4 Analyze the impact of specific word choices on tone. RL 10 Read and comprehend literature. RL 1 Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly. RL 3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story. RL 4 Analyze the impact of specific word choices on tone. RL 10 Read and comprehend literature. L 4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown words. L 5 Demonstrate understanding of descriptive details. L 6 Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words. did you know? about the author • held various jobs, including royal messenger, justice of the peace, and forester. Encourage students to consider why Chaucer chose to write The Canterbury Tales in English—the language of England’s common folk—rather than in French or Latin. The Prologue from The Canterbury Tales • was captured and held for ransom while fighting for England in the Hundred Years’ War. • portrayed himself as a foolish character in a number of works. notable quote “Full wise is he that can himself know.” – Geoffrey Chaucer Invite students to speculate what the quote suggests about Geoffrey Chaucer as a critic of human nature. Possible answer: Chaucer probably takes an honest view of his characters’ weaknesses and hypocrisy. ecos Poem by Geoffrey Chaucer Translated by Nevill Coghill VIDEO TRAILER KEYWORD: HML12-142A Meet the Author Geoffrey Chaucer Geoffrey Chaucer . . . Essential Course of Study 1340?–1400 Geoffrey Chaucer made an enormous mark on the language and literature of England. Writing in an age when French was widely spoken in educated circles, Chaucer was among the first writers to show that English could be a respectable literary language. Today, his work is considered a cornerstone of English literature. Befriended by Royalty Chaucer was born sometime between 1340 and 1343, probably in London, in an era when expanding commerce was helping to bring about growth in villages and cities. His family, though not noble, was well off, and his parents were able to place him in the household of the wife of Prince Lionel, a son of King Edward III, where he served as an attendant. Such a position was a vital means of advancement; the young Chaucer learned the customs of o upper-class life and came into contact with influential co people. It may m have been during this period that Chaucer met Lionel’s younger bbrother, John of Gaunt, would become Chaucer’s who w lifelong patron and a leading life political figure of the day. po A Knight K and a W Writer Although Chaucer wrote his first C important work around 1370, writing was always a sideline; his primary career was in diplomacy. During Richard II’s troubled reign (1377 to 1399), Chaucer was appointed a member of Parliament and knight of the shire. When Richard II was overthrown in 1399 by Henry Bolingbroke (who became King Henry IV), Chaucer managed to retain his political position, as Henry was the son of John of Gaunt. Despite the turmoil of the 1380s and 1390s, the last two decades of Chaucer’s life saw his finest literary achievements— the brilliant verse romance Troilus and Criseyde and his masterpiece, The Canterbury Tales, a collection of verse and prose tales of many different kinds. At the time of his death, Chaucer had penned nearly 20,000 lines of The Canterbury Tales, but many more tales were planned. Uncommon Honor When he died in 1400, Chaucer was accorded a rare honor for a commoner—burial in London’s Westminster Abbey. In 1556, an admirer erected an elaborate marble monument to his memory. This was the beginning of the Abbey’s famous Poets’ Corner, where many of England’s most distinguished writers have since been buried. Author Online Go to thinkcentral.com. KEYWORD: HML12-142B Selection Resources NA_L12PE-u01s31-brProlog.indd See resources on the Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM and on thinkcentral.com. RESOURCE MANAGER UNIT 1 BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT Plan and Teach, pp. 117–124 Summary, pp. 125–126†‡* Text Analysis and Reading Skill, pp. 127–130†* Vocabulary, pp. 131–133* New Word Analysis, p. E8 Character Traits Web, p. D7 Classification Chart, p. B17 INTERACTIVE READER ADAPTED INTERACTIVE READER DIAGNOSTIC AND SELECTION TESTS Selection Tests, pp. 49–52 * Resources for Differentiation NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd 142 ELL ADAPTED INTERACTIVE READER † Also in Spanish 142 11/22/10 Video Trailer TECHNOLOGY Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM Student One Stop DVD-ROM PowerNotes DVD-ROM Audio Anthology CD GrammarNotes DVD-ROM ExamView Test Generator on the Teacher One Stop 12:14:35 NA_L12PE-u01 PM Go to thinkcentral.com to preview the Video Trailer introducing this selection. Other features that support the selection include • PowerNotes presentation • ThinkAloud models to enhance comprehension • WordSharp vocabulary tutorials • interactive writing and grammar instruction ‡ In Haitian Creole and Vietnamese 1/3/11 8:02:49 AM 2/10 Teach text analysis: characterization Characterization refers to the techniques a writer uses to develop characters. In “The Prologue,” the introduction to The Canterbury Tales, Chaucer offers a vivid portrait of English society during the Middle Ages. Among his 30 characters are clergy, aristocrats, and commoners. Chaucer employs a dramatic structure similar to Boccaccio’s The Decameron—each pilgrim tells a tale. Some of the ways Chaucer characterizes the pilgrims include • description of a character’s appearance • examples of a character’s speech, thoughts, and actions • the responses of others to a character • the narrator’s direct, or explicit, comments about a character As you read, look for details that reveal the character traits, or consistent qualities, of each pilgrim. reading strategy: paraphrase Reading medieval texts, such as The Canterbury Tales, can be challenging because they often contain unfamiliar words and complex sentences. One way that you can make sense of Chaucer’s work is to paraphrase, or restate information in your own words. A paraphrase is usually the same length as the original text but contains simpler language. As you read, paraphrase difficult passages. Here is an example. Chaucer’s Words Paraphrase “When in April the sweet showers fall/And pierce the drought of March to the root, . . . ” (lines 1–2) When the April rains come and end the dryness of March, . . . What makes a great What makes a great character? Creating a great character requires a sharp eye for detail, a keen understanding of people, and a brilliant imagination—all of which Chaucer possessed. Chaucer populated The Canterbury Tales with a colorful cast of characters whose virtues and flaws ring true even today, hundreds of years later. CHARACTER? Introduce the question and invite each student to name a favorite character from a novel or short story. What draws them to each character? Then read the paragraph that follows and have partners complete the QUICK WRITE activity. QUICKWRITE Work with a partner to invent a character. Start with an intriguing name. Then come up with questions that will reveal basic information about the character, such as his or her age, physical appearance, family and friends, job, home, and personal tastes. Brainstorm possible answers for the questions. Then circle the responses that have the best potential for making a lively character. T E X T A N A LY S I S Model the Skill: characterization Model for students how to learn about Chaucer from his actions, based on the biography on the previous page. Explain that the biography shows that he was capable, multitalented, and creative. GUIDED PRACTICE Ask students what they can tell about Chaucer from the way his countrymen treated him at his death. Name: Bartholomew Throckmorton vocabulary in context The following boldfaced words are critical to understanding Chaucer’s literary masterpiece. Try to figure out the meaning of each word from its context. 1. The refined gentleman always behaved with courtliness. 2. She remained calm and sedately finished her meal. 3. The popular politician was charming and personable. 4. When you save money in a bank, interest will accrue. 1. What is his occupation? duke squire to a knight sea captain town doctor grave digger 2. Where does he live? 3. 4. 5. R E A D I N G STR ATEG Y RL 10 Model the Skill: paraphrase Write this example on the board: The thoughtless lass her mother did distress, For her extravagance and utter laziness. 5. Does she suffer from heart disease or another malady? 6. She made an entreaty to the king, asking for a pardon. Complete the activities in your Reader/Writer Notebook. Model for students how to paraphrase this example by restating it as follows: the canterbury tales 12:14:35 NA_L12PE-u01s31-brProlog.indd PM V O C A B 143 ULARY SKILL vocabulary in context DIAGNOSE WORD KNOWLEDGE Have all students complete Vocabulary in Context. Check their definitions against the following. accrue (E-krLP) v. to be added or gained; to accumulate courtliness (kôrtPlC-nGs) n. polite, elegant manners; refined behavior entreaty (Dn-trCPtC) n. a serious request or plea malady (mBlPE-dC) n. a disease or disorder; an ailment 143 11/22/10 L4 personable (pûrPsE-nE-bEl) adj. pleasing in behavior and appearance sedately (sG-dAtPlC) adj. in a composed, dignified manner; calmly 12:14:48 PM The inconsiderate girl worried her mother because the girl was lazy and spent too much money. RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master Paraphrase p. 129 (for student use while reading the selection) PRETEACH VOCABULARY Preteach vocabulary with this copy master. Read each item aloud. RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master Vocabulary Study p. 131 the canterbury tales NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd 143 RL 1 RL 3 143 1/3/11 8:02:59 AM Practice and Apply summary In this narrative poem, 30 pilgrims traveling to the shrine at Canterbury agree to go together and tell stories on the way. In “The Prologue,” the narrator introduces each member of the group—a sampling of 14th-century farmers and townsfolk, laity and clergy, saints and sinners. he canterbury tales Geoffrey Chaucer The read with a purpose Help students set a purpose for reading. Tell them to read “The Prologue” to learn about the characters that will narrate The Canterbury Tales. background In “The Prologue” of The Canterbury Tales, a group gathers at the Tabard Inn in Southwark, a town just south of London, to make a pilgrimage to the shrine of Saint Thomas à Becket at Canterbury. At the suggestion of the innkeeper, the group decides to hold a storytelling competition to pass the time as they travel. “The Prologue” introduces the “sundry folk” who will tell the stories and is followed by the tales themselves—24 in all. R E A D I N G STR ATEG Y a RL 10 paraphrase Possible answer: Paraphrase: When April’s showers end March’s drought, and vital rain bathes the plants’ roots; when the wind blows through every woodland and plain on sprouting plants; and the spring sun moves into the sign of the Ram; and young birds sing—birds that have hardly slept, as they are so invigorated; at that time, people journey to religious shrines; these pilgrims long to visit the unfamiliar grounds of longgone saints, revered in many places; and especially from every county of England, they go down to Canterbury to visit the shrine of St. Thomas à Becket, who helped them when they were sick. The improved weather in April inspires them to leave their homes and undertake a pilgrimage. IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Paraphrase the passage line by line with them, continuing the chart that appears on the previous page. Chaucer’s Words “ . . . and all / The veins are bathed in liquor of such power . . . ” (lines 2–3) 144 Paraphrase . . . and vital rain water bathes the plants’ roots . . . prologue 5 10 15 When in April the sweet showers fall And pierce the drought of March to the root, and all The veins are bathed in liquor of such power As brings about the engendering of the flower, When also Zephyrus with his sweet breath Exhales an air in every grove and heath Upon the tender shoots, and the young sun His half-course in the sign of the Ram has run, And the small fowl are making melody That sleep away the night with open eye (So nature pricks them and their heart engages) Then people long to go on pilgrimages And palmers long to seek the stranger strands Of far-off saints, hallowed in sundry lands, And specially, from every shire’s end Of England, down to Canterbury they wend To seek the holy blissful martyr, quick To give his help to them when they were sick. a 5 Zephyrus (zDfPEr-Es): the Greek god of the west wind. 8 the Ram: Aries—the first sign of the zodiac. The time is mid-April. 13 palmers: people journeying to religious shrines; pilgrims; strands: shores. 14 sundry (sOnPdrC): various. 15 shire’s: county’s. 17 martyr: St. Thomas à Becket. a PARAPHRASE 20 144 It happened in that season that one day In Southwark, at The Tabard, as I lay unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s31-Prolog.indd Restate lines 1–18. Why does the group make its pilgrimage in April? Illustrations by Teresa Fasolino. 144 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners for struggling readers Vocabulary Support Use New Word Analysis to teach these words: seek (line 13), style (line 108), text (line 181), undertake (line 298), draft (line 335), legal (line 595), notion (line 797). Have students listen to the Audio Anthology CD for this selection. Encourage struggling readers to model their own reading on that featured in this resource. Direct them to pay particular attention to the pacing and expression demonstrated by the reader. BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency New Word Analysis p. E8 12:15:08 NA_L12PE-u0 PM unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd 144 1/3/11 8:03:08 AM 2/10 Reading Support This selection on thinkcentral.com includes embedded ThinkAloud models–students “thinking aloud” about the story to model the kinds of questions a good reader would ask about a selection. background The Pilgrim’s World No wonder Chaucer’s pilgrims gratefully welcomed spring and traveled to thank St. Thomas à Becket for rescuing them from sickness. Winter in 14th-century England was especially dark, cold, and brutal. The earth’s climate was going through a long, cold period, which has been dubbed “the Little Ice Age.” The only heat or light available came from the sun, the moon, or fire. The Black Death (1347–1349) was a recent memory and a constant worry. There were outbreaks in 1369, 1374–1375, 1379, and 1390. Medicine was primitive, and superstition was widespread. England lost about 40 percent of its population during that century. Food shortages, which caused hunger and malnutrition, contributed to the general misery. So, too, did the Hundred Years’ War with France and the Peasant’s Revolt (1381). The pilgrims had good cause to hope that their prayers to St. Thomas might allay some of their suffering. Analyze Visuals Activity Compare the picture with the opening to Chaucer’s “Prologue.” What details in the art match those in his text? 12:15:08 NA_L12PE-u01s31-Prolog.indd PM 145 11/22/10 for advanced learners/ap for advanced learners/ap Expert Groups Encourage students to become subject experts by selecting and researching one of the following topics: Have students read lines 1–18 and rewrite them as a poem using modern day language and figurative language. Encourage students to use sensory details and metaphors in their poems. • the Norman Conquest • 14th-century inns Possible answer: Both depict the showers of April, the blooming of plant life across the countryside, and the arrival of hopeful, sunny days. The painting also shows the Oxford 12:15:18 PM Cleric, the Squire, the Prioress, the Monk, and the Knight on horseback and attired in 14thcentury garb, wending their way to a holy shrine. • Thomas à Becket Encourage students to prepare brief oral or written reports in order to share their findings. the canterbury tales NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd 145 145 1/3/11 8:03:16 AM revisit the big question 25 What makes a great CHARACTER? Discuss In lines 23–34, who is the narrator of this poem? Possible answer: The narrator is a pilgrim on his way to Canterbury. What is revealed about his character in this passage? Possible answer: The passage shows that he is gregarious, friendly, interested in people, and a natural leader who convinced everyone to travel together (lines 31–34). 30 35 R E A D I N G STR ATEG Y b paraphrase RL 10 40 Possible answer: Paraphrase: Nevertheless, while I am free to do it, before my story progresses further, it makes sense to explain their circumstances, a complete description of each pilgrim—as I saw them—according to their work and station in life, as well as what they wore during the trip; and I will begin with the Knight. The narrator sets out to describe the “full array” of pilgrims traveling to Canterbury: the profession, social status, and physical appearance of each one. 45 50 IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Go over the passage line by line with them. 55 Extend the Discussion Why did Chaucer begin with the Knight? 60 background Medieval Conflicts A knight in Chaucer’s day may very well have witnessed the battles referred to in lines 51–67. Scholars have argued that these allusions refer to campaigns in North Africa between 1340 and 1380; to wars with France between 1345 and 1360; and to knights’ campaigns in Lithuania and Russia (1380s). 146 Ready to go on pilgrimage and start For Canterbury, most devout at heart, At night there came into that hostelry Some nine and twenty in a company Of sundry folk happening then to fall In fellowship, and they were pilgrims all That towards Canterbury meant to ride. The rooms and stables of the inn were wide; They made us easy, all was of the best. And, briefly, when the sun had gone to rest, I’d spoken to them all upon the trip And was soon one with them in fellowship, Pledged to rise early and to take the way To Canterbury, as you heard me say. But none the less, while I have time and space, Before my story takes a further pace, It seems a reasonable thing to say What their condition was, the full array Of each of them, as it appeared to me, According to profession and degree, And what apparel they were riding in; And at a Knight I therefore will begin. b There was a Knight, a most distinguished man, Who from the day on which he first began To ride abroad had followed chivalry, Truth, honor, generousness and courtesy. He had done nobly in his sovereign’s war And ridden into battle, no man more, As well in Christian as in heathen places, And ever honored for his noble graces. When we took Alexandria, he was there. He often sat at table in the chair Of honor, above all nations, when in Prussia. In Lithuania he had ridden, and Russia, No Christian man so often, of his rank. When, in Granada, Algeciras sank Under assault, he had been there, and in North Africa, raiding Benamarin; In Anatolia he had been as well And fought when Ayas and Attalia fell, For all along the Mediterranean coast He had embarked with many a noble host. In fifteen mortal battles he had been And jousted for our faith at Tramissene Language Coach Roots and Affixes The suffix -ship can mean “someone entitled to a specific rank of” (lordship), “art or skill of” (craftsmanship), or “state of” (friendship). Which meaning applies to fellowship? Give another example of each use of -ship. b PARAPHRASE Paraphrase lines 35–42. What does the narrator set out to accomplish in “The Prologue”? 45 chivalry (shGvPEl-rC): the code of behavior of medieval knights, which stressed the values listed in line 46. 51 Alexandria: a city in Egypt, captured by European Christians in 1365. All the places named in lines 51–64 were scenes of conflicts in which medieval Christians battled Muslims and other non-Christian peoples. 64 jousted: fought with a lance in an arranged battle against another knight. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s31-Prolog.indd 146 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners Language Coach Roots and Affixes Answer: “state of”; ladyship, scholarship, companionship Have students practice using words with the suffix -ship in two or three sentences. 146 23 hostelry (hJsPtEl-rC): inn. 12:15:23 NA_L12PE-u01 PM for advanced learners/ap Research [small-group option] Point out the various places mentioned in lines 51–67. Have students find these sites on a map. Then have them research the various battles that took place at these sites. Allow time for students to share their findings. unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd 146 1/3/11 8:03:22 AM 2/10 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 Thrice in the lists, and always killed his man. This same distinguished knight had led the van Once with the Bey of Balat, doing work For him against another heathen Turk; He was of sovereign value in all eyes. And though so much distinguished, he was wise And in his bearing modest as a maid. He never yet a boorish thing had said In all his life to any, come what might; He was a true, a perfect gentle-knight. c Speaking of his equipment, he possessed Fine horses, but he was not gaily dressed. He wore a fustian tunic stained and dark With smudges where his armor had left mark; Just home from service, he had joined our ranks To do his pilgrimage and render thanks. 65 thrice: three times; lists: fenced areas for jousting. 66 van: vanguard—the troops foremost in an attack. 67 Bey of Balat: a Turkish ruler. T E X T A N A LY S I S c He had his son with him, a fine young Squire, A lover and cadet, a lad of fire With locks as curly as if they had been pressed. He was some twenty years of age, I guessed. In stature he was of a moderate length, With wonderful agility and strength. He’d seen some service with the cavalry In Flanders and Artois and Picardy And had done valiantly in little space Of time, in hope to win his lady’s grace. He was embroidered like a meadow bright And full of freshest flowers, red and white. Singing he was, or fluting all the day; He was as fresh as is the month of May. Short was his gown, the sleeves were long and wide; He knew the way to sit a horse and ride. He could make songs and poems and recite, Knew how to joust and dance, to draw and write. He loved so hotly that till dawn grew pale He slept as little as a nightingale. Courteous he was, lowly and serviceable, And carved to serve his father at the table. 81 Squire: a young man attending on and receiving training from a knight. There was a Yeoman with him at his side, No other servant; so he chose to ride. This Yeoman wore a coat and hood of green, And peacock-feathered arrows, bright and keen And neatly sheathed, hung at his belt the while 103 Yeoman (yIPmEn): an attendant in a noble household; him: the Knight. 82 cadet: soldier in training. characterization tiered discussion prompts In lines 81–102, use these prompts to help students understand the character of the Squire in relation to the Knight: 88 Flanders and Artois (är-twäP) and Picardy (pGkPEr-dC): areas in what is now Belgium and northern France. Connect What does the expression “like father, like son” mean to you? Possible answer: The expression suggests that fathers and sons often share similar characteristics. 93 fluting: whistling. Analyze Does the expression apply to the Squire and the Knight? Possible answer: The Squire displays agility, strength (line 86), bravery (line 89), and courtesy (line 101), just like his father. However, he does not have his father’s experience, though he will acquire it in time. 147 147 11/22/10 for struggling readers for advanced learners/ap Visualization Encourage students to try to visualize each pilgrim. Have students close their eyes and listen as you read aloud the description of the Knight. Ask them to recall specific details. Record these details in the first column of a two-column chart. Repeat this procedure with the Squire. Help students use the chart to compare these two characters. Allusions Read aloud the Background note on the previous page to students and have them reread the side note about Chaucer’s allusions to battles in lines 51–69. What assumptions might Chaucer’s audience have made, based on these allusions? What conclusions can be drawn from these allusions about the political situations in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East at this time? What do they suggest about life in Chaucer’s time? 12:15:23 PM Evaluate Which details about the Squire make him seem real, rather than idealized like the Knight? Possible answer: The Squire displays many characteristics of a young, romantic knight-in-training who wishes to follow in his father’s footsteps: He has fire (passion), dedication (lines 82–90), and desire to serve his father (line 102). However, he is also concerned with his appearance and the impression he makes. Unlike his father, the Squire dresses ostentatiously (lines 91–92, 95) and enjoys frivolous pastimes (lines 97–100). the canterbury tales NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd 147 RL 1 RL 3 Possible answer: The Knight’s actions reveal that he is a model of chivalry: On the battlefield, he is brave and successful (lines 53–69). Off the battlefield, he is modest, wise, and genteel (lines 70–72). Moreover, he immediately seeks penance after his fighting (lines 79–80). 77 fustian (fOsPchEn): a strong cloth made of linen and cotton. the canterbury tales 12:15:23 NA_L12PE-u01s31-Prolog.indd PM c CHARACTERIZATION Reread lines 43–74. What do the Knight’s actions on and off the battlefield reveal about his character? Cite details to support your answer. 147 1/3/11 8:03:26 AM 110 tiered discussion prompts In lines 108–121, use these prompts to help students understand Chaucer’s ironic treatment of the Yeoman: 115 Connect What would you think if a friend described somebody’s physical characteristics only? Accept all thoughtful responses. Analyze What information, besides the Yeoman’s head resembling a nut (line 111), suggests that Chaucer does not take this character seriously? Possible answer: Chaucer describes only his clothing, which seems to be showy. 120 125 VOCABULARY own the word L4 130 • courtliness: Have students reread the passage about the Prioress’s courtliness. Then have students list modern-day behaviors that could be described as courtly. 135 • sedately: Have students name synonyms for the adjective sedate. Possible answers: composed, dignified, calm 140 T E X T A N A LY S I S d characterization RL 1 RL 3 Possible answer: The Prioress speaks French with an inauthentic English intonation. Her table manners are coarse, despite her efforts to be elegant: She reaches for meat with her hands, dips her fingers in the sauce, and eats everything on her plate. The phrase “straining / To counterfeit a courtly kind of grace” (lines 142–143) is a clue. differentiated instruction 145 150 148 —For he could dress his gear in yeoman style, His arrows never drooped their feathers low— And in his hand he bore a mighty bow. His head was like a nut, his face was brown. He knew the whole of woodcraft up and down. A saucy brace was on his arm to ward It from the bow-string, and a shield and sword Hung at one side, and at the other slipped A jaunty dirk, spear-sharp and well-equipped. A medal of St. Christopher he wore Of shining silver on his breast, and bore A hunting-horn, well slung and burnished clean, That dangled from a baldrick of bright green. He was a proper forester, I guess. There also was a Nun, a Prioress, Her way of smiling very simple and coy. Her greatest oath was only “By St. Loy!” And she was known as Madam Eglantyne. And well she sang a service, with a fine Intoning through her nose, as was most seemly, And she spoke daintily in French, extremely, After the school of Stratford-atte-Bowe; French in the Paris style she did not know. At meat her manners were well taught withal; No morsel from her lips did she let fall, Nor dipped her fingers in the sauce too deep; But she could carry a morsel up and keep The smallest drop from falling on her breast. For courtliness she had a special zest, And she would wipe her upper lip so clean That not a trace of grease was to be seen Upon the cup when she had drunk; to eat, She reached a hand sedately for the meat. She certainly was very entertaining, Pleasant and friendly in her ways, and straining To counterfeit a courtly kind of grace, A stately bearing fitting to her place, And to seem dignified in all her dealings. d As for her sympathies and tender feelings, She was so charitably solicitous She used to weep if she but saw a mouse Caught in a trap, if it were dead or bleeding. And she had little dogs she would be feeding With roasted flesh, or milk, or fine white bread. And bitterly she wept if one were dead 116 dirk: small dagger. 117 St. Christopher: patron saint of travelers. 120 baldrick: shoulder strap. 122 Prioress: a nun ranking just below the abbess (head) of a convent. 124 St. Loy: St. Eligius (known as St. Éloi in France). 129 Stratford-atte-Bowe: a town (now part of London) near the Prioress’s convent. 131 at meat: when dining; withal: moreover. courtliness (kôrtPlC-nGs) n. polite, elegant manners; refined behavior sedately (sG-dAtPlC) adv. in a composed, dignified manner; calmly 143 counterfeit: imitate. d CHARACTERIZATION Reread lines 122–145. Which details suggest that the Prioress may be trying to appear more sophisticated than she really is? unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s31-Prolog.indd 148 for struggling readers for english language learners Satire Remind students that satire is a literary technique in which ideas, customs, behaviors, or institutions are ridiculed to point out flaws in society. As students read, work with them to find examples of satire within The Canterbury Tales, such as the Nun’s efforts at being sedate. Vocabulary Support: Multiple-Meaning Words Point out the multiple-meaning words on these pages. Help students to use context to figure out which meaning applies to each one: bow (line 110), “equipment for shooting arrows”; nut (line 111), “small, hard fruit from a tree”; bore (line 118), “carried”; counterfeit (line 143), “imitate”; fitting (line 144), “suitable”; place (line 144), “social position”; but (line 148), “only”; smart (line 153), “hurt”; fair (line 158), 148 113 saucy: jaunty; stylish; brace: a leather arm-guard worn by archers. 11/22/10 12:15:24 NA_L12PE-u01 PM “lovely”; spread (line 158), “[from] one side to the other”; own (line 159), “acknowledge”; tricked (line 163), “decorated”; sort (line 169), “kind”; sound (line 187), “reasonable”; horse (line 193), “to ride a horse.” unit 1: the anglo–saxon and medieval periods NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd 148 1/3/11 8:03:29 AM 2/10 155 160 165 Or someone took a stick and made it smart; She was all sentiment and tender heart. Her veil was gathered in a seemly way, Her nose was elegant, her eyes glass-grey; Her mouth was very small, but soft and red, Her forehead, certainly, was fair of spread, Almost a span across the brows, I own; She was indeed by no means undergrown. Her cloak, I noticed, had a graceful charm. She wore a coral trinket on her arm, A set of beads, the gaudies tricked in green, Whence hung a golden brooch of brightest sheen On which there first was graven a crowned A, And lower, Amor vincit omnia. Another Nun, the secretary at her cell, Was riding with her, and three Priests as well. 170 175 180 185 190 195 A Monk there was, one of the finest sort Who rode the country; hunting was his sport. A manly man, to be an Abbot able; Many a dainty horse he had in stable. His bridle, when he rode, a man might hear Jingling in a whistling wind as clear, Aye, and as loud as does the chapel bell Where my lord Monk was Prior of the cell. The Rule of good St. Benet or St. Maur As old and strict he tended to ignore; He let go by the things of yesterday And took the modern world’s more spacious way. He did not rate that text at a plucked hen Which says that hunters are not holy men And that a monk uncloistered is a mere Fish out of water, flapping on the pier, That is to say a monk out of his cloister. That was a text he held not worth an oyster; And I agreed and said his views were sound; Was he to study till his head went round Poring over books in cloisters? Must he toil As Austin bade and till the very soil? Was he to leave the world upon the shelf? Let Austin have his labor to himself. This Monk was therefore a good man to horse; Greyhounds he had, as swift as birds, to course. Hunting a hare or riding at a fence revisit the big question What makes a great 159 span: a unit of length equal to nine inches. A broad forehead was considered a sign of beauty in Chaucer’s day. 163 gaudies: the larger beads in a set of prayer beads. 166 Amor vincit omnia (äPmôr wGnPkGt ômPnC-E): Latin for “Love conquers all things.” 172 dainty: excellent. 176 Prior of the cell: head of a subsidiary group of monks. 177 St. Benet . . . St. Maur: St. Benedict, who established a strict set of rules for monks’ behavior, and his follower, St. Maurus, who introduced those rules into France. 190 Austin: St. Augustine of Hippo, who recommended that monks engage in hard agricultural labor. 194 to course: for hunting. 149 149 11/22/10 for struggling readers for advanced learners/ap Comprehension Support Direct students to the side notes for lines 177 and 190. Explain that these orders were established to correct abuses within the medieval Catholic Church. Monks were supposed to live pious lives dedicated to charitable work and service to society. Ask students Allusions [paired option] Have partners work together to find additional information about medieval monastic orders (Benedictine, Augustinian, Cistercian, Dominican, and Franciscan) online. Discuss how this new information changes their reading of Chaucer’s text. Ask them how these allusions help to characterize the Monk. What do they contribute to Chaucer’s satire? • What is this Monk’s primary pastime? • What does the Monk think of the Benedictine rules? • Does he lead a pious life? NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd 149 Discuss In lines 169–192, does Chaucer reveal mostly virtues or flaws in the character of the Monk? Explain your answer. Possible answer: Chaucer shows, from the first couplet, that the Monk is a much- flawed character, whose overriding interest is hunting. The Monk ignores and ridicules the rules of his order (lines 177–186), shuns studying (lines 188–189), and avoids manual labor (lines 189–190). 171 Abbot: the head of a monastery. the canterbury tales 12:15:24 NA_L12PE-u01s31-Prolog.indd PM CHARACTER? 12:15:25 PM the canterbury tales 149 1/3/11 8:03:32 AM Analyze Visuals Activity How does the picture support Chaucer’s description of the Monk? Possible answer: It shows his preoccupation with hunting, as well as his horse and many greyhounds. VOCABULARY own the word L4 personable: Review the definition of personable with students. Then have them name and define as many words as they can with the root person. Possible answers: persona: voice or character representing the speaker or narrator in a literary work; personage: a person of distinction; personal: private; personality: distinctive traits of a particular person; personnel: people employed in a business 200 205 T E X T A N A LY S I S e characterization RL 1 RL 3 210 Possible answer: The Monk is a s portsman, shallow, self-indulgent, and materialistic. The narrator specifically pokes fun at the Monk’s worldly pastimes and appetites. He is far from being a humble and scholarly servant of God in the mold of St. Benedict, St. Maur, or St. Augustine. 215 Extend the Discussion Is Chaucer’s satire of the Monk gently witty, mildly abrasive, or bitterly critical? Explain. revisit the big question 220 150 Was all his fun, he spared for no expense. I saw his sleeves were garnished at the hand With fine grey fur, the finest in the land, And on his hood, to fasten it at his chin He had a wrought-gold cunningly fashioned pin; Into a lover’s knot it seemed to pass. His head was bald and shone like looking-glass; So did his face, as if it had been greased. He was a fat and personable priest; His prominent eyeballs never seemed to settle. e They glittered like the flames beneath a kettle; Supple his boots, his horse in fine condition. He was a prelate fit for exhibition, He was not pale like a tormented soul. He liked a fat swan best, and roasted whole. His palfrey was as brown as is a berry. There was a Friar, a wanton one and merry, A Limiter, a very festive fellow. In all Four Orders there was none so mellow, So glib with gallant phrase and well-turned speech. He’d fixed up many a marriage, giving each Of his young women what he could afford her. He was a noble pillar to his Order. Highly beloved and intimate was he With County folk within his boundary, And city dames of honor and possessions; For he was qualified to hear confessions, personable (pûrPsE-nE-bEl) adj. pleasing in behavior and appearance e CHARACTERIZATION List three character traits of the Monk. In what ways does the narrator appear to poke fun at him? 211 palfrey (pôlPfrC): saddle horse. 212 Friar: a member of a religious group sworn to poverty and living on charitable donations; wanton (wJnPtEn): playful; jolly. 213 Limiter: a friar licensed to beg for donations in a limited area. 214 Four Orders: the four groups of friars—Dominican, Franciscan, Carmelite, and Augustinian. 222 confessions: church rites in which people confess their sins to clergy members. Only certain friars were licensed to hear confessions. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods What makes a great CHARACTER? Discuss In lines 212–222, what character traits does the Friar appear to have in common with the Monk? Possible answer: The Friar, like the Monk, does not seem inclined toward a life of poverty or charity. He, too, is a “festive fellow” (line 213), who enjoys his fun. Given his interest in hearing confessions from women of means, a material life “of the coin” appears to be of greater concern than a life “of the cloth.” 150 NA_L12PE-u01s31-Prolog.indd 150 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for struggling readers for advanced learners/ap Characterization To help students better understand the Monk’s shortcomings as a religious person, ask them to brainstorm words and phrases that they associate with poverty, such as poor, hungry, humble circumstances. Make sure that they understand that the Monk is supposed to lead a life of poverty. Then have them compare the Monk with the words they brainstormed. Repeat with the Friar. Similes [small-group option] Have small groups identify and analyze the similes describing the Monk in lines 200–211. Then discuss the effect of Chaucer’s piling up of such similes. What was his purpose in selecting graphic and humorous images? Is he entirely serious? How do these similes serve his satiric purpose? How would the passage be different without them? 12:15:25 NA_L12PE-u01 PM unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd 150 1/3/11 8:03:35 AM 2/10 225 230 235 240 245 250 255 260 265 Or so he said, with more than priestly scope; He had a special license from the Pope. Sweetly he heard his penitents at shrift With pleasant absolution, for a gift. He was an easy man in penance-giving Where he could hope to make a decent living; It’s a sure sign whenever gifts are given To a poor Order that a man’s well shriven, And should he give enough he knew in verity The penitent repented in sincerity. For many a fellow is so hard of heart He cannot weep, for all his inward smart. Therefore instead of weeping and of prayer One should give silver for a poor Friar’s care. He kept his tippet stuffed with pins for curls, And pocket-knives, to give to pretty girls. And certainly his voice was gay and sturdy, For he sang well and played the hurdy-gurdy. At sing-songs he was champion of the hour. His neck was whiter than a lily-flower But strong enough to butt a bruiser down. He knew the taverns well in every town And every innkeeper and barmaid too Better than lepers, beggars and that crew, f For in so eminent a man as he It was not fitting with the dignity Of his position, dealing with a scum Of wretched lepers; nothing good can come Of commerce with such slum-and-gutter dwellers, But only with the rich and victual-sellers. But anywhere a profit might accrue Courteous he was and lowly of service too. Natural gifts like his were hard to match. He was the finest beggar of his batch, And, for his begging-district, paid a rent; His brethren did no poaching where he went. For though a widow mightn’t have a shoe, So pleasant was his holy how-d’ye-do He got his farthing from her just the same Before he left, and so his income came To more than he laid out. And how he romped, Just like a puppy! He was ever prompt To arbitrate disputes on settling days (For a small fee) in many helpful ways, Not then appearing as your cloistered scholar With threadbare habit hardly worth a dollar, 225 shrift: confession. tiered discussion prompts 230 well shriven: completely forgiven through the rite of confession. 151 Connect Think of news stories about corruption that you have seen or heard. What do you think of people who abuse their power? Accept all thoughtful answers. 231 verity: truth. Analyze In what ways is the Friar corrupt? Possible answer: He uses his position to gain money; he spends his money on drinking and gifts for women; he does not associate with the poor or unfortunate members of society. 237 tippet: an extension of a hood or sleeve, used as a pocket. 240 hurdy-gurdy: a stringed musical instrument, similar to a lute, played by turning a crank while pressing down keys. f Evaluate Is the Friar more corrupt than the Monk? Explain your answer. Possible answer: Though both are corrupt, the “wanton” Friar’s past and his abuse of power are particularly loathsome. PARAPHRASE Restate lines 237–246. How does the Friar spend the money he earns through hearing confessions? R E A D I N G STR ATEG Y f 252 victual (vGtPl): food. accrue (E-krLP) v. to be added or gained; to accumulate 265 settling days: days on which disputes were settled out of court. Friars often acted as arbiters in the disputes and charged for their services, though forbidden by the church to do so. 151 11/22/10 for struggling readers for english language learners Author’s Perspective Through his narrator, Chaucer makes his ideas, values, feelings, and beliefs known. Have students think about these questions: What are Chaucer’s feelings about the Monk and the Friar? What seem to be his personal beliefs about how a monk and a friar should behave? What values does Chaucer reveal through these characters? Vocabulary Support: Related Vocabulary Point out words related to the rite of confession in lines 222–232: confessions (line 222), “declarations of guilt”; absolution (line 226), “forgiveness of sins”; penance (line 227), “an expression of sorrow for sin”; penitent (line 232), “sorry”; repented (line 232), “asked forgiveness.” Explain that confession is a sacrament, or holy ritual, in the Roman Catholic Church. The Friar should not be carrying out this rite to make money. RL 10 paraphrase Possible answer: Paraphrase: He kept his pocket stuffed with hairpins and pocketknives to give to attractive girls. He sang confidently and loudly, because he had a good voice and played the lute. At musical events he surpassed everyone. Though his neck was as a white as a lily, it was strong enough to knock over a brute. He was familiar with the bars of every town, as well as the bartenders and barmaids—much more familiar than he was with lepers, beggars, and others of that sort. The Friar buys hairpins and pocket-knives for girls. He also spends his money at inns and taverns. 261 farthing: a coin of small value used in England until recent times. the canterbury tales 12:15:25 NA_L12PE-u01s31-Prolog.indd PM In lines 237–263, use these prompts to help students understand Chaucer’s satiric commentary on the Friar: IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Go over the passage line by line with them. 12:15:29 PM VOCABULARY own the word accrue: Tell students that the connotation of accrual tends to be financial. Bank accounts accrue interest; companies can accrue profits. Employees may accrue benefits, such as paid time off or vacation, in their jobs. the canterbury tales NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd 151 L4 151 1/3/11 8:03:39 AM 270 R E A D I N G STR ATEG Y g paraphrase RL 10 275 Possible answer: Paraphrase: He discussed his opinions and actions in great seriousness, especially his monetary success: He believed that the shipping routes between England and Holland should be policed; and he described himself as an expert at selling foreign currency. He was so clever and so well versed in administering loans, bargaining, and negotiating, that nobody knew he was in debt. Even so, he was a good person, though, honestly, I don’t know his name. Students mat say that the Merchant is not a sucessful businessman; although the Merchant is well-dressed, convincing, and seemingly intelligent, he is in debt. 280 285 290 IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Go over the passage line by line with them. 295 revisit the big question 300 What makes a great CHARACTER? Discuss In lines 295–318, what words give the reader clues to the Cleric’s character? Possible answer: The words sober (line 299), unworldly (line 302), earnestly (line 311), formal (line 315), respectful (line 315), lofty (line 316), and moral (line 317) tell the reader that the Cleric is devoted to his studies to become a priest. 305 310 152 differentiated instruction But much more like a Doctor or a Pope. Of double-worsted was the semi-cope Upon his shoulders, and the swelling fold About him, like a bell about its mold When it is casting, rounded out his dress. He lisped a little out of wantonness To make his English sweet upon his tongue. When he had played his harp, or having sung, His eyes would twinkle in his head as bright As any star upon a frosty night. This worthy’s name was Hubert, it appeared. There was a Merchant with a forking beard And motley dress; high on his horse he sat, Upon his head a Flemish beaver hat And on his feet daintily buckled boots. He told of his opinions and pursuits In solemn tones, he harped on his increase Of capital; there should be sea-police (He thought) upon the Harwich-Holland ranges; He was expert at dabbling in exchanges. This estimable Merchant so had set His wits to work, none knew he was in debt, He was so stately in administration, In loans and bargains and negotiation. He was an excellent fellow all the same; To tell the truth I do not know his name. g An Oxford Cleric, still a student though, One who had taken logic long ago, Was there; his horse was thinner than a rake, And he was not too fat, I undertake, But had a hollow look, a sober stare; The thread upon his overcoat was bare. He had found no preferment in the church And he was too unworldly to make search For secular employment. By his bed He preferred having twenty books in red And black, of Aristotle’s philosophy, Than costly clothes, fiddle or psaltery. Though a philosopher, as I have told, He had not found the stone for making gold. Whatever money from his friends he took He spent on learning or another book And prayed for them most earnestly, returning Thanks to them thus for paying for his learning. NA_L12PE-u01s31-Prolog.indd 282 Flemish: from Flanders, an area in what is now Belgium and northern France. 287 Harwich-Holland ranges: shipping routes between Harwich (hBrPGj), a port on England’s east coast, and the country of Holland. 288 exchanges: selling foreign currency at a profit. g PARAPHRASE Paraphrase lines 284–294. Is the Merchant a successful businessman? Why or why not? 295 Cleric: a student preparing for the priesthood. 301 preferment: advancement. 305 Aristotle’s philosophy: the writings of Aristotle, a famous Greek philosopher of the fourth century b.c. 306 psaltery (sôlPtE-rC): a stringed instrument. 307–308 Though a philosopher . . . gold: The “philosopher’s stone” supposedly turned metals into gold. 152 11/22/10 12:15:30 NA_L12PE-u01 PM for advanced learners/ap beaver hat forking beard BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Character Traits Web p. D7 buckled boots Merchant pretentious self-important 152 281 motley: multicolored. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods for struggling readers Visualization Read the description of the Merchant aloud. Ask students to recall specific details about this character and to record them in a Character Traits Web. Repeat this procedure with the Cleric, the Sergeant at the Law, and the Franklin. 270 double-worsted (wMsPtGd): a strong, fairly costly fabric made from tightly twisted woolen yarn; semicope: a short cloak. phony Text Structure The Cleric appears shortly after the Friar and the Monk, with whom he differs greatly. Ask groups of students to discuss Chaucer’s presentation of the Cleric in “The Prologue.” What effect does it have on the contrast between these different figures? How would the effect have been different if the Cleric had appeared before the two other characters? Ask students whether or not Chaucer made a wise structural decision. Encourage them to give their reasons. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd 152 1/3/11 8:03:44 AM 2/10 315 320 325 330 335 340 345 350 355 His only care was study, and indeed He never spoke a word more than was need, Formal at that, respectful in the extreme, Short, to the point, and lofty in his theme. A tone of moral virtue filled his speech And gladly would he learn, and gladly teach. h CHARACTERIZATION Reread lines 295–318. In what ways does the Oxford Cleric differ from the Monk and the Friar? Cite details. h A Sergeant at the Law who paid his calls, Wary and wise, for clients at St. Paul’s There also was, of noted excellence. Discreet he was, a man to reverence, Or so he seemed, his sayings were so wise. He often had been Justice of Assize By letters patent, and in full commission. His fame and learning and his high position Had won him many a robe and many a fee. There was no such conveyancer as he; All was fee-simple to his strong digestion, Not one conveyance could be called in question. Though there was nowhere one so busy as he, He was less busy than he seemed to be. He knew of every judgment, case and crime Ever recorded since King William’s time. He could dictate defenses or draft deeds; No one could pinch a comma from his screeds And he knew every statute off by rote. He wore a homely parti-colored coat, Girt with a silken belt of pin-stripe stuff; Of his appearance I have said enough. 319 Sergeant at the Law: a lawyer appointed by the monarch to serve as a judge. There was a Franklin with him, it appeared; White as a daisy-petal was his beard. A sanguine man, high-colored and benign, He loved a morning sop of cake in wine. He lived for pleasure and had always done, For he was Epicurus’ very son, In whose opinion sensual delight Was the one true felicity in sight. As noted as St. Julian was for bounty He made his household free to all the County. His bread, his ale were finest of the fine And no one had a better stock of wine. His house was never short of bake-meat pies, Of fish and flesh, and these in such supplies It positively snowed with meat and drink And all the dainties that a man could think. i 341 Franklin: a wealthy landowner. 153 h characterization 324 Justice of Assize: a judge who traveled about the country to hear cases. 325 letters patent: royal documents commissioning a judge. 328 conveyancer: a lawyer specializing in conveyances (deeds) and property disputes. 329 fee-simple: property owned without restrictions. tiered discussion prompts In lines 319–337, use these prompts to help students understand the Sergeant at the Law: Connect Have you ever known anyone who seemed to be “all talk and no action”? Accept all responses. 334 King William’s time: the reign of William the Conqueror. Analyze To what extent does the Sergeant at the Law seem to be all talk and no action? Possible answer: He could talk a fine game of law (lines 333–337), so he had made good money and won respect, but he wasn’t nearly as productive as he seemed (lines 331–332). 336 screeds: documents. Evaluate Would you want to hire the Sergeant at the Law? Why or why not? Most students will say that they would not want to hire the Sergeant at Law. Though the Sergeant gives the appearance of wisdom and discretion (lines 320–323), the narrator questions these credentials (line 323). The Sergeant appears to be busy, but is “less busy than he seemed to be” (lines 331–332). 343 sanguine (sBngPgwGn): cheerful and good-natured. 346 Epicurus’ very son: someone who pursues pleasure as the chief goal in life, as the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus was supposed to have recommended. 349 St. Julian: the patron saint of hospitality; bounty: generosity. i CHARACTERIZATION What does the narrator state directly about the Franklin in lines 341–356? T E X T A N A LY S I S i 153 11/22/10 for struggling readers for english language learners Characterization [paired option] Point out that Chaucer often summed up his characters briefly, as in “He lived for pleasure and had always done, / For he was Epicurus’ very son” (lines 345–346). Why might Chaucer have done so? Ask partners to try to find one or two summaries that characterize each of the pilgrims so far. Have students keep a log of each character’s summary to recall later and to compare with other students’ summaries. Vocabulary: Related Words Point out words related to the law in lines 325–337. Explain that many are multiple-meaning words, often used in other ways: judgment (line 333), “legal ruling”; case (line 333), “court case or legal action”; crime (line 333), “an act that violates the law”; defenses (line 335), “legal arguments”; deeds (line 335), “legal documents”; statute (line 337), “law.” 12:15:30 PM characterization 153 RL 1 RL 3 Possible answer: The Franklin has a white beard and rosy complexion (lines 342–343). He lives for pleasure (line 345), especially for fine food and drink (lines 344–356). the canterbury tales NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd RL 1 RL 3 Possible answer: Unlike the Monk and the Friar, the Oxford Cleric is poor, thin, and shabby in appearance. Moreover, the cleric is learned, devout, and concerned with others. 320 St. Paul’s: the cathedral of London, outside which lawyers met clients when the courts were closed. the canterbury tales 12:15:30 NA_L12PE-u01s31-Prolog.indd PM T E X T A N A LY S I S 153 1/3/11 8:03:47 AM revisit the big question 360 What makes a great CHARACTER? Discuss In lines 371–88, why did Chaucer group these five characters—Haberdasher, Dyer, Carpenter, Weaver, and Carpet-maker— together? Possible answer: Their grouping suggests that these characters are so similar that there was, perhaps, no need to distinguish among them in this overview. 365 370 375 380 385 390 395 According to the seasons of the year Changes of dish were ordered to appear. He kept fat partridges in coops, beyond, Many a bream and pike were in his pond. Woe to the cook unless the sauce was hot And sharp, or if he wasn’t on the spot! And in his hall a table stood arrayed And ready all day long, with places laid. As Justice at the Sessions none stood higher; He often had been Member for the Shire. A dagger and a little purse of silk Hung at his girdle, white as morning milk. As Sheriff he checked audit, every entry. He was a model among landed gentry. A Haberdasher, a Dyer, a Carpenter, A Weaver and a Carpet-maker were Among our ranks, all in the livery Of one impressive guild-fraternity. They were so trim and fresh their gear would pass For new. Their knives were not tricked out with brass But wrought with purest silver, which avouches A like display on girdles and on pouches. Each seemed a worthy burgess, fit to grace A guild-hall with a seat upon the dais. Their wisdom would have justified a plan To make each one of them an alderman; They had the capital and revenue, Besides their wives declared it was their due. And if they did not think so, then they ought; To be called “Madam” is a glorious thought, And so is going to church and being seen Having your mantle carried, like a queen. They had a Cook with them who stood alone For boiling chicken with a marrow-bone, Sharp flavoring-powder and a spice for savor. He could distinguish London ale by flavor, And he could roast and seethe and broil and fry, Make good thick soup and bake a tasty pie. But what a pity—so it seemed to me, That he should have an ulcer on his knee. As for blancmange, he made it with the best. There was a Skipper hailing from far west; He came from Dartmouth, so I understood. 154 365 Sessions: local court proceedings. 366 Member for the Shire: his county’s representative in Parliament. 368 girdle: belt. 369 Sheriff: a royal tax collector. 370 landed gentry (jDnPtrC): wellborn, wealthy landowners. 371 Haberdasher: a seller of hats and other clothing accessories. 373–374 livery . . . guild-fraternity: uniform of a social or religious organization. 379 burgess (bûrPjGs): citizen of a town. 382 alderman: town councilor. 388 mantle: cloak. 397 blancmange (blE-mänjP): a thick chicken stew with almonds. 399 Dartmouth (därtPmEth): a port in southwestern England. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s31-Prolog.indd 154 11/22/10 differentiated instruction 154 for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Vocabulary Point out that several professions named in “The Prologue” have become proper names in English, including Knight (and Knightly), Priest (and Priestly), Merchant, Franklin, Dyer, Carpenter, Weaver, and Cook (and also Reeve and Miller). Ask students to name professions, current or outdated, that have become common surnames in their primary language. Historical Perspective Ask students to consider what the group of tradesmen—the Haberdasher, Dyer, Carpenter, Weaver, and Carpet-maker—suggests about England’s growing middle class and material wellbeing at the end of the 14th century. Have them write a brief report on this topic. Allow time for students to share their findings with the class. 12:15:31 NA_L12PE-u01 PM unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd 154 1/3/11 8:03:51 AM 2/10 400 405 410 415 420 425 430 435 440 He rode a farmer’s horse as best he could, In a woolen gown that reached his knee. A dagger on a lanyard falling free Hung from his neck under his arm and down. The summer heat had tanned his color brown, And certainly he was an excellent fellow. Many a draft of vintage, red and yellow, He’d drawn at Bordeaux, while the trader snored. The nicer rules of conscience he ignored. If, when he fought, the enemy vessel sank, He sent his prisoners home; they walked the plank. As for his skill in reckoning his tides, Currents and many another risk besides, Moons, harbors, pilots, he had such dispatch That none from Hull to Carthage was his match. Hardy he was, prudent in undertaking; His beard in many a tempest had its shaking, And he knew all the havens as they were From Gottland to the Cape of Finisterre, And every creek in Brittany and Spain; The barge he owned was called The Maudelayne. A Doctor too emerged as we proceeded; No one alive could talk as well as he did On points of medicine and of surgery, For, being grounded in astronomy, He watched his patient closely for the hours When, by his horoscope, he knew the powers Of favorable planets, then ascendant, Worked on the images for his dependent. The cause of every malady you’d got He knew, and whether dry, cold, moist or hot; He knew their seat, their humor and condition. He was a perfect practicing physician. These causes being known for what they were, He gave the man his medicine then and there. All his apothecaries in a tribe Were ready with the drugs he would prescribe And each made money from the other’s guile; They had been friendly for a goodish while. He was well-versed in Aesculapius too And what Hippocrates and Rufus knew And Dioscorides, now dead and gone, Galen and Rhazes, Hali, Serapion, Averroes, Avicenna, Constantine, Scotch Bernard, John of Gaddesden, Gilbertine. 402 lanyard (lBnPyErd): a cord worn as a necklace. In lines 421–438, use these prompts to help students better understand the Doctor: 406 vintage: wine. 407 Bordeaux (bôr-dIP): a region of France famous for its wine. Connect What characteristics do you associate with doctors today? Student responses should reflect an understanding that today’s doctors, whose primary concern is with their patients’ health, are well-trained scientists and practitioners. 414 Hull . . . Carthage: ports in England and in Spain. The places named in lines 414–419 show that the Skipper is familiar with all the western coast of Europe. Analyze How was a doctor in Chaucer’s day different from contemporary doctors? Possible answer: Doctors had extensive training in the four humors and astrology, considered pseudoscience today; they relied heavily on the ancient Greeks; medicine was primitive by contemporary standards. 416 tempest: violent storm. background 424 astronomy: astrology. malady (mBlPE-dC) n. a disease or disorder; an ailment 430 dry, cold, moist . . . hot: in medieval science, the four basic qualities that were thought to combine to form both the four elements of the world (fire, air, water, and earth) and the four humors of the human body. 435 apothecaries (E-pJthPG-kDrQCz): druggists. 439–444 Aesculapius (DsQkyE-lAPpC-Es) . . . Gilbertine: famous ancient and medieval medical experts. the canterbury tales 12:15:31 NA_L12PE-u01s31-Prolog.indd PM tiered discussion prompts 155 Medieval Medicine The treatment of the four humors, referred to in lines 429–434, was central to medieval medicine. The belief in the four humors (or bodily fluids) evolved from Greek philosophy. The dominance of one of the four fluids was thought to determine temperament. The fluids were blood (resulting in a sanguine, or lively temperament), phlegm (resulting in a phlegmatic or unemotional temperament), yellow bile, or choler, (resulting in a choleric, or angry temperament), and black bile (resulting in a melancholy temperament). The four humors were sometimes matched up with the four seasons, the four ages of mankind, the four compass directions, and even to the four Evangelists. Medieval doctors attempted to bring the four humors into balance using diet, medicine, and bloodletting. 155 11/22/10 12:15:31 PM VOCABULARY own the word for struggling readers for advanced learners/ap Comprehension Support Remind students that travel by ship in the 14th century was slow and dangerous. Help students locate on a map the places mentioned in the Skipper’s description: Dartmouth, England (line 399); Bordeaux, France (line 407); Hull, England (line 414); Carthage, on the north coast of Africa (line 414); Gotland, probably in southern Sweden (line 418); Cape of Finisterre, western Spain (line 418); and Brittany, France (line 419). Verbal Irony [paired option] Review with students that verbal irony occurs when somebody states one thing but means another. Then have partners find and explain examples of verbal irony in the description of the Skipper. Discuss the purpose and effect of Chaucer’s verbal irony. How does it support his satire? malady: Have students name common maladies that they might suffer from during the course of a year. Then have them write a sentence naming one common malady and what steps they could take to remedy it. Possible answers: common cold, flu, sore throat, fatigue, sprained ligaments, sore muscles; remedies depend upon the malady the canterbury tales NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd 155 L4 155 1/3/11 8:03:53 AM Analyze Visuals Possible answer: The doctor’s reliance on astrological signs, pictured on the window, reveals how 14th-century medicine differed from modern medicine. Analyze Visuals What does this image reveal about the ways in which a medieval doctor’s practice differed from that of a modern doctor? revisit the big question What makes a great CHARACTER? Discuss In lines 455–484, is the Wife of Bath a round or flat character? Possible answer: The Wife of Bath is a round character: She is interesting, worldly, personable, capable, amorous, self-important, and materialistic. Why does the narrator describe her as “worthy” in two lines (455 and 469)? Possible answer: The narrator wants to make it clear that he thinks well of her, despite her shortcomings. 445 450 455 background Clothing in the Middle Ages The Wife of Bath must have been a woman of considerable means. Most medieval people wore only hand-me-downs. Old clothing was mended, sold, or cut up and reused to make “new” garments. The expensive clothes of the upper classes were treated as valuable property. 460 465 470 156 differentiated instruction In his own diet he observed some measure; There were no superfluities for pleasure, Only digestives, nutritives and such. He did not read the Bible very much. In blood-red garments, slashed with bluish grey And lined with taffeta, he rode his way; Yet he was rather close as to expenses And kept the gold he won in pestilences. Gold stimulates the heart, or so we’re told. He therefore had a special love of gold. A worthy woman from beside Bath city Was with us, somewhat deaf, which was a pity. In making cloth she showed so great a bent She bettered those of Ypres and of Ghent. In all the parish not a dame dared stir Towards the altar steps in front of her, And if indeed they did, so wrath was she As to be quite put out of charity. Her kerchiefs were of finely woven ground; I dared have sworn they weighed a good ten pound, The ones she wore on Sunday, on her head. Her hose were of the finest scarlet red And gartered tight; her shoes were soft and new. Bold was her face, handsome, and red in hue. A worthy woman all her life, what’s more She’d had five husbands, all at the church door, Apart from other company in youth; No need just now to speak of that, forsooth. 446 superfluities (sLQpEr-flLPG-tCz): excesses. 450 taffeta (tBfPG-tE): a stiff, smooth fabric. 452 pestilences: plagues. 455 Bath: a city in southwestern England. 458 Ypres (CPprE) . . . Ghent (gDnt): Flemish cities famous in the Middle Ages for manufacturing fine wool fabrics. 461 wrath (rBth): angry. 463 ground: a textured fabric. 466 hose: stockings. 470 all at the church door: In medieval times, a marriage was performed outside or just within the doors of a church; afterwards, the marriage party went inside for mass. 472 forsooth: in truth; indeed. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s31-Prolog.indd 156 11/22/10 for struggling readers • What were her shoes and hose like? for advanced learners/ap Visualization The description of the Wife of Bath is graphic. Have students listen as you reread it. Challenge them to answer these questions: • What problem did she have with her teeth? Imagery [small-group option] Chaucer is often detailed in his description of the pilgrims’ clothing. Have students identify the clothing of each character in “The Prologue.” Have groups research the clothing worn by different social classes in the 14th century. Then discuss what these descriptions tell about the pilgrims. How does Chaucer use clothing to define the characters’ social and economic status? • What did her mantle hide? • How did the Wife of Bath react to anybody who tried to go up the altar steps before she did? • What did she wear on her head on Sundays? • What did she wear on her head while riding? 156 12:15:32 NA_L12PE-u01 PM unit 1: the anglo–saxon and medieval periods NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd 156 1/3/11 8:03:56 AM 2/10 475 480 485 490 495 500 505 510 515 And she had thrice been to Jerusalem, Seen many strange rivers and passed over them; She’d been to Rome and also to Boulogne, St. James of Compostella and Cologne, And she was skilled in wandering by the way. She had gap-teeth, set widely, truth to say. Easily on an ambling horse she sat Well wimpled up, and on her head a hat As broad as is a buckler or a shield; She had a flowing mantle that concealed Large hips, her heels spurred sharply under that. In company she liked to laugh and chat And knew the remedies for love’s mischances, An art in which she knew the oldest dances. j A holy-minded man of good renown There was, and poor, the Parson to a town, Yet he was rich in holy thought and work. He also was a learned man, a clerk, Who truly knew Christ’s gospel and would preach it Devoutly to parishioners, and teach it. Benign and wonderfully diligent, And patient when adversity was sent (For so he proved in much adversity) He hated cursing to extort a fee, Nay rather he preferred beyond a doubt Giving to poor parishioners round about Both from church offerings and his property; He could in little find sufficiency. Wide was his parish, with houses far asunder, Yet he neglected not in rain or thunder, In sickness or in grief, to pay a call On the remotest, whether great or small, Upon his feet, and in his hand a stave. This noble example to his sheep he gave That first he wrought, and afterwards he taught; And it was from the Gospel he had caught Those words, and he would add this figure too, That if gold rust, what then will iron do? For if a priest be foul in whom we trust No wonder that a common man should rust; And shame it is to see—let priests take stock— A shitten shepherd and a snowy flock. The true example that a priest should give Is one of cleanness, how the sheep should live. 473–476 Jerusalem . . . Rome . . . Boulogne (bL-lInP), St. James of Compostella and Cologne (kE-lInP): popular destinations of religious pilgrimages in the Middle Ages. 480 wimpled: with her hair and neck covered by a cloth headdress. 481 buckler: small round shield. T E X T A N A LY S I S j 500 sufficiency: enough to get by on. In lines 490–516, use these prompts to help students understand the significance of the Parson: 501 asunder: apart. Connect What qualities make you respect and trust somebody? Accept any thoughtful answer. 505 stave: staff. Analyze Do the Parson’s traits show him to be trustworthy? Explain your answer. Possible answer: The Parson’s kindness, moral rectitude, generosity, conscientiousness, and diligence show that he is trustworthy. 507 wrought (rôt): worked. 509 figure: figure of speech. Synthesize What point is Chaucer making through the Parson? Possible answer: He is making the point that the clergy should be above reproach in their behavior and spotless models to the people they serve. 157 11/22/10 for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Comprehension Support Make sure that students understand the religious metaphor of a clergyman as the shepherd of his congregation—the flock—and the wolf as a representation of evil, sin, and temptation (lines 514–524). Then ask these questions: Compare and Contrast Ask students to compare the Parson with other religious figures in “The Prologue,” such as the Prioress, the Monk, the Friar and the Cleric. Ask groups of students to research Chaucer’s life. How are his religious beliefs and the beliefs of the time reflected in these characters? Have students write a short essay on this topic. • Which lines state the danger faced by a flock? 12:15:35 PM the canterbury tales NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd 157 RL 1 RL 3 tiered discussion prompts 157 • Which lines state the shepherd’s job? characterization Possible answer: The Wife of Bath is a superlative weaver; she wears stylish and expensive clothes; she has been married five times; and she has traveled to many important pilgrim sites, including three visits to Jerusalem. 490 clerk: scholar. the canterbury tales 12:15:32 NA_L12PE-u01s31-Prolog.indd PM j CHARACTERIZATION Reread lines 455–486. Which details help define the Wife of Bath as a worldly woman? 157 1/3/11 8:04:00 AM 520 R E A D I N G STR ATEG Y k paraphrase RL 10 525 Students’ paraphrases should include all the main ideas and supporting details of lines 515–524. Possible paraphrase for lines 515–524: A parson’s behavior should be pure and set an example for those he leads. A parson should not hire someone else to do his work and leave his followers in trouble or without proper guidance. Nor should he run to London to earn easy money by performing funeral services for the wealthy. Nor should he become involved in some private group, allowing someone else to take over and mislead his followers. He should be a committed leader, not just a worker for hire. 530 535 540 The Parson gives money to the poor, pays calls to the parishioners whenever they need him, and provides a fine example to all. 545 T E X T A N A LY S I S l characterization RL 1 RL 3 550 Possible answer: Both are pious, hardworking, peace-loving, honest, and charitable; neither is materialistic; neither is guided by self-interest or greed. 555 He did not set his benefice to hire And leave his sheep encumbered in the mire Or run to London to earn easy bread By singing masses for the wealthy dead, Or find some Brotherhood and get enrolled. He stayed at home and watched over his fold So that no wolf should make the sheep miscarry. He was a shepherd and no mercenary. k Holy and virtuous he was, but then Never contemptuous of sinful men, Never disdainful, never too proud or fine, But was discreet in teaching and benign. His business was to show a fair behavior And draw men thus to Heaven and their Savior, Unless indeed a man were obstinate; And such, whether of high or low estate, He put to sharp rebuke, to say the least. I think there never was a better priest. He sought no pomp or glory in his dealings, No scrupulosity had spiced his feelings. Christ and His Twelve Apostles and their lore He taught, but followed it himself before. There was a Plowman with him there, his brother; Many a load of dung one time or other He must have carted through the morning dew. He was an honest worker, good and true, Living in peace and perfect charity, And, as the gospel bade him, so did he, Loving God best with all his heart and mind And then his neighbor as himself, repined At no misfortune, slacked for no content, For steadily about his work he went To thrash his corn, to dig or to manure Or make a ditch; and he would help the poor l For love of Christ and never take a penny If he could help it, and, as prompt as any, He paid his tithes in full when they were due On what he owned, and on his earnings too. He wore a tabard smock and rode a mare. There was a Reeve, also a Miller, there, A College Manciple from the Inns of Court, A papal Pardoner and, in close consort, 158 517 set his benefice (bDnPE-fGs) to hire: pay someone to perform his parish duties for him. k PARAPHRASE Restate lines 515–524. In what ways does the Parson serve the members of his parish? 536 scrupulosity (skrLQpyE-lJsPG-tC): excessive concern with fine points of behavior. l CHARACTERIZATION Compare the Plowman with his brother, the Parson. What character traits do they seem to share? 555 tabard smock: a short loose jacket made of a heavy material. 556 Reeve: an estate manager; 557 Manciple: a servant in charge of purchasing food; Inns of Court: London institutions for training law students; 558 Pardoner: a church official authorized to sell people pardons for their sins. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s31-Prolog.indd 158 differentiated instruction 11/22/10 12:15:35 NA_L12PE-u01 PM for advanced learners/ap Role Models Have students examine the Parson and the Plowman as idealized Christians. To what extent do the other pilgrims fall short of the high standards set by these role models? 158 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd 158 1/3/11 8:04:04 AM 2/10 560 565 570 575 580 585 590 595 600 A Church-Court Summoner, riding at a trot, And finally myself—that was the lot. 559 Summoner: a layman with the job of summoning sinners to church courts. The Miller was a chap of sixteen stone, A great stout fellow big in brawn and bone. He did well out of them, for he could go And win the ram at any wrestling show. Broad, knotty and short-shouldered, he would boast He could heave any door off hinge and post, Or take a run and break it with his head. His beard, like any sow or fox, was red And broad as well, as though it were a spade; And, at its very tip, his nose displayed A wart on which there stood a tuft of hair Red as the bristles in an old sow’s ear. His nostrils were as black as they were wide. He had a sword and buckler at his side, His mighty mouth was like a furnace door. m A wrangler and buffoon, he had a store Of tavern stories, filthy in the main. His was a master-hand at stealing grain. He felt it with his thumb and thus he knew Its quality and took three times his due— A thumb of gold, by God, to gauge an oat! He wore a hood of blue and a white coat. He liked to play his bagpipes up and down And that was how he brought us out of town. 561 stone: a unit of weight equal to 14 pounds. The Manciple came from the Inner Temple; All caterers might follow his example In buying victuals; he was never rash Whether he bought on credit or paid cash. He used to watch the market most precisely And got in first, and so he did quite nicely. Now isn’t it a marvel of God’s grace That an illiterate fellow can outpace The wisdom of a heap of learned men? His masters—he had more than thirty then— All versed in the abstrusest legal knowledge, Could have produced a dozen from their College Fit to be stewards in land and rents and game To any Peer in England you could name, And show him how to live on what he had Debt-free (unless of course the Peer were mad) Or be as frugal as he might desire, And make them fit to help about the Shire Review lines 570–575. Notice how Chaucer uses similes, or comparisons, to create a remarkably vivid—and unflattering—portrait of the Miller. 159 GRAMMAR AND STYLE L5 Analyze Descriptive Details Discuss these similes with students: “a tuft of hair / Red as the bristles in an old sow’s ear” (lines 571–572); “His nostrils were as black as they were wide” (line 573); “His mighty mouth was like a furnace door” (line 575). 576 wrangler (rBngPglEr): a loud, argumentative person; buffoon (bE-fLnP): a fool. 577 in the main: for the most part. 581 thumb of gold: a reference to a proverb, “An honest miller has a golden thumb”—perhaps meaning that there is no such thing as an honest miller. IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Remind them that a simile uses like or as in the comparison. Then have them find like or as in each comparison and explain the two things that are being compared. 585 Inner Temple: one of the Inns of Court. Extend the Discussion What other similes does Chaucer use to describe the Miller? revisit the big question What makes a great 594 his masters: the lawyers that the Manciple feeds. 595 abstrusest: most scholarly and difficult to understand. 597–598 stewards . . . Peer: estate managers for any nobleman. the canterbury tales 12:15:35 NA_L12PE-u01s31-Prolog.indd PM m m GRAMMAR AND STYLE CHARACTER? Discuss In lines 585–604, what words best describe the Manciple’s character? Possible answer: Cautious, clever, and frugal. Which lines state Chaucer’s opinion of the Manciple most clearly? Possible answer: “Now isn’t it a marvel of God’s grace / That an illiterate fellow can outpace / The wisdom of a heap of learned men?” (lines 591–593) 159 11/22/10 12:15:36 PM for english language learners Vocabulary: Outdated Forms Point out that some words in this translation are not commonly used in modern American English, such as bade (line 544), “commanded”; buckler (line 574), “small shield”; victuals (line 587), “food”; Shire (line 602), “a county [of Great Britain].” Then have students reread the lines, substituting a modern synonym for each word. the canterbury tales NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd 159 159 1/13/11 11:02:18 AM In any legal case there was to try; And yet this Manciple could wipe their eye. revisit the big question 605 What makes a great CHARACTER? Discuss In lines 605–640, what traits and habits have helped the Reeve grow rich? Possible answer: The Reeve is a crafty and capable manager (lines 612–614); he has been entrusted with the management of his master’s livestock (lines 615–617); he stays on top of collections (lines 618–622); he knows a good bargain and can manage his money (lines 628–630); he is also a fine carpenter (lines 631–632). Does Chaucer seem to have any reservations about this character? Possible answer: Chaucer’s opening words describe the Reeve as temperamental; Chaucer also says that he is “feared like the plague” (line 623) by everyone under him, suggesting that the Reeve is probably not compassionate or kind, but a bully and a stickler. 610 615 620 625 The Reeve was old and choleric and thin; His beard was shaven closely to the skin, His shorn hair came abruptly to a stop Above his ears, and he was docked on top Just like a priest in front; his legs were lean, Like sticks they were, no calf was to be seen. He kept his bins and garners very trim; No auditor could gain a point on him. And he could judge by watching drought and rain The yield he might expect from seed and grain. His master’s sheep, his animals and hens, Pigs, horses, dairies, stores and cattle-pens Were wholly trusted to his government. He had been under contract to present The accounts, right from his master’s earliest years. No one had ever caught him in arrears. No bailiff, serf or herdsman dared to kick, He knew their dodges, knew their every trick; Feared like the plague he was, by those beneath. He had a lovely dwelling on a heath, Shadowed in green by trees above the sward. A better hand at bargains than his lord, 604 wipe their eye: outdo them. 605 choleric (kJlPE-rGk): having a temperament in which yellow bile predominates, and therefore prone to outbursts of anger. 608 docked: clipped short. 611 garners: buildings for storing grain. 617 government: authority. 620 in arrears: with unpaid debts. 621 bailiff: farm manager; serf: farm laborer. 625 sward: grassy plot. Analyze Visuals Activity How does the picture support Chaucer’s description of the Reeve? Possible answer: It shows the neat, well-kept farm he managed and his shorn hair, cropped above his ears, as well as the confident bearing one might expect from the prosperous Reeve. 160 differentiated instruction unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s31-Prolog.indd 160 for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Vocabulary Support Help students use context to figure out the meaning of these expressions: Feared like the plague (line 623), “feared [him] terribly”; as I heard tell (line 637), “I was told”; No wonder (line 659), “It is not surprising.” Historical Perspective [small-group option] Both the Manciple and the Reeve are 14thcentury success stories. Though illiterate, the Manciple has outpaced men of greater learning, while the Reeve has grown rich and tucked away a treasure, despite his start as a carpenter. What does Chaucer suggest about mobility in medieval English society through these two characters? What traits seem to be essential for such success? How does Chaucer, 11/22/10 12:15:37 NA_L12PE-u01 PM of nobler stock, view the nouveau riche of his day? Have groups discuss these questions and report their findings to the class. 160 unit 1: the anglo–saxon and medieval periods NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd 160 1/21/11 1:45:38 PM 2/10 630 635 640 645 650 655 660 665 670 He had grown rich and had a store of treasure Well tucked away, yet out it came to pleasure His lord with subtle loans or gifts of goods, To earn his thanks and even coats and hoods. When young he’d learnt a useful trade and still He was a carpenter of first-rate skill. The stallion-cob he rode at a slow trot Was dapple-grey and bore the name of Scot. He wore an overcoat of bluish shade And rather long; he had a rusty blade Slung at his side. He came, as I heard tell, From Norfolk, near a place called Baldeswell. His coat was tucked under his belt and splayed. He rode the hindmost of our cavalcade. There was a Summoner with us at that Inn, His face on fire, like a cherubin, For he had carbuncles. His eyes were narrow, He was as hot and lecherous as a sparrow. Black scabby brows he had, and a thin beard. Children were afraid when he appeared. No quicksilver, lead ointment, tartar creams, No brimstone, no boracic, so it seems, Could make a salve that had the power to bite, Clean up or cure his whelks of knobby white Or purge the pimples sitting on his cheeks. Garlic he loved, and onions too, and leeks, And drinking strong red wine till all was hazy. Then he would shout and jabber as if crazy, And wouldn’t speak a word except in Latin When he was drunk, such tags as he was pat in; He only had a few, say two or three, That he had mugged up out of some decree; No wonder, for he heard them every day. And, as you know, a man can teach a jay To call out “Walter” better than the Pope. But had you tried to test his wits and grope For more, you’d have found nothing in the bag. Then “Questio quid juris” was his tag. He was a noble varlet and a kind one, You’d meet none better if you went to find one. Why, he’d allow—just for a quart of wine— Any good lad to keep a concubine A twelvemonth and dispense him altogether! And he had finches of his own to feather: And if he found some rascal with a maid tiered discussion prompts 633 stallion-cob: a thickset, shortlegged male horse. 161 Situational Irony [paired option] Review with students that situational irony contrasts what is expected to happen with what actually does happen. Then have partners find and explain examples of situational irony in “The Prologue,” such as Interpret Is the Summoner’s appearance a reflection of his character? Explain your answer. Possible answer: The Summoner’s unattractive appearance is a reflection of his unattractive character. As a church official, he sells favors for wine and drinks too much. 642 cherubin (chDrPE-bGnQ): a type of angel—in the Middle Ages often depicted with a fiery red face. 643 carbuncles (kärPbOngQkElz): big pimples, considered a sign of lechery and drunkenness in the Middle Ages. 647–648 quicksilver . . . boracic (bE-rBsPGk): substances used as skin medicines in medieval times. Evaluate Does Chaucer judge characters by the way they look? Possible answer: Chaucer sometimes exaggerates a character’s unpleasant physical features to serve as a kind of emblem of their corruption and sin. 650 whelks (hwDlks): swellings. 656 tags: brief quotations. 658 mugged up: memorized. 660 jay: a bird that can be taught to mimic human speech without understanding it. 664 Questio quid juris (kwDsPtC-I kwGd yMrPGs): Latin for “The question is, What part of the law (is applicable)?”—a statement often heard in medieval courts. 161 11/22/10 for advanced learners/ap Recall What specific details describe the Summoner’s appearance? Possible answer: He is described as having pimples on his face, scabby eyebrows, and a thin beard. Children are frightened of his appearance. 638 Norfolk (nôrPfEk): a county in eastern England. the canterbury tales 12:15:37 NA_L12PE-u01s31-Prolog.indd PM In lines 641–669, use these prompts to help students understand how the Summoner’s appearance is linked to his character and to Chaucer’s satire: 12:15:40 PM • The Monk, whom one expects to live a pious, simple life devoted to other people, instead loves hunting and fancy clothing. Discuss the purpose and effect of Chaucer’s situational irony. How does it support his satire? • The Summoner, whose job is to summon sinners to the church courts, is himself a lecher and a drunk. the canterbury tales NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd 161 161 1/3/11 8:04:14 AM revisit the big question 675 What makes a great CHARACTER? Discuss In lines 689–734, in what ways is the Pardoner like the Summoner? Possible answer: Like the Summoner, the Pardoner is physically and morally repugnant, another greedy and corrupt church official who has sold his office. How does Chaucer differentiate the character of the Summoner from the Pardoner? Possible answer: He looks different: The Summoner has bulging eyes (line 704) and light blond hair hanging down his back in rat-tails (lines 695–699); he is also fashion-conscious (lines 699–703). Unlike the Pardoner, the Summoner is unmanly, with no beard and a high voice (lines 708–711). 680 685 690 695 700 705 710 715 162 differentiated instruction for struggling readers Classification [small-group option] Chaucer describes a broad cross-section of people from 14th-century England. Invite students to consider ways of grouping the pilgrims: for example, by professions; men and women; laity and priests; or as round and flat, rich and poor, educated and uneducated, or moral and immoral characters. Which groupings are most useful? Which help us to better understand Chaucer’s world? Have groups fill out 162 He would instruct him not to be afraid In such a case of the Archdeacon’s curse (Unless the rascal’s soul were in his purse) For in his purse the punishment should be. “Purse is the good Archdeacon’s Hell,” said he. But well I know he lied in what he said; A curse should put a guilty man in dread, For curses kill, as shriving brings, salvation. We should beware of excommunication. Thus, as he pleased, the man could bring duress On any young fellow in the diocese. He knew their secrets, they did what he said. He wore a garland set upon his head Large as the holly-bush upon a stake Outside an ale-house, and he had a cake, A round one, which it was his joke to wield As if it were intended for a shield. He and a gentle Pardoner rode together, A bird from Charing Cross of the same feather, Just back from visiting the Court of Rome. He loudly sang, “Come hither, love, come home!” The Summoner sang deep seconds to this song, No trumpet ever sounded half so strong. This Pardoner had hair as yellow as wax, Hanging down smoothly like a hank of flax. In driblets fell his locks behind his head Down to his shoulders which they overspread; Thinly they fell, like rat-tails, one by one. He wore no hood upon his head, for fun; The hood inside his wallet had been stowed, He aimed at riding in the latest mode; But for a little cap his head was bare And he had bulging eye-balls, like a hare. He’d sewed a holy relic on his cap; His wallet lay before him on his lap, Brimful of pardons come from Rome, all hot. He had the same small voice a goat has got. His chin no beard had harbored, nor would harbor, Smoother than ever chin was left by barber. I judge he was a gelding, or a mare. As to his trade, from Berwick down to Ware There was no pardoner of equal grace, For in his trunk he had a pillow-case Which he asserted was Our Lady’s veil. 673 Archdeacon’s curse: excommunication—an official exclusion of a person from participating in the rites of the church. (An archdeacon is a high church official.) 681 duress (dM-rDsP): compulsion by means of threats. 682 diocese (dFPE-sGs): the district under a bishop’s supervision. 685–686 the holly-bush . . . alehouse: Since few people could read in the Middle Ages, many businesses identified themselves with symbols. Outside many taverns could be found wreaths of holly on stakes. 690 Charing Cross: a section of London. 696 flax: a pale grayish yellow fiber used for making linen cloth. 701 wallet: knapsack. 705 holy relic: an object revered because of its association with a holy person. 711 gelding (gDlPdGng): a castrated horse—here, a eunuch. 712 Berwick (bDrPGk) . . . Ware: towns in the north and the south of England. 715 Our Lady’s veil: the kerchief of the Virgin Mary. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s31-Prolog.indd 162 Classification Charts to illustrate these groupings. Allow time for students to share and compare their findings. BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Classification Chart p. B17 11/22/10 12:15:40 NA_L12PE-u01 PM for english language learners Comprehension Support Direct students’ attention to the side notes related to holy relics (lines 705, 715, 716, 717–718). Make sure that they understand that all of these relics are fakes, which the Summoner uses to fool people and to cheat them out of their money. Explain that he probably passes the pigs’ bones (line 720) off as the bones of a saint or other religious person. unit 1: the anglo–saxon and medieval periods NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd 162 1/3/11 8:04:18 AM 2/10 720 725 730 735 740 745 750 755 760 He said he had a gobbet of the sail Saint Peter had the time when he made bold To walk the waves, till Jesu Christ took hold. He had a cross of metal set with stones And, in a glass, a rubble of pigs’ bones. And with these relics, any time he found Some poor up-country parson to astound, In one short day, in money down, he drew More than the parson in a month or two, And by his flatteries and prevarication Made monkeys of the priest and congregation. n But still to do him justice first and last In church he was a noble ecclesiast. How well he read a lesson or told a story! But best of all he sang an Offertory, For well he knew that when that song was sung He’d have to preach and tune his honey-tongue And (well he could) win silver from the crowd. That’s why he sang so merrily and loud. Now I have told you shortly, in a clause, The rank, the array, the number and the cause Of our assembly in this company In Southwark, at that high-class hostelry Known as The Tabard, close beside The Bell. And now the time has come for me to tell How we behaved that evening; I’ll begin After we had alighted at the Inn, Then I’ll report our journey, stage by stage, All the remainder of our pilgrimage. But first I beg of you, in courtesy, Not to condemn me as unmannerly If I speak plainly and with no concealings And give account of all their words and dealings, Using their very phrases as they fell. For certainly, as you all know so well, He who repeats a tale after a man Is bound to say, as nearly as he can, Each single word, if he remembers it, However rudely spoken or unfit, Or else the tale he tells will be untrue, The things pretended and the phrases new. He may not flinch although it were his brother, He may as well say one word as another. And Christ Himself spoke broad in Holy Writ, Yet there is no scurrility in it, 716 gobbet: piece. 717–718 when he . . . took hold: a reference to an incident in which Jesus extended a helping hand to Peter as he tried to walk on water (Matthew 14:29–31). R E A D I N G STR ATEG Y Paraphrase the description of the Pardoner in lines 712–726. How exactly does he earn a living? 163 RL 10 paraphrase Possible answer: Paraphrase: There wasn’t a better pardoner from the north to the south of England, for he had a pillowcase that he claimed was Mary’s veil. He also possessed a piece of fabric which he claimed came from the sail (of the boat) that Peter used when he tried walking on water, and Jesus came to his rescue. Also, he had a metal cross with stones and a glass with pigs’ bones. He used these relics to fool the naive populace of country parishes, where he could make more money in a day than their parson could make in a month or two. Using flattery and lies, he made fools of the priest and his congregation. The Pardoner earns his living by selling pardons from Rome and fake relics to poor, uneducated country folk. 739 The Bell: another inn. 745–756 The narrator apologizes in advance for using the exact words of his companions. IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Go over the passage line by line with them. Extend the Discussion What examples of verbal irony does the Pardoner’s introduction contain? 759 broad: bluntly; plainly. 760 scurrility (skE-rGlPG-tC): vulgarity; coarseness. the canterbury tales 12:15:40 NA_L12PE-u01s31-Prolog.indd PM n n PARAPHRASE 163 11/22/10 12:15:41 PM for english language learners Comprehension: Text Structure Point out that the first part of “The Prologue,” which introduces the pilgrims, ends with line 734. The next section explains the Host’s role in the storytelling arrangement. The end of “The Prologue” also serves as a kind of transition to the actual storytelling by individual pilgrims. the canterbury tales NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd 163 163 1/3/11 8:04:21 AM Analyze Visuals Activity Compare the picture with Chaucer’s description of the Host in lines 769–774. What details in the art match those in the text? Possible answer: The art illustrates Chaucer’s assertion that the Host served the finest food imaginable (line 769). It also shows his wide girth and manly bearing. revisit the big question What makes a great CHARACTER? Discuss In lines 767–779, what words does Chaucer use to describe the Host, the innkeeper of The Tabard? Possible answer: “striking” (line 771); “no finer burgess in Cheapside” (line 774); “Bold in . . . speech,” “wise” (line 775); “manly” (line 776); “merry-hearted” (line 777). What actions of this character does Chaucer also describe? Possible answer: He shows the Host serving wonderful food and drink, speaking openly but tactfully, and discussing a variety of subjects. What do the Host’s own words reveal about him? Possible answer: The Host’s words reveal that he is inventive and fun-loving and that he has mastered the art of making everyone feel welcome. His words, along with his actions and Chaucer’s description, illustrate that he is a near-perfect host. 765 770 775 780 785 164 And Plato says, for those with power to read, “The word should be as cousin to the deed.” Further I beg you to forgive it me If I neglect the order and degree And what is due to rank in what I’ve planned. I’m short of wit as you will understand. 761 Plato (plAPtI): a famous philosopher of ancient Greece. Our Host gave us great welcome; everyone Was given a place and supper was begun. He served the finest victuals you could think, The wine was strong and we were glad to drink. A very striking man our Host withal, And fit to be a marshal in a hall. His eyes were bright, his girth a little wide; There is no finer burgess in Cheapside. Bold in his speech, yet wise and full of tact, There was no manly attribute he lacked, What’s more he was a merry-hearted man. After our meal he jokingly began To talk of sport, and, among other things After we’d settled up our reckonings, He said as follows: “Truly, gentlemen, You’re very welcome and I can’t think when —Upon my word I’m telling you no lie— I’ve seen a gathering here that looked so spry, No, not this year, as in this tavern now. I’d think you up some fun if I knew how. And, as it happens, a thought has just occurred 767 Host: the innkeeper of the Tabard. 772 marshal in a hall: an official in charge of arranging a nobleman’s banquet. 774 Cheapside: the main business district of London in Chaucer’s day. 780 settled up our reckonings: paid our bills. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s31-Prolog.indd 164 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Vocabulary Support Help students use context to figure out the meaning of these expressions: Upon my word (line 783), “I swear that”; God speed (line 789), “[Have] a prosperous journey”; while the time (line 792), “pass the time”; at any rate (line 806), “anyway”; fullest measure of (lines 817–818), “the largest amount of; the most.” Interpret Allusion [paired option] Have students discuss the allusion to Plato’s aphorism, “The word should be as cousin to the deed” (line 762). What does the narrator mean? Point out that a cousin is not the closest relationship. How would the saying be different if it were “The word should be as brother to the deed”? Is the narrator being ironic? Allow time for partners to share their interpretations. 12:15:42 NA_L12PE-u0 PM 164 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd 164 1/21/11 1:45:42 PM 2/10 790 795 800 805 810 815 820 825 To please you, costing nothing, on my word. You’re off to Canterbury—well, God speed! Blessed St. Thomas answer to your need! And I don’t doubt, before the journey’s done You mean to while the time in tales and fun. Indeed, there’s little pleasure for your bones Riding along and all as dumb as stones. So let me then propose for your enjoyment, Just as I said, a suitable employment. And if my notion suits and you agree And promise to submit yourselves to me Playing your parts exactly as I say Tomorrow as you ride along the way, Then by my father’s soul (and he is dead) If you don’t like it you can have my head! Hold up your hands, and not another word.” Well, our opinion was not long deferred, It seemed not worth a serious debate; We all agreed to it at any rate And bade him issue what commands he would. “My lords,” he said, “now listen for your good, And please don’t treat my notion with disdain. This is the point. I’ll make it short and plain. Each one of you shall help to make things slip By telling two stories on the outward trip To Canterbury, that’s what I intend, And, on the homeward way to journey’s end Another two, tales from the days of old; And then the man whose story is best told, That is to say who gives the fullest measure Of good morality and general pleasure, He shall be given a supper, paid by all, Here in this tavern, in this very hall, When we come back again from Canterbury. o And in the hope to keep you bright and merry I’ll go along with you myself and ride All at my own expense and serve as guide. I’ll be the judge, and those who won’t obey Shall pay for what we spend upon the way. Now if you all agree to what you’ve heard Tell me at once without another word, And I will make arrangements early for it.” 790 St. Thomas: St. Thomas à Becket, to whose shrine the pilgrims are traveling. 794 dumb: silent. Language Coach Multiple Meanings Submit has several meanings: (1) to yield to someone else’s power, (2) to present for review, (3) to present as an opinion. Which meaning applies in line 798? Which meaning applies in this sentence? I will submit my article to the school newspaper. 807 bade him: asked him to. 165 o Historical Perspective Have students discuss the Host’s proposal and ask these questions. • Why did the Host make this proposal? • What does it suggest about 14th-century pilgrimages? • Is any irony intended? • Why did Chaucer place the proposal at the end of “The Prologue,” rather than at the beginning? RL 4 tone Demonstrate tone for students by saying a statement using two different attitudes, or tones—one in a jovial tone, and one in a serious tone. RL 4 o TONE In literature, tone refers to the attitude a writer takes toward a subject or character. A writer can communicate tone through diction, choice of details, and direct statements of his or her opinion. Tone can be serious, playful, admiring, mocking, or objective. How would you describe Chaucer’s tone toward his characters throughout “The Prologue”? Why do you think he portrays his characters this way? Possible answer: Chaucer’s tone is generally restrained and detached. He likely uses this tone to allow for subtle jokes to be inserted in the descriptions of the pilgrims. 165 11/22/10 for advanced learners/ap Pilgrims’ Identities Did Chaucer base his pilgrims on real-life individuals from his day? Scholars have researched and debated this question for years. Unfortunately, no records exist of Chaucer’s personal revelations on the subject, so his readers may never know for sure. The pilgrim who has been identified with the greatest certainty is the Host. The Cook refers to him as “Herry Bailly” in the Cook’s Prologue. Some scholars think that an innkeeper named Henri Bayliff lived in Southwark, the location of Chaucer’s Tabard Inn. Bayliff’s name appears in various rolls and records from the 1370s and 1380s. T E X T A N A LY S I S the canterbury tales 12:15:42 NA_L12PE-u01s31-Prolog.indd PM background • Why did Chaucer choose to have the Host make this proposal? • Could any other pilgrim have suggested the contest? 12:15:44 PM for english language learners Language Coach Multiple Meanings Answers: (1), (2) Ask volunteers to speak aloud sentences that include the word submit. Then, ask the class to correctly identify the meaning used in each sentence. the canterbury tales NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd 165 165 1/3/11 8:04:27 AM 830 VOCABULARY own the word L4 835 entreaty: Ask students what entreaty the Pilgrims make to the Host. Possible answer: that the Host become their Governor. Then have students write several sentences that show an understanding of the differences among entreaty, request, and demand. Possible answer: My brother Mark requested that I help him with his homework; at the same time my parents demanded that I get off the phone and finish my chores. I made an entreaty to my history teacher to allow me extra time on my essay because I had been sick. 840 845 850 855 T E X T A N A LY S I S p characterization Of course we all agreed, in fact we swore it Delightedly, and made entreaty too That he should act as he proposed to do, Become our Governor in short, and be Judge of our tales and general referee, And set the supper at a certain price. We promised to be ruled by his advice Come high, come low; unanimously thus We set him up in judgment over us. More wine was fetched, the business being done; We drank it off and up went everyone To bed without a moment of delay. p Early next morning at the spring of day Up rose our Host and roused us like a cock, Gathering us together in a flock, And off we rode at slightly faster pace Than walking to St. Thomas’ watering-place; And there our Host drew up, began to ease His horse, and said, “Now, listen if you please, My lords! Remember what you promised me. If evensong and matins will agree Let’s see who shall be first to tell a tale. And as I hope to drink good wine and ale I’ll be your judge. The rebel who disobeys, However much the journey costs, he pays. Now draw for cut and then we can depart; The man who draws the shortest cut shall start.” entreaty (Dn-trCPtC) n. a serious request or plea p CHARACTERIZATION Examine the way the pilgrims respond to the Host in lines 830–841. What type of person do you think would appeal to so many? 843 cock: rooster (whose cry rouses people from sleep). 846 St. Thomas’ watering-place: a brook about two miles from London. 850 If evensong and matins (mBtPnz) will agree: if what you said last night is what you will do this morning. (Evensong and matins are evening and morning prayer services.) 855 draw for cut: draw lots. RL 1 RL 3 Possible answer: The Host is likely to be friendly, fun-loving, charismatic, fair, honest, and generous. selection wrap–up READ WITH A PURPOSE Now that students have read “The Prologue” of The Canterbury Tales, ask them to make a generalization about the characters that will narrate The Canterbury Tales. Possible answers: These characters come from a wide cross-section of 14th-century society. Their backgrounds, occupations, and character traits are very diverse. CRITIQUE • Ask students which pilgrims are most memorable. Encourage them to explain their responses. • After completing the After Reading questions on page 167, have students revisit their responses and tell whether they have changed their opinions. INDEPENDENT READING Students may also enjoy reading The Arabian Nights, translated by Husain Haddawy. 166 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s31-Prolog.indd 166 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for struggling readers for advanced learners/ap Develop Reading Fluency Have students work in pairs to practice reading lines 830– 856 to each other. Encourage students to work together to clarify the pronunciations of difficult words before reading. As one student reads the text, instruct the other student to listen and then summarize what the first has read. When both students have finished reading the text, ask them to discuss how fluent reading allowed for improved comprehension of the material. Simile [paired option] Have students analyze the extended simile in lines 842–844. What is Chaucer comparing? Is the simile serious or humorous? What light does it cast on the Host and on the pilgrims? Then have them compare this simile with the religious metaphor in lines 514–524. Allow time for partners to share their findings. 12:15:45 NA_L12PE-u01 PM 166 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd 166 1/3/11 8:04:31 AM 2/10 After Reading Practice and Apply Comprehension 1. Recall When and where does “The Prologue” take place? 2. Recall What event or circumstance causes the characters to gather? 3. Summarize What plan does the Host propose to the characters? Text Analysis 4. Analyze Characterization Throughout the selection, Chaucer uses physical details—eyes, hair, clothing—to help develop his characters. Choose three pilgrims and describe how their outward appearances reflect their personalities. RL 1 Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly. RL 3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story. RL 4 Analyze the impact of specific word choices on tone. RL 6 Analyze a case in which grasping a point of view requires distinguishing what is directly stated in a text from what is really meant (e.g., irony). RL 10 Read and comprehend literature. 5. Identify Irony Much of the humor of “The Prologue” is based on irony, the discrepancy between what appears to be true and what actually is true. Explain the irony in each of the following character portraits: • the Nun Prioress • the Merchant • the Skipper • the Doctor For preliminary support of post-reading questions, use these copy masters: RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Masters Reading Check p. 134 Characterization p. 127 Question Support p. 135 Additional selection questions are provided for teachers on page 121. answers 1. “The Prologue” takes place in April at the Tabard Inn in Southwark. 2. The characters gather for a pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Thomas à Becket in Canterbury. 6. Draw Conclusions Review what you paraphrased as you read the selection. Describe the narrator’s personality and values. 7. Examine Satire A writer who pokes fun at behaviors and customs with the intent of improving society is creating satire. Review the descriptions of the Monk and the Friar in lines 169–279. What aspects of the medieval church does Chaucer satirize through these characters? 3. The Host proposes a contest in which each Pilgrim tells two stories on the way to Canterbury and two more on the way back; the winner will receive a free dinner. 8. Interpret Tone In literature, tone refers to the attitude a writer takes toward a subject or character. Tone can be serious, playful, admiring, mocking, or objective. Review lines 455–486. What is Chaucer’s tone toward the Wife of Bath? Cite specific words and phrases to support your answer. Possible answers: 4. Text Criticism 9. Critical Interpretations In 1809, the English poet and artist William Blake made the following observation: “Chaucer’s pilgrims are the characters which compose all ages and nations. . . . Some of the names or titles are altered by time, but the characters themselves forever remain unaltered.” Do you agree or disagree that Chaucer’s characters seem timeless and universal? Support your opinion with details from the text and your own experiences. What makes a great character? Which of Chaucer’s characters do you like best? Which character traits make this character appealing to you? the canterbury tales 7. Chaucer 167satirizes their worldliness, materialism, and hypocrisy and by extension any churchmen with those traits. Both indulge in worldly pleasures. Neither serves those in need. 12:15:45 NA_L12PE-u01s31-arProlog.indd PM 8. Though Chaucer gently mocks the Wife of Bath’s pride and her excesses in clothing and husbands, he generally admires her, using words such as worthy, bold, and handsome to describe her. 9. Chaucer’s pilgrims seem timeless. His stories of the corruption, hypocrisy, greed, and pretense of the Sergeant at the Law, RL 1, RL 3, RL 4, RL 6, RL 10 167 the Merchant, the Friar, the Monk, the 1/8/11 Summoner, and the Pardoner are similar to current stories about failures of trust in business, politics, and the clergy. So, too, the faith and charity of the Parson, Cleric, and Plowman have parallels in the humble clergy of today. What makes a great CHARACTER? thoughtful responses. Accept all 12:07:44 PM common core focus Characterization Answers will vary, but they may include these descriptions: Squire: appearance—20 years old, curly hair, strong, short, embroidered gown; personality—young, romantic. Reeve: appearance—old, choleric, closeshaven, skinny; personality: exacting, shrewd; excellent manager. Summoner: appearance—carbuncles, narrow eyes, scabby brows; personality—despicable; cheater and blackmailer. 5. The Nun Prioress wishes to seem sophisticated; her poor French, table manners, and jewelry suggest otherwise. The Skipper seems to be a skilled, prudent, and unpretentious seaman, but he is capable of theft and violence. The Merchant is well dressed and well versed at trade, but he is in debt. The Doctor knows everything about medieval medicine, but he is motivated by love of gold rather than the desire to help others. 6. common core focus Paraphrase The narrator is intelligent, wellread, and religious; he is a keen observer of the faults and strengths of others; he is humorous and humane. He esteems humility, simplicity, generosity, the Gospel and the Golden Rule; he despises pretension, greed, hypocrisy, materialism, and corruption. the canterbury tales NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd 167 167 1/13/11 11:02:50 AM Vocabulary in Context answers Vocabulary in Context vocabulary practice word list Use the details from “The Prologue” and your understanding of the boldfaced words to help you choose the answer to each question. accrue vocabulary practice courtliness entreaty 1. Which of these characters shows the most courtliness? 1. (b) Knight 4. (a) Nun Prioress 2. Which of these characters seems the most personable? 2. (a) Squire 5. (a) Friar 3. What does the Doctor believe can cause a malady? 3. (b) body humors 6. (c) Host 4. Which of these characters tries the most to behave sedately? malady personable sedately 5. Which character has seen money accrue in his savings? RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master 6. To whom do the pilgrims make an entreaty about judging the story contest? Vocabulary Practice p. 132 academic vocabulary in writing academic vocabulary in writing • concept Suggest that students begin by sketching a rough outline or graphic organizer to represent the structure of “The Prologue.” As students begin to write and revise their work, they should focus on correctly incorporating academic vocabulary terms into their writing. vocabulary strategy: words from french L4, L 6 Direct students’ attention to the structural similarities of the Old French roots and the contemporary English terms. Discuss with them how the original meanings of the roots relate to the definitions of the contemporary words. 3. personable 2. malady; malade 4. entreaty • parallel • section • structure Chaucer characters embody abstract concepts like greed and vanity, yet remain fully-realized, three-dimesional characters. Using at least two additional Academic Vocabulary words, write about how the structure of “The Prologue” allows Chaucer to give such a complete picture of the pilgrims. vocabulary strategy: words from french French has contributed words to English since the French-speaking Normans invaded England in 1066. A huge number of our “Latin” words actually come from Latin by way of Old French. Knowing the French origins of a word can help you understand its meanings. For example, knowing that parley comes from the French parler, which means “to speak,” will tell you that a parley is a conference. L 4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown words. L 6 Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words. PRACTICE Based on the word list to the right and the following word bank, respond each item below: Old French Root • malady • personable • entreaty • court • accrue 1. The words accretion and ________ both contain the core meaning of the Old French word acreu. What is that core meaning? __________ Answers: 1. accrue; increased • culture Original Meaning acreu increased entraiter to deal with, beseech malade sick persone person 2. The core meaning of the English word ___________ can be found in the Old French word for “sick.” What is that word? _______________ RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master Vocabulary Strategy p. 133 3. If the Normans had not invaded England in 1066, we might not say a friendly individual is ____________. Interactive Vocabulary 4. Although it did not survive into Modern French, the Old French word entraiter survives in English in the form of __________. Go to thinkcentral.com. KEYWORD: HML12-168 Interactive Vocabulary Keywords direct students to a WordSharp tutorial on thinkcentral.com or to other types of vocabulary practice and review. 168 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s31-arProlog.indd 168 1/8/11 differentiated instruction Assess and Reteach Assess DIAGNOSTIC AND SELECTION TESTS Selection Tests A, B/C pp. 49–50, 51–52 Interactive Selection Test on thinkcentral.com for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Vocabulary Support Invite students who speak Latin-based languages to name words in their native languages that contain the prefix mal-. Vocabulary Practice: Challenge Ask partners to do a word search to find additional words with the mal- prefix, such as maladroit, malfeasance, and malingerer. Have them use five words with the prefix to write descriptions of five make-believe characters. 12:07:46 PM Reteach Level Up Online Tutorials on thinkcentral.com 168 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s09-canterprol.indd 168 1/13/11 11:02:55 AM The Age of Chaucer Teach from The Pardoner’s Tale from The Canterbury Tales Poem by Geoffrey Chaucer Translated by Nevill Coghill What has the power to RL 3, RL 4, RL 6, RL 10 corrupt? text analysis: exemplum An exemplum is a short anecdote or story that illustrates a particular moral point. Developed in the late Middle Ages, this literary form was often used in sermons and other didactic literature. One famous example is Chaucer’s “The Pardoner’s Tale,” which focuses on the subject of greed. As you read the selection, pay attention to the actions of the characters and to the narrator’s description of his own practices. In the introduction to his tale, the Pardoner states, “Radix malorum est cupiditas,” which is Latin for “The love of money is the root of all evil”—a passage from the Bible. The expression suggests that the desire for riches often seduces people into abandoning their moral principles. Today, as in Chaucer’s time, greed and other elements of human weakness often trigger grave acts of corruption. Review: Irony reading skill: predict When you predict, you make guesses about what will happen next in a story based on text clues and your own prior knowledge. Predicting helps you become engaged in the story and motivates you to read on. To make predictions about “The Pardoner’s Tale,” use the following strategies: • Note foreshadowing, or hints about future plot events. • Think about the words, actions, and personalities of the three rioters to predict their behavior throughout the story. As you read, record your predictions and any helpful text clues in a chart like the one shown. Later, complete the chart by explaining the actual outcomes of the story’s events. Predictions Text Clues The rioters will experience trouble. The tavern boy warns them about the plague. DISCUSS With a small group of classmates, list several examples of corruption. Discuss the factors that you think prompted people to commit corrupt acts. Compare your conclusions with those of other groups. Examples of Corruption 1. Corporate scandals RL 3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story. RL 4 Analyze the impact of specific word choices on tone. RL 6 Analyze a case in which grasping a point of view requires distinguishing what is directly stated in a text from what is really meant (e.g., irony). RL 10 Read and comprehend literature. L 4d Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of the word. L 6 Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words. What has the power to CORRUPT? Introduce the question and discuss the following paragraph. Then ask students to help you create a corruption “scale” that runs from 1 to 10. Have volunteers place on the scale the various forms of corruption that they have listed. Encourage them to keep this scale in mind during the DISCUSS activity. 2. Outcomes 3. 4. T E X T A N A LY S I S RL 3 Model the Skill: exemplum To model the analysis of an exemplum, explain to students the moral lessons in old tales such as “The Goose that Laid the Golden Egg” and “King Midas.” vocabulary in context To see how many vocabulary words you already know, substitute a different word for each boldfaced term. 1. The miser demonstrated his avarice by amassing coins. 2. She used harsh words to castigate his awful behavior. GUIDED PRACTICE Ask students to identify additional examples of stories or tales with a moral lesson. 3. The two enemies came together for a secret parley. Complete the activities in your Reader/Writer Notebook. the canterbury tales 169 READING SKILL RL 10 NA_L12PE-u01s32-brPardon.indd V O C A B 169 ULARY SKILL vocabulary in context Have all students complete Vocabulary in Context. Check their definitions against the following. avarice (BvPE-rGs) n. greed castigate (kBsPtG-gAtQ) v. to criticize parley (pärPlC) n. a discussion or a conference 12/15/10 L4 PRETEACH VOCABULARY Use the copy master to help students predict meanings. RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master Vocabulary Study p. 151 7:30:06 PM Model the Skill: predict Write this example on the board: Mark was driving to Morrisville to visit friends, when a news flash broke on the radio: “A flood washed out the Morrisville Dam. Emergency crews are evacuating residents by boat.” Model for students how to make a prediction about what Mark will do next. Explain that, based on text clues and prior knowledge, you can guess that he will probably turn around, go home, and try to reach his friends. the canterbury tales NA_L12TE-u01s10-canterpard.indd 169 169 1/3/11 8:01:44 AM Practice and Apply The summary pardoner’s prologue Geoffrey Chaucer In this poem, the corrupt Pardoner explains that he preaches his tale of avarice to frighten peasants into giving him money: To wit, three violent youths vow to murder Death for killing their friend. They meet a mysterious old man who directs them to a tree, where, he says, they will find Death. Instead, they discover gold, which they plan to take and hide that night. During a trip to town, the youngest rioter plots to poison the others, while the two left behind plan to murder him. Thus, the two rioters stab the youngest, then drink his poisoned wine and die as well. background In the medieval church, a pardoner was a clergy member who had authority from the pope to grant indulgences—certificates of forgiveness—to people who showed great charity. In practice, however, many pardoners— such as Chaucer’s pilgrim—were unethical and sold their certificates to make money for the church or themselves. 5 read with a purpose Help students set a purpose for reading. Tell them to read “The Pardoner’s Prologue” to learn about the nature of corruption and deceit. 10 Discuss In lines 16–22, in what way is the Pardoner’s choice of the topic of avarice for his tale a sign of his corruption? Possible answer: The Pardoner is telling a sermon about greed, and his sole motive is greed. The topic itself makes poor people more willing to give up their money. His ulterior motive in choosing this topic is a sign of his corruption. 15 20 “My lords,” he said, “in churches where I preach I cultivate a haughty kind of speech And ring it out as roundly as a bell; I’ve got it all by heart, the tale I tell. I have a text, it always is the same And always has been, since I learnt the game, Old as the hills and fresher than the grass, Radix malorum est cupiditas. . . . “I preach, as you have heard me say before, And tell a hundred lying mockeries more. I take great pains, and stretching out my neck To east and west I crane about and peck Just like a pigeon sitting on a barn. My hands and tongue together spin the yarn And all my antics are a joy to see. The curse of avarice and cupidity Is all my sermon, for it frees the pelf. Out come the pence, and specially for myself, For my exclusive purpose is to win And not at all to castigate their sin. Once dead what matter how their souls may fare? They can go blackberrying, for all I care! . . . Analyze Visuals What details in this image reflect the Pardoner’s description of his preaching? 8 Radix malorum est cupiditas (räPdGks mä-lôrPEm DstQ kL-pGdPG-täsQ): Latin for “The love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). 10 mockeries: false tales. avarice (BvPE-rGs) n. greed 17 pelf: riches. 18 pence: pennies. castigate (kBsPtG-gAtQ) v. to criticize VOCABULARY own the word L4 • avarice: Read the definition of avarice aloud to students. Then have them name common antonyms. Possible answers: generosity, charitableness, benevolence • castigate: Tell students that the connotation of castigate is to criticize severely, to berate. Have them name words that carry similar meaning, but that have less intensity. Possible answers: scold, chasten READING SKILL a RL 10 predict Possible answer: The characters will commit some error or crime related to greed and meet with a suitable ending. 170 25 170 “And thus I preach against the very vice I make my living out of—avarice. a And yet however guilty of that sin Myself, with others I have power to win Them from it, I can bring them to repent; But that is not my principal intent. a PREDICT The Pardoner convinces people to buy certificates of forgiveness by reciting his moral stories. What can you predict about the characters and events of the tale he will tell? unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s32-Pardon.indd 170 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners for struggling readers Literary Forms Invite English language learners to share examples of fables or stories from their cultures that teach a moral or lesson. Ask them to identify the values that these exemplum teach. Lead the class in a discussion about the similarities and differences that they observe in these tales across cultures. Have students listen to the Audio Anthology CD for this selection. Encourage students to practice reading aloud along with this resource to improve reading fluency. 12:19:08 NA_L12PE-u01 PM unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s10-canterpard.indd 170 1/3/11 8:01:51 AM 2/10 background Christianity in the Late Middle Ages Through the Middle Ages, England remained tied to the Catholic Church. From the 12th century on, the church worked hard to raise the quality of the clergy, especially on the parish level, hoping to teach Christian principles to the laity. There was a strong emphasis on piousness, prayer, and good works. By Chaucer’s day, local clergy were more educated and more dutiful than ever. Even so, abuses remained widespread. Unscrupulous church associates, like the Pardoner, continued to prey upon ignorant people, selling fake relics and promising to cleanse sins or cure sickness. In the 14th century, the outcry against church abuses grew angrier and more radical with the chaos of war and plague. The papacy, in particular, was the subject of harsh criticism. Avignon, in today’s southern France, was a papal city. The political conflict between England and France led to a rupture in the church. The power of popes to make appointments at all levels of the church—the Pardoner might be a case in point—was another source of resentment. Analyze Visuals Possible answer: The Pardoner’s pious look reflects the gravity of his false preaching. The peasants giving him money reflects his success in telling lies. 12:19:08 NA_L12PE-u01s32-Pardon.indd PM 171 11/22/10 for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Vocabulary Support Use New Word Analysis to teach these words: principal (line 28), job (line 40), register (line 92), consent (line 157), section (line 292), occur (line 329). Create a Ballad Instruct students to identify a character trait or flaw that interests them. Then, ask them to use “The Pardoner’s Prologue” as a model for composing their own ballad about a character or characters that illustrates their chosen character trait or flaw. Encourage students to craft a plot for their poems that shows how these traits or flaws BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency New Word Analysis p. E8 12:19:17 PM affect the lives of their characters. When students have completed their ballads, invite them to read their work aloud to the class. the canterbury tales NA_L12TE-u01s10-canterpard.indd 171 171 1/3/11 8:01:58 AM 30 revisit the big question What has the power to CORRUPT? 35 Discuss In lines 50–57, why does the Pardoner admit his own corruption? Possible answer: The Pardoner wants the other pilgrims to acknowledge that, despite the fact that he is immoral (line 55), he can still tell a moral tale (line 56). One criterion for winning the storytelling contest is that it must be entertaining; the other is that it must have a strong moral—“the fullest measure of good morality and general pleasure” (“The Prologue,” lines 817–818). The Pardoner does not want to lose the contest because of his depraved character. His admission contributes to the irony. 40 45 50 T E X T A N A L Y S I S : Review b irony Possible answer: The Pardoner tells his moral stories not to help sinners but to help himself. He’s greedy and wishes to scare people into buying his indulgences and relics. 55 Covetousness is both the root and stuff Of all I preach. That ought to be enough. “Well, then I give examples thick and fast From bygone times, old stories from the past. A yokel mind loves stories from of old, Being the kind it can repeat and hold. What! Do you think, as long as I can preach And get their silver for the things I teach, That I will live in poverty, from choice? That’s not the counsel of my inner voice! No! Let me preach and beg from kirk to kirk And never do an honest job of work, No, nor make baskets, like St. Paul, to gain A livelihood. I do not preach in vain. There’s no apostle I would counterfeit; I mean to have money, wool and cheese and wheat Though it were given me by the poorest lad Or poorest village widow, though she had A string of starving children, all agape. b No, let me drink the liquor of the grape And keep a jolly wench in every town! “But listen, gentlemen; to bring things down To a conclusion, would you like a tale? Now as I’ve drunk a draft of corn-ripe ale, By God it stands to reason I can strike On some good story that you all will like. For though I am a wholly vicious man Don’t think I can’t tell moral tales. I can! Here’s one I often preach when out for winning. . . .” 33 yokel: rustic. 39 kirk: church. 41 St. Paul: a follower of Jesus Christ who made baskets and tents. 43 counterfeit: imitate. b IRONY Review lines 39–47. Why does the Pardoner tell his moral stories? Explain how his motive is ironic, or different from what you might have expected. 55 vicious: immoral; depraved. IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Review the definition of irony: a contrast between what one expects to happen and what does happen, between the way things appear and the way they really are. 172 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s32-Pardon.indd 172 differentiated instruction 11/22/10 12:19:22 NA_L12PE-u01 PM for advanced learners/ap Character Analysis [paired option] The Pardoner’s self-examination in lines 33–57 is most revealing. Have students reread and discuss this personal analysis. After groups finish their discussion, ask them to create a “back story,” explaining why the Pardoner has come to his present state. Invite them to share their ideas with the class. 172 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s10-canterpard.indd 172 1/3/11 8:02:04 AM 2/10 tiered discussion prompts The 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 In lines 67–86, use these prompts to help students understand the significance of the tavern-knave’s warning: pardoner’s tale It’s of three rioters I have to tell Who, long before the morning service bell, Were sitting in a tavern for a drink. And as they sat, they heard the hand-bell clink Before a coffin going to the grave; One of them called the little tavern-knave And said “Go and find out at once—look spry!— Whose corpse is in that coffin passing by; And see you get the name correctly too.” “Sir,” said the boy, “no need, I promise you; Two hours before you came here I was told. He was a friend of yours in days of old, And suddenly, last night, the man was slain, Upon his bench, face up, dead drunk again. There came a privy thief, they call him Death, Who kills us all round here, and in a breath He speared him through the heart, he never stirred. And then Death went his way without a word. He’s killed a thousand in the present plague, And, sir, it doesn’t do to be too vague If you should meet him; you had best be wary. Be on your guard with such an adversary, Be primed to meet him everywhere you go, That’s what my mother said. It’s all I know.” 58 rioters: rowdy people; revelers. The publican joined in with, “By St. Mary, What the child says is right; you’d best be wary, This very year he killed, in a large village A mile away, man, woman, serf at tillage, Page in the household, children—all there were. Yes, I imagine that he lives round there. It’s well to be prepared in these alarms, He might do you dishonor.” “Huh, God’s arms!” The rioter said, “Is he so fierce to meet? I’ll search for him, by Jesus, street by street. God’s blessed bones! I’ll register a vow! 82 publican: innkeeper; tavern owner. 61–62 hand-bell . . . grave: In Chaucer’s time, a bell was carried beside the coffin in a funeral procession. 76 Bubonic plague killed at least a quarter of the population of Europe in the mid-14th century. T E X T A N A LY S I S c 86 page: boy servant. c c EXEMPLUM Many characters in moral stories are allegorical— that is, they stand for abstract ideas, such as virtue and beauty. Identify the allegorical character presented in lines 72–89. Who fears him? Why? BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Character Ask students which words best describe the Pardoner. Encourage them to explain each choice. Help them to find textual support. List their responses in a Character Traits Web. Character Traits Web p. D7 Pardoner untruthful greedy moneyhungry corrupt IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Reread and paraphrase with them the description of Death in lines 72–78. Extend the Discussion What aspect of death does this personification capture? 12:19:23 PM for english language learners Vocabulary: Outdated Forms Remind students that some words in this translation are not commonly used in modern American English, such as look spry (line 64), “hurry”; By St. Mary (line 82), “I swear upon the name of St. Mary”; Huh, God’s arms! (line 89), “I’m not worried, with the army of God” [an exclamation offering or claiming to represent the army of God]; God’s blessed bones! (line 92), “I swear by the bones of Jesus.” Have students reread the lines, substituting the modern version for each outdated form. the canterbury tales NA_L12TE-u01s10-canterpard.indd 173 RL 3 173 for struggling readers selfish exemplum Possible answer: The allegorical character is Death. The tavern-knave, the innkeeper, and the townspeople are all afraid of death because the plague has struck and taken many lives. 11/22/10 immoral Synthesize What event do the words of the boy and the innkeeper foreshadow? Possible answer: Their warnings foreshadow a brush with death, especially if the rioters are not vigilant and careful, as the tavern-knave and innkeeper have advised. 72 privy (prGvPC): hidden; secretive. 173 vicious Analyze What adds credibility to the boy’s words? Possible answer: The innkeeper supports the boy’s view that the rioters should be wary (line 83). 63 tavern-knave (nAv): a serving boy in an inn. the canterbury tales 12:19:22 NA_L12PE-u01s32-Pardon.indd PM Connect Have you ever received a warning that you did not heed? How does that help you predict what will happen to the rioters? Students should understand that because the rioters do not heed the tavern-knave’s warning, something bad will happen. 173 1/3/11 8:02:07 AM 95 100 READING SKILL d RL 10 predict Possible answer: Chaucer emphasizes the rioters’ drunkenness, anger, impulsiveness, overconfidence, and violent language. They will likely turn on each other. 105 Extend the Discussion Why don’t the rioters fear death? Do young people tend to believe that nothing can hurt them? 110 tiered discussion prompts 115 In lines 108–132, use these prompts to help students understand the significance of the old man in this tale: Recall How do the rioters treat the poor old man? Possible answer: The rioters show him no respect and even threaten to harm him. 120 Analyze What does the rioters’ treatment of the old man reveal about them? Possible answer: Their mistreatment of the old man underscores their crudeness, recklessness, and lack of judgment. Evaluate Why is the character of the old man included in this tale? Possible answer: He is a foil to the rioters, representing the wisdom of old age. What purposes do the story of his life and his views about death serve? Possible answer: They serve as a cautionary tale to the reckless rioters who are searching for Death: The old man has also been searching—for a young person to trade youth for his old age. The old man’s search has been fruitless. His pleas for death have also gone unanswered. The old man’s example suggests that people have no control over death. Any effort to gain control is as pointless as trying to trade old age for youth. 174 125 130 174 Here, chaps! The three of us together now, Hold up your hands, like me, and we’ll be brothers In this affair, and each defend the others, And we will kill this traitor Death, I say! Away with him as he has made away With all our friends. God’s dignity! Tonight!” They made their bargain, swore with appetite, These three, to live and die for one another As brother-born might swear to his born brother. And up they started in their drunken rage And made towards this village which the page And publican had spoken of before. Many and grisly were the oaths they swore, Tearing Christ’s blessed body to a shred; “If we can only catch him, Death is dead!” d When they had gone not fully half a mile, Just as they were about to cross a stile, They came upon a very poor old man Who humbly greeted them and thus began, “God look to you, my lords, and give you quiet!” To which the proudest of these men of riot Gave back the answer, “What, old fool? Give place! Why are you all wrapped up except your face? Why live so long? Isn’t it time to die?” d PREDICT What qualities of the three men does Chaucer emphasize in lines 93–107? Predict what will happen to them based on these text clues. 109 stile: a stairway used to climb over a fence or wall. The old, old fellow looked him in the eye And said, “Because I never yet have found, Though I have walked to India, searching round Village and city on my pilgrimage, One who would change his youth to have my age. And so my age is mine and must be still Upon me, for such time as God may will. “Not even Death, alas, will take my life; So, like a wretched prisoner at strife Within himself, I walk alone and wait About the earth, which is my mother’s gate, Knock-knocking with my staff from night to noon And crying, ‘Mother, open to me soon! Look at me, mother, won’t you let me in? See how I wither, flesh and blood and skin! Alas! When will these bones be laid to rest? Mother, I would exchange—for that were best— The wardrobe in my chamber, standing there 129 The old man addresses the earth as his mother (recall the familiar expressions “Mother Earth” and “Mother Nature”). unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s32-Pardon.indd 174 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners Comprehension: Text Structure Explain to students that although “The Pardoner’s Tale” is written in poetic form, it contains dialogue. Have students identify places where dialogue begins and ends, naming each speaker; for example: rioter, lines 90–98; rioters, line 107; old man, line 112; proud rioter, lines 114–116; old man, lines 118–148. 12:19:23 NA_L12PE-u01 PM Vocabulary: Outdated Forms Point out additional outdated forms on pages 174–175: away with him (line 97), “send him away; kill him”; made away with (lines 97–98), “taken away, killed”; made towards (line 103), “went towards”; alas (line 124), “unfortunately”; Whence (line 137), “from which source”; holy writ (line 141), “holy writing”; whither (line 148), “to what place.” unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s10-canterpard.indd 174 1/3/11 8:02:10 AM 2/10 135 140 145 So long, for yours! Aye, for a shirt of hair To wrap me in!’ She has refused her grace, Whence comes the pallor of my withered face. “But it dishonored you when you began To speak so roughly, sir, to an old man, Unless he had injured you in word or deed. It says in holy writ, as you may read, ‘Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head And honor it.’ And therefore be it said ‘Do no more harm to an old man than you, Being now young, would have another do When you are old’—if you should live till then. And so may God be with you, gentlemen, For I must go whither I have to go.” 135 shirt of hair: a rough shirt made of animal hair, worn to punish oneself for one’s sins. 142 hoary: gray or white with age. Analyze Visuals Activity How does the picture of the old man support the Pardoner’s description of him? Possible answer: The picture shows that he is indeed ancient, but also dignified. the canterbury tales 12:19:23 NA_L12PE-u01s32-Pardon.indd PM 175 175 11/22/10 12:19:24 PM for advanced learners/ap Research Allegorical Characters [small-group option] Remind students that stories such as The Canterbury Tales contain allegorical characters. The tavern-knave and the old man are two examples. Have students find other stories that contain allegorical characters. Have students choose a story, read it, and deliver a brief report on it, explaining what each character stands for. the canterbury tales NA_L12TE-u01s10-canterpard.indd 175 175 1/3/11 8:02:15 AM 150 155 T E X T A N A LY S I S e RL 3 exemplum Possible answer: The gambler seems to be an evil character. He shows nothing but contempt for the old man. He insults him, threatens him (lines 150 and 155), and accuses him of working for Death (lines 154, 157–158). 160 165 Extend the Discussion How do the words of the gambler resonate with the old man’s reminder that “‘Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head / And honor it’” (lines 142–143)? 170 175 T E X T A N A L Y S I S : Review f 180 irony Possible answer: One might expect the rioters to discover a frightful person, beast, or other personification of Death under the tree. Instead, they find gold. 185 Extend the Discussion What might the old man know that the rioters do not? 190 176 differentiated instruction for struggling readers Visualization The scene at the tree is graphic. Encourage students to try to visualize it. Have them close their eyes and listen as you read aloud lines 167–182. Ask them to recall specific details. 176 “By God,” the gambler said, “you shan’t do so, You don’t get off so easy, by St. John! I heard you mention, just a moment gone, A certain traitor Death who singles out And kills the fine young fellows hereabout. And you’re his spy, by God! You wait a bit. Say where he is or you shall pay for it, By God and by the Holy Sacrament! I say you’ve joined together by consent To kill us younger folk, you thieving swine!” e e “Well, sirs,” he said, “if it be your design To find out Death, turn up this crooked way Towards that grove, I left him there today Under a tree, and there you’ll find him waiting. He isn’t one to hide for all your prating. You see that oak? He won’t be far to find. And God protect you that redeemed mankind, Aye, and amend you!” Thus that ancient man. At once the three young rioters began To run, and reached the tree, and there they found A pile of golden florins on the ground, New-coined, eight bushels of them as they thought. No longer was it Death those fellows sought, For they were all so thrilled to see the sight, The florins were so beautiful and bright, That down they sat beside the precious pile. The wickedest spoke first after a while. “Brothers,” he said, “you listen to what I say. I’m pretty sharp although I joke away. It’s clear that Fortune has bestowed this treasure To let us live in jollity and pleasure. Light come, light go! We’ll spend it as we ought. God’s precious dignity! Who would have thought This morning was to be our lucky day? f “If one could only get the gold away, Back to my house, or else to yours, perhaps— For as you know, the gold is ours, chaps— We’d all be at the top of fortune, hey? But certainly it can’t be done by day. People would call us robbers—a strong gang, So our own property would make us hang. No, we must bring this treasure back by night Some prudent way, and keep it out of sight. EXEMPLUM To best illustrate a moral point, characters in an exemplum are usually good or evil. To which category does the gambler seem to belong? Cite evidence from lines 149–158 to support your response. 169 florins: coins. 178 “Fortune” here means “fate.” f IRONY Reread lines 167–182. In what way is the discovery the rioters make ironic, or different from what you had anticipated? unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s32-Pardon.indd 176 Figurative Language Remind students that personification is a literary technique in which an object, animal, or idea takes on human qualities. Help them to identify examples of personification in “The Pardoner’s Tale” (such as Death, Mother Earth, and Fortune). Encourage them to explain how each one is described in the tale. 11/22/10 12:19:29 NA_L12PE-u01 PM for advanced learners/ap Personification [paired option] Have students explain how personification works within “The Pardoner’s Tale.” How does it support Chaucer’s purpose and meaning? In what way would the tale be different without the use of personification? unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12TE-u01s10-canterpard.indd 176 1/21/11 1:45:56 PM 2/10 195 200 And so as a solution I propose We draw for lots and see the way it goes; The one who draws the longest, lucky man, Shall run to town as quickly as he can To fetch us bread and wine—but keep things dark— While two remain in hiding here to mark Our heap of treasure. If there’s no delay, When night comes down we’ll carry it away, All three of us, wherever we have planned.” g He gathered lots and hid them in his hand Bidding them draw for where the luck should fall. It fell upon the youngest of them all, And off he ran at once towards the town. 205 210 215 220 225 230 As soon as he had gone the first sat down And thus began a parley with the other: “You know that you can trust me as a brother; Now let me tell you where your profit lies; You know our friend has gone to get supplies And here’s a lot of gold that is to be Divided equally amongst us three. Nevertheless, if I could shape things thus So that we shared it out—the two of us— Wouldn’t you take it as a friendly act?” 196 keep things dark: act in secret, without giving away what has happened. READING SKILL Reread lines 183–200. How do you think the three men will react to the challenge of sharing their treasure? “Well,” said his friend, “you see that we are two, And two are twice as powerful as one. Now look; when he comes back, get up in fun To have a wrestle; then, as you attack, I’ll up and put my dagger through his back While you and he are struggling, as in game; Then draw your dagger too and do the same. Then all this money will be ours to spend, Divided equally of course, dear friend. Then we can gratify our lusts and fill 177 own the word revisit the big question What has the power to Language Coach CORRUPT? Fixed Expressions Many verbs take on a special meaning when followed by a particular preposition. An example of this type of fixed expression is bring about. Reread lines 219–220: “to bring the thing about” means “to cause the thing.” Use bring about in another sentence. Discuss In lines 207–229, is the rioters’ corruption surprising? Possible answer: The rioters have shown themselves to be untrustworthy thieves without conscience. The plot to gang up on and kill one of the “brothers” is no surprise. 177 11/22/10 12:19:29 PM for english language learners Interpreting Dialogue Refer students to lines 212–214. Ask them to discuss the wickedest rioter’s various motives. Why is he turning against the “youngest” (line 203) rioter? Does he dislike the youngest rioter? Why did the Pardoner call him the “wickedest” (line 175)? Suggest that, going forward, students pay attention to how Chaucer subtly characterizes each of the three rioters through their words. Vocabulary Support Point out the multiplemeaning words on pages 176–177. Help students use context clues to figure out the meaning of each word: chaps (line 185), “fellows; friends”; draw (lines 193 and 202), “pick”; lots (lines 193 and 201), “objects used to determine something by chance”; Bidding (line 202), “requesting”; profit (line 208), “advantage”; shape (line 212), “manipulate; influence.” for english language learners Language Coach Fixed Expressions Sample response: Spring will bring about many changes. Encourage students to write two sentences that use the words bring and about. The first sentence should use the two words independently, while the second sentence should include them together as a fixed expression. the canterbury tales 177 L4 parley: Tell students that a parley is generally a discussion between opponents. In what way is this conversation a parley? Possible answer: The two men are not friends; they are in fact opponents, one trying to rob the others. for struggling readers NA_L12TE-u01s10-canterpard.indd RL 10 VOCABULARY “But how?” the other said. “He knows the fact That all the gold was left with me and you; What can we tell him? What are we to do?” “Is it a bargain,” said the first, “or no? For I can tell you in a word or so What’s to be done to bring the thing about.” “Trust me,” the other said, “you needn’t doubt My word. I won’t betray you, I’ll be true.” predict Possible answer: The men will probably turn on each other. Each will want to keep the gold for himself. parley (pärPlC) n. a discussion or a conference the canterbury tales 12:19:29 NA_L12PE-u01s32-Pardon.indd PM g g PREDICT 177 1/3/11 8:02:21 AM 235 T E X T A N A LY S I S h RL 3 exemplum 240 Possible answer: The youngest rioter thinks only of the gold coins, without consideration for the mortal sin he plans to commit. 245 revisit the big question What has the power to CORRUPT? 250 Discuss In lines 243–259, how does the youngest rioter’s level of corruption compare to that of his friends? Possible answer: The youngest rioter seems to be every bit as corrupt as his friends. 255 260 265 270 178 differentiated instruction for english language learners Language Coach RL 4 Multiple Meanings Answer: Act of preparing Invite students to identify additional examples of words that use the suffix -ion to change words from verbs to nouns in the manner described. For each example provided, ask students to evaluate the noun and consider whether it carries an additional special meaning. 178 The day with dicing at our own sweet will.” Thus these two miscreants agreed to slay The third and youngest, as you heard me say. The youngest, as he ran towards the town, Kept turning over, rolling up and down Within his heart the beauty of those bright New florins, saying, “Lord, to think I might Have all that treasure to myself alone! Could there be anyone beneath the throne Of God so happy as I then should be?” h And so the Fiend, our common enemy, Was given power to put it in his thought That there was always poison to be bought, And that with poison he could kill his friends. To men in such a state the Devil sends Thoughts of this kind, and has a full permission To lure them on to sorrow and perdition; For this young man was utterly content To kill them both and never to repent. 233 dicing: gambling with dice. 234 miscreants (mGsPkrC-Ents): evildoers; villains. h EXEMPLUM Which details in lines 236–242 tell you that greed is the subject of this moral story? 243 Fiend: the Devil; Satan. 249 perdition: damnation; hell. And on he ran, he had no thought to tarry, Came to the town, found an apothecary And said, “Sell me some poison if you will, I have a lot of rats I want to kill And there’s a polecat too about my yard That takes my chickens and it hits me hard; But I’ll get even, as is only right, With vermin that destroy a man by night.” The chemist answered, “I’ve a preparation Which you shall have, and by my soul’s salvation If any living creature eat or drink A mouthful, ere he has the time to think, Though he took less than makes a grain of wheat, You’ll see him fall down dying at your feet; Yes, die he must, and in so short a while You’d hardly have the time to walk a mile, The poison is so strong, you understand.” This cursed fellow grabbed into his hand The box of poison and away he ran Into a neighboring street, and found a man Who lent him three large bottles. He withdrew And deftly poured the poison into two. RL 4 Language Coach Multiple Meanings Usually, the suffix -ion turns a verb into a noun meaning “act or state of (verb + -ing).” But many -ion words also have special meanings. Preparation (line 260) means “something prepared” (like medicine). Give a more general meaning of preparation. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s32-Pardon.indd 178 for advanced learners/ap Analyze Messages The stated lesson of “The Pardoner’s Tale” is “The love of money is the root of all evil.” However, another lesson the exemplum teaches is that “every man is like the company he is wont to keep” (Euripides). Ask students how the rioters might affect each other’s behavior. What can you infer about the character of the rioters’ friend who was taken by Death? Have students write a brief character sketch of the rioters’ friend. Instruct 11/22/10 12:19:30 NA_L12PE-u01 PM them to keep in mind the characters of the three rioters. unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s10-canterpard.indd 178 1/3/11 8:02:25 AM 2/10 275 280 285 290 295 300 305 310 315 He kept the third one clean, as well he might, For his own drink, meaning to work all night Stacking the gold and carrying it away. And when this rioter, this devil’s clay, Had filled his bottles up with wine, all three, Back to rejoin his comrades sauntered he. i READING SKILL i Why make a sermon of it? Why waste breath? Exactly in the way they’d planned his death They fell on him and slew him, two to one. Then said the first of them when this was done, “Now for a drink. Sit down and let’s be merry, For later on there’ll be the corpse to bury.” And, as it happened, reaching for a sup, He took a bottle full of poison up And drank; and his companion, nothing loth, Drank from it also, and they perished both. There is, in Avicenna’s long relation Concerning poison and its operation, Trust me, no ghastlier section to transcend What these two wretches suffered at their end. Thus these two murderers received their due, So did the treacherous young poisoner too. j O cursed sin! O blackguardly excess! O treacherous homicide! O wickedness! O gluttony that lusted on and diced! . . . Dearly beloved, God forgive your sin And keep you from the vice of avarice! My holy pardon frees you all of this, Provided that you make the right approaches, That is with sterling, rings, or silver brooches. Bow down your heads under this holy bull! Come on, you women, offer up your wool! I’ll write your name into my ledger; so! Into the bliss of Heaven you shall go. For I’ll absolve you by my holy power, You that make offering, clean as at the hour When you were born. . . . That, sirs, is how I preach. And Jesu Christ, soul’s healer, aye, the leech Of every soul, grant pardon and relieve you Of sin, for that is best, I won’t deceive you. One thing I should have mentioned in my tale, Dear people. I’ve some relics in my bale predict Possible answer: They will probably all come to bad endings. The two with treasure plan to kill the youngest (lines 223–229), while the youngest plans to poison the two with treasure (lines 250–251). 290 Avicenna’s (BvQG-sDnPEz) long relation: a medical text written by an 11th-century Islamic physician; it includes descriptions of various poisons and their effects. j T E X T A N A LY S I S j EXEMPLUM Moral stories usually have straightforward plots, where events happen in quick succession. In what way does the story’s conclusion fit this pattern? 304 bull: an official document from the pope. exemplum tiered discussion prompts In lines 280–289, use these prompts to help students evaluate the ending of the Pardoner’s tale: Connect Have you ever seen a movie in which villains come to a terrible ending? What was your reaction? Accept all responses. 311 leech: physician. 315 relics in my bale: Relics are the remains of a saint—bones, hair, or clothing. In medieval times, many relics were counterfeit. Analyze How does the rioters’ end support the lesson that the desire for money is the root of evil? Possible answer: The rioters’ evil ways are driven by their desire for gold. They all meet terrible ends because of their greed. 179 11/22/10 for struggling readers for advanced learners/ap Develop Reading Fluency Have students work in small groups to take turns reading aloud the stanzas in lines 269–313. Direct them to pay particular attention to punctuation and grammar of the poetry in order to read it fluently. As each student completes a stanza, ask his or her fellow group members to work together to summarize the stanza based on their peer’s reading. Allow students to provide constructive feedback for improving the fluency of one another’s reading. Point of View Have students discuss the importance of the Pardoner’s point of view to the story. How would the tale have been different if told by a more pious, honest pilgrim or by a layperson not involved in the church? 12:19:31 PM Evaluate Do the rioters get what they deserve? Possible answer: Yes; each of the murderers is murdered himself. Their punishment seems fitting and just. the canterbury tales 179 RL 3 Possible answer: The events leading to the story’s conclusion happen quickly: The youngest rioter poisons the wine, but the other rioters stab him before they drink the wine. Then the two drink the tainted wine and die. 299 The Pardoner is now addressing his fellow pilgrims. 179 NA_L12TE-u01s10-canterpard.indd RL 10 288 nothing loth: not at all unwilling. the canterbury tales 12:19:30 NA_L12PE-u01s32-Pardon.indd PM i PREDICT What do you think will happen to the three men? Support your response with clues from the text. 179 1/3/11 8:02:28 AM revisit the big question 320 What has the power to CORRUPT? Discuss In lines 326–340, in what way does the Pardoner reveal his corruption in the end? Possible answer: He continues his usual pitch and tries to sell his pardons to the pilgrims who have just heard his tale. Is the Pardoner being serious or facetious at this point? Possible answer: Though he may hope that his tale will have the same effect on the pilgrims that it does on “yokel minds,” the Pardoner knows that it probably won’t. 325 330 335 selection wrap–up READ WITH A PURPOSE Now that students have read the selection, ask them to consider why Chaucer decides to have a corrupt narrator relate this tale? Possible answers: Chaucer suggests that even those that warn of the dangers of corruption may be guilty of it themselves. 340 And pardons too, as full and fine, I hope, As any in England, given me by the Pope. If there be one among you that is willing To have my absolution for a shilling Devoutly given, come! and do not harden Your hearts but kneel in humbleness for pardon; Or else, receive my pardon as we go. You can renew it every town or so Always provided that you still renew Each time, and in good money, what is due. It is an honor to you to have found A pardoner with his credentials sound Who can absolve you as you ply the spur In any accident that may occur. For instance—we are all at Fortune’s beck— Your horse may throw you down and break your neck. What a security it is to all To have me here among you and at call With pardon for the lowly and the great When soul leaves body for the future state! And I advise our Host here to begin, The most enveloped of you all in sin. Come forward, Host, you shall be the first to pay, And kiss my holy relics right away. Only a groat. Come on, unbuckle your purse! 319 shilling: a coin worth twelve pence. 330–331 The Pardoner reminds the other pilgrims that death may come to them at any time. 340 groat: a silver coin worth four pence. CRITIQUE • Did the Pardoner succeed in telling a tale that “gives the full measure / Of good morality and general pleasure” (“The Prologue” to The Canterbury Tales, lines 817–818)? • After completing the After Reading questions on page 177, have students revisit their responses and tell whether they have changed their opinions. INDEPENDENT READING Students may also enjoy reading The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho. differentiated instruction for struggling readers Understand Cause and Effect Help students to fill out a cause-and-effect chain that illustrates the relationships between events in “The Pardoner’s Tale.” 180 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s32-Pardon.indd 180 11/22/10 for advanced learners/ap 1. Rioters learn that Death has taken their friend. BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Cause Effect 2. Rioters vow to find and kill death. Cause-and-Effect Chain pp. B16, B39 Cause Effect 3. Rioters come upon Old Man. 180 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12TE-u01s10-canterpard.indd 180 12:19:32 NA_L12PE-u01 PM Theme [small-group option] Point out to students that “The Pardoner’s Tale” deals with a number of themes: Life is short; death comes to all; avoid bad friends; heed the wisdom of elders. Have groups discuss these themes and identify others. Ask them to consider how these themes tie in with a larger question that occupied Chaucer: How can people lead good lives? Allow time for students to share their findings. Cause 1/3/11 8:02:31 AM 2/10 After Reading Practice and Apply Comprehension 1. Recall What event prompts the three rioters to seek Death? For preliminary support of post-reading questions, use these copy masters: RL 3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story. RL 6 Analyze a case in which grasping a point of view requires distinguishing what is directly stated in a text from what is really meant (e.g., irony). RL 10 Read and comprehend literature. 2. Clarify In what way is their discovery at the old tree unexpected? 3. Summarize Describe the events that directly lead to their deaths. Text Analysis 4. Examine Predictions Look back at your list of predictions and text clues. Were you able to correctly anticipate everything that happened, or were you surprised by how some events developed? RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Masters Reading Check p. 154 Exemplum p. 147 Question Support p. 155 Additional selection questions are provided for teachers on page 141. 5. Compare and Contrast Characters A foil is a character who provides a striking contrast to other characters. In what way does the old man serve as a foil to the three rioters? 6. Analyze Exemplum For each convention of medieval exemplum listed in the chart shown, provide an example from “The Pardoner’s Tale.” In what way is this literary form in keeping with the Pardoner’s occupation? Conventions of Medieval Exemplum answers 1. When Death takes their friend, the rioters seek revenge. Examples 2. The rioters are looking for Death; instead they find gold under the tree. virtuous or evil characters tightly structured plot events 3. The older rioters conspire to kill their youngest mate. The youngest rioter pours poison into wine meant for the other two. allegorical or symbolic figures 7. Make Judgments About Irony Chaucer a distinct moral or lesson is widely admired for his skillful use of irony—the discrepancy between what appears to be true and what actually is true. There are three main types of irony. Verbal irony occurs when a character says one thing but means another. Situational irony occurs when a character or reader expects one thing to happen but something else actually happens. Dramatic irony occurs when the reader or audience knows something that a character does not know. For each type of irony, provide an example from “The Pardoner’s Tale.” How essential is irony to the meaning of the story? Possible answers: 4. 8. Historical Context During the mid-14th century, the Black Death—a massive epidemic of the bubonic plague—swept through Asia and Europe. In Europe alone, one-quarter of the population died. In what ways might these circumstances have made people vulnerable to the tricks of the Pardoner and other unscrupulous clergymen? 6. corrupt? What theme, or central message, about corruption do you think Chaucer conveys in this story? How does it still hold true today? the canterbury tales 8. Christians 181 would have feared dying without forgiveness for their sins, as doing so would have meant eternal damnation. The outbreak of the plague would have led many to seek forgiveness in the form of indulgences. They might also have looked to the supposed power of his relics to keep them healthy. common core focus Predict Students are likely to be surprised by the rioters’ discovery under the tree and perhaps by the manner of the rioters’ deaths. 5. Unlike the rioters, the old man is calm, sober, and respectful; he understands that human beings have no control over death. Text Criticism What has the power to RL 3, RL 6, RL 10 12:19:32 NA_L12PE-u01s32-arPardon.indd PM 181 1/8/11 What has the power to CORRUPT? Possible answer: Chaucer seems to suggest that greed lies at the heart of much corruption. It is greed that drives the corrupt behavior of both the Pardoner and the characters in his tale. This theme applies to today’s headlines about corruption and greed within large corporations. 12:08:39 PM common core focus Exemplum Evil characters: the rioters; Structured events: the murders and death of the rioters; Symbolic figures: Death, Mother Earth, Fortune, Old Age; Moral: The love of money is the root of all evil. The Pardoner’s occupation involves the selling of indulgences, or certificates of forgiveness. It seems appropriate for him to offer a tale with an explicit moral concerned with the subject of greed. 7. Verbal irony: The Pardoner makes a speech at the end of the selection, when he tries to sell forgiveness; by his earlier admission, he doesn’t believe in the church’s teachings about sin, forgiveness, and damnation. Situational irony: The rioters expect to find Death under the tree; instead they find gold, which leads to their death. Dramatic irony: The reader is aware that the older rioters have conspired against the youngest. Answers will vary. Sample answer: Through the use of irony, Chaucer uncovers the hypocrisy of the Catholic Church, the Pardoner, and the rioters. Thus, irony is essential to the story. the canterbury tales NA_L12TE-u01s10-canterpard.indd 181 181 1/13/11 10:55:13 AM Vocabulary in Context answers Vocabulary in Context vocabulary practice word list Indicate why each statement below is true or false. Use your knowledge of the boldfaced words and the context in which they appear to help you answer. avarice vocabulary practice 1. Counting your money all the time may be a sign of avarice. 1. true 2. Wise teachers castigate good behavior. 2. false 3. A parley might lead to peace between warring factions. 3. true castigate parley academic vocabulary in writing RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master • concept Vocabulary Practice p. 152 academic vocabulary in writing Suggest that students sketch a simple flow chart to represent the structure of the selection. Then, encourage them to identify examples from contemporary culture that follow a similar structure, such as films, television programs, or online media. vocabulary strategy: the prefix -mal L 4d, L 6 Guide students to identify and clarify the meanings of the roots for each word included in the organizer. Ask students to consider how the prefix -mal works in tandem with these root meanings to form the definition of each term. Then, encourage students to use the root meanings as clues to identify the discipline to which each word belongs. 2. malnutrition; medical • parallel • section • structure Would people today be taken in by the Pardoner’s performance? Examine the structure of “The Pardoner’s Tale” in this section. Then, write a description of a similar cautionary tale in today’s culture. Use at least one Academic Vocabulary word in your response. vocabulary strategy: the prefix malIn line 8 of “The Pardoner’s Prologue” (page 170), the Pardoner quotes a Biblical L 4d Verify the preliminary verse in Latin: “Radix malorum est cupiditas. . . .” (“The love of money is the root determination of the meaning of a word. L 6 Acquire and use of all evil . . . ”) You may recognize the word malorum. It gives us a prefix to many accurately general academic and English words across many content areas: the prefix mal-, meaning “bad” or domain-specific words. “wrong.” To understand the meaning of words that start with mal-, use context clues as well as your knowledge of the prefix. malfeasance malaria PRACTICE Answer each question in a complete sentence that uses a word from the word web. Then tell in what discipline (medical or mallegal, for example) each word is more likely to be used. Use your knowledge of the prefix mal- to help you, and consult a dictionary malnutrition malaise if necessary. malpractice 1. What might a bad doctor be guilty of? 2. What might happen if a person does not get enough food? 3. What disease might a mosquito carry? 4. What physical condition might develop from chronic pain? 5. What act might result in imprisonment? Answers: 1. malpractice; legal or medical • culture Find a technical definition for one or more of the terms above using a specialized dictionary, such as a medical or legal dictionary. These can be found in libraries’ reference shelves or online databases. Share your definition with the class. Interactive Vocabulary Go to thinkcentral.com. KEYWORD: HML12-182 3. malaria; medical 4. malaise; medical 5. malfeasance; legal RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master Vocabulary Strategy p. 153 Assess and Reteach Assess DIAGNOSTIC AND SELECTION TESTS Selection Tests A, B/C pp. 53–54, 55–56 Interactive Selection Test on thinkcentral.com Reteach 182 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s32-arPardon.indd 182 1/8/11 differentiated instruction for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Vocabulary Support Ask speakers of Romance languages whether the words in the chart appear in their languages as well. If so, what meanings do they have? Invite students to name other words with French origins in their native languages. Vocabulary Practice: Challenge Ask students to write a travel letter, using all the words in the chart. 12:08:41 PM Level Up Online Tutorials on thinkcentral.com 182 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s10-canterpard.indd 182 1/13/11 10:55:18 AM The Age of Chaucer Teach The Wife of Bath’s Tale from The Canterbury Tales Poem by Geoffrey Chaucer Translated by Nevill Coghill Do men understand RL 3, RL 5 women? text analysis: narrator The narrator of a story is the character or voice that relates the story’s events to the reader. Many narrators have distinct personalities that are revealed through the subject matter, tone, and language of their stories. In this selection, the narrator is the Wife of Bath, one of the most charismatic characters in The Canterbury Tales—and, arguably, in all of English literature. As you read, notice what she reveals about herself and medieval society in her lively tale. Many jokes suggest that when it comes to emotional responses and attitudes toward relationships, men and women might as well be from different planets. But is there really such a gulf between the sexes? In “The Wife of Bath’s Tale,” a man becomes motivated to gain understanding of women when his life is at stake. reading skill: analyze structure The Canterbury Tales has a sophisticated structure, or organization. The collection features a frame story—a story that surrounds and binds together one or more different narratives in a single work. The main story about the pilgrimage serves this purpose. It unifies 24 unrelated tales and provides a rationale for the entire collection. In the interludes between the pilgrims’ tales, the characters often argue with one another. Within the tales, narrators sometimes digress in their storytelling. Both types of interruptions contribute to the poem’s overall meaning and its aesthetic impact. Use a chart like the one shown to keep track of these breaks in narration. QUICKWRITE Are the differences between the sexes fundamental or superficial? Write one or two paragraphs in response to this question. Include examples to support your opinion. RL 3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story or drama. RL 5 Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure specific parts of a text contribute to its overall structure and meaning as well as its aesthetic impact. W 3b Use dialogue to develop experiences, events, and/or characters. L 4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown words. L 5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language. L 6 Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words. Do men UNDERSTAND women? Introduce the question and discuss with students. Suggest that students keep this discussion in mind as they do the QUICKWRITE activity. T E X T A N A LY S I S RL 3 Interruptions Reasons The Pardoner interrupts the Wife of Bath (lines 1-6). The previous discussion has made him afraid to marry. Model the Skill: narrator Write this example on the board: “The Ant and the Grasshopper” is a silly old fable: A deluded grasshopper wastes his days fiddling and singing, while industrious ants do nothing but work. To my mind, the grasshopper had a great summer, and he’ll savor it all winter long. vocabulary in context The boldfaced words help convey the wit and charm of the Wife of Bath. Use context clues to guess the meaning of each. 1. implore someone for a favor 4. bequeath a legacy 2. cackle like a crone 5. everyday temporal concerns 3. the king’s sovereignty 6. rebuke someone for a mistake Model for students how to interpret what a narrator reveals by pointing out that this narrator favors instant gratification over hard work. Complete the activities in your Reader/Writer Notebook. 183 READING SKILL NA_L12PE-u01s33-brWife.indd V O C A B183U L A R Y S K I L L vocabulary in context Have all students complete Vocabulary in Context. Check their definitions against the following: bequeath (bG-kwCthP) v. to leave in a will; to pass down as an inheritance crone (krIn) n. an ugly old woman implore (Gm-plôrP) v. to plead; to beg rebuke (rG-byLkP) v. to criticize sovereignty (sJvPEr-Gn-tC) n. rule; power temporal (tDmPpEr-El) adj. of the material world; not eternal 11/22/10 PRETEACH VOCABULARY Use the following copy master to help students predict word meanings. RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master Vocabulary Study p. 171 L4 12:15:49 PM RL 5 Model the Skill: analyze structure Model for students how to analyze structure by pointing out some types of interruptions that occur in the Wife of Bath’s Tale: speaking to or answering another pilgrim; having a disagreement with another pilgrim; being reminded of another story and digressing to tell it. the canterbury tales NA_L12TE-u01s11-canterwife.indd 183 183 1/3/11 8:30:41 AM Practice and Apply summary In the prologue to her tale, the Wife of Bath promises a tale about marital strife. She goes on to tell of a knight who is sentenced to death but offered a reprieve if he discovers what women desire most. At the end of a fruitless search, an ugly old woman gives him the answer: Women desire sovereignty over their husbands. In return for the answer, the knight must marry her. He does so with whining and insults. After a long rebuttal, she offers him a choice: beauty or fidelity. The knight lets his wife decide, whereupon she is transformed into a beauty who promises loyalty as well. The Geoffrey Chaucer 5 read with a purpose Help students set a purpose for reading. Tell them to read The Wife of Bath’s Prologue to explore views about gender roles in Chaucer’s time. 10 15 20 T E X T A N A LY S I S a The Pardoner started up, and thereupon “Madam,” he said, “by God and by St. John, That’s noble preaching no one could surpass! I was about to take a wife; alas! Am I to buy it on my flesh so dear? There’ll be no marrying for me this year!” “You wait,” she said, “my story’s not begun. You’ll taste another brew before I’ve done; You’ll find it doesn’t taste as good as ale; And when I’ve finished telling you my tale Of tribulation in the married life In which I’ve been an expert as a wife, That is to say, myself have been the whip. So please yourself whether you want to sip At that same cask of marriage I shall broach. Be cautious before making the approach, For I’ll give instances, and more than ten. And those who won’t be warned by other men, By other men shall suffer their correction, So Ptolemy has said, in this connection. You read his Almagest; you’ll find it there.” a 3 noble preaching: In the passage preceding this excerpt, the Wife of Bath has spoken at length about her view of marriage. 15 cask: barrel; broach: tap into. 20 Ptolemy (tJlPE-mC): a famous astronomer, mathematician, and geographer of ancient Egypt. RL 3 narrator Possible answer: The Wife of Bath offers the opinion that the Pardoner should be careful about marrying. She bases her opinion on her significant experience with marriage. IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Remind students that the Wife of Bath has had five husbands. Then paraphrase lines 10–12 and 16–17: And after I’m done telling you my story about strife in marriage (lines 10–12); be careful before you marry, keeping in mind my examples (lines 16–17). revisit the big question Do men UNDERSTAND women? Discuss In lines 22–25, what understanding of women does the Pardoner hope to gain from the Wife of Bath’s tale? Possible answer: He hopes to gain some practical knowledge about marriage, based on experience. 184 wife of bath’s prologue 25 30 184 “Madam, I put it to you as a prayer,” The Pardoner said, “go on as you began! Tell us your tale, spare not for any man. Instruct us younger men in your technique.” “Gladly,” she said, “if you will let me speak, But still I hope the company won’t reprove me Though I should speak as fantasy may move me, And please don’t be offended at my views; They’re really only offered to amuse. . . .” a NARRATOR In lines 7–21, the narrator introduces the subject of her tale—marriage and its many difficulties. What personal opinions and experiences does she also reveal? unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s33-Wife.indd 184 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners for struggling readers Define Concepts Review with English Language Learners the meanings of concepts important to this selection such as marriage, sovereignty, beauty, and fidelity. Encourage volunteers to offer written or oral definitions for these concepts. You may also invite students to create illustrations that show the meanings of these terms visually. Have students listen to the Audio Anthology CD for this selection. Encourage students to utilize this resource to mimic the correct pronunciation of difficult words and passages, as well an appropriate pace at which to read. 12:16:27 NA_L12PE-u01 PM unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s11-canterwife.indd 184 1/3/11 8:30:48 AM 2/10 background Education and Literacy in the Middle Ages Chaucer died about a half-century before the invention of movable type. Nevertheless, literacy was very slowly becoming more widespread in the 14th century. The main reasons were economic and bureaucratic: people depended more and more on written records. Property transactions and agricultural production, for example, were often recorded. So too, were wills, surveys, deeds, and other financial dealings. Readers held a great advantage over those who could not read. Illiterate farmers might find themselves at the mercy of corrupt officials. The number of schools increased and universities were established. Even so, most people in England were unable even to sign their names. Among women, no more than one percent could read in Chaucer’s day. The Wife of Bath, with her extensive knowledge, was an anomaly. Chaucer’s educated audience would have been well aware of this fact. Analyze Visuals Activity Does the picture of the Wife of Bath reflect the personality of the character as revealed in the text? Possible answer: The art, like the text, suggests a charismatic woman who commands attention and interest, and who is self-possessed, self-confident, lively, and mischievous. 12:16:27 NA_L12PE-u01s33-Wife.indd PM 185 11/22/10 for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Vocabulary Support Use New Word Analysis to teach these words: approach (line 16), require (line 82), feature (line 136), guarantee (line 190), display (line 251), conclude (line 347), estate (line 375). Background Discuss with students the concept of the “battle of the sexes.” Ask students to explain the meaning of this phrase, and identify familiar contexts in which it is used. Encourage students to think about the roles of men and women during the 15th century and today. Guide them to consider ways in which these roles have changed, as well as ways in which they have remained the same. BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency New Word Analysis p. E8 12:16:37 PM the canterbury tales NA_L12TE-u01s11-canterwife.indd 185 185 1/3/11 8:30:59 AM The 35 40 45 50 READING SKILL b analyze structure 55 RL 5 Possible answer: The Wife of Bath describes friars in unflattering terms: She says that they are everywhere (lines 39–45) and facetiously suggests that their ubiquity has caused the demise of fairies (line 46). Furthermore, she charges that they break their vows of chastity and prey upon women. 60 IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Call on a volunteer to summarize the Wife of Bath’s explanation about why there are no fairies. 65 70 revisit the big question Do men UNDERSTAND women? Discuss In lines 57–64, how does the opening of the Wife of Bath’s tale illustrate an extreme case of a man who has no understanding of women? Possible answer: The knight dominates the maiden by brute force, ignoring her entreaties. 186 186 wife of bath’s tale When good King Arthur ruled in ancient days (A king that every Briton loves to praise) This was a land brim-full of fairy folk. The Elf-Queen and her courtiers joined and broke Their elfin dance on many a green mead, Or so was the opinion once, I read, Hundreds of years ago, in days of yore. But no one now sees fairies any more. For now the saintly charity and prayer Of holy friars seem to have purged the air; They search the countryside through field and stream As thick as motes that speckle a sun-beam, Blessing the halls, the chambers, kitchens, bowers, Cities and boroughs, castles, courts and towers, Thorpes, barns and stables, outhouses and dairies, And that’s the reason why there are no fairies. Wherever there was wont to walk an elf Today there walks the holy friar himself As evening falls or when the daylight springs, Saying his matins and his holy things, Walking his limit round from town to town. Women can now go safely up and down By every bush or under every tree; There is no other incubus but he, So there is really no one else to hurt you And he will do no more than take your virtue. b Now it so happened, I began to say, Long, long ago in good King Arthur’s day, There was a knight who was a lusty liver. One day as he came riding from the river He saw a maiden walking all forlorn Ahead of him, alone as she was born. And of that maiden, spite of all she said, By very force he took her maidenhead. This act of violence made such a stir, So much petitioning to the king for her, That he condemned the knight to lose his head By course of law. He was as good as dead (It seems that then the statutes took that view) But that the queen, and other ladies too, 35 mead: meadow. 42 motes: specks of dust. 43 bowers: bedrooms. 45 thorpes: villages; outhouses: sheds. 47 wherever . . . elf: wherever an elf was accustomed to walk. 51 limit: the area to which a friar was restricted in his begging for donations. 54 incubus (GnPkyE-bEs): an evil spirit believed to descend on women. b ANALYZE STRUCTURE In the frame story of The Canterbury Tales, the Wife of Bath and the Friar have an ongoing quarrel. In what way does the Wife of Bath’s digression in lines 39–56 reflect this dispute? 63–64 of that maiden . . . maidenhead: in spite of the maiden’s protests, he robbed her of her virginity. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s33-Wife.indd 186 differentiated instruction 11/22/10 12:16:42 NA_L12PE-u01 PM for advanced learners/ap Analyze Metaphor [small-group option] Ask a volunteer to reread and paraphrase the metaphor in lines 54–56. Then have group members discuss these questions: Is the Wife of Bath’s fantasy about the demise of fairies just an excuse for her grave accusation? What other purposes does the fantasy serve? To what extent does this metaphor foreshadow the premise of her tale? What does it reveal about her wit? unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s11-canterwife.indd 186 1/3/11 8:31:05 AM 2/10 Analyze Visuals Activity Compare the queen in this illustration with that of the Wife of Bath. Possible answer: In both illustrations, the women have expensive clothing and the same regal pose; both project confidence. tiered discussion prompts In lines 57–86, use these prompts to help students evaluate the queen’s reprieve: Connect Do you think that punishments should fit the crimes committed? Accept all thoughtful answers. Implored the king to exercise his grace So ceaselessly, he gave the queen the case And granted her his life, and she could choose Whether to show him mercy or refuse. 75 80 85 90 implore (Gm-plôrP) v. to plead; to beg The queen returned him thanks with all her might, And then she sent a summons to the knight At her convenience, and expressed her will: “You stand, for such is the position still, In no way certain of your life,” said she, “Yet you shall live if you can answer me: What is the thing that women most desire? Beware the axe and say as I require. “If you can’t answer on the moment, though, I will concede you this: you are to go A twelvemonth and a day to seek and learn Sufficient answer, then you shall return. I shall take gages from you to extort Surrender of your body to the court.” c VOCABULARY own the word T E X T A N A LY S I S 87 gages: pledges. c Sad was the knight and sorrowfully sighed, But there! All other choices were denied, c NARRATOR Review lines 57–88. What characteristics of the Wife’s narrative style appear in the story’s introduction? 187 for struggling readers confident interesting Wife of Bath bossy humorous witty 187 12:16:43 PM Vocabulary: Multiple-Meaning Words Point out the multiple-meaning words on this spread. Help students use context to define each word: courts (line 44), “courtyards”; springs (line 49), “rises from; comes out of”; liver (line 59), “one who lives”; stir (line 65), “commotion”; course (line 68), “rule”; exercise (line 71), “use; put into effect”; case (line 72), “legal action”; might (line 75), “strength, power”; will (line 77), “bidding”; stand (line 78), “remain.” the canterbury tales NA_L12TE-u01s11-canterwife.indd 187 RL 3 for english language learners lively BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Character Traits Web p. D7 narrator Possible answer: Her style here is straightforward and to the point. She states the knight’s crime and its effects plainly, without any embarrassment. 11/22/10 Character Ask students which words best describe the Wife of Bath. Encourage them to explain each choice. Help them to find textual support. List their responses in a Character Traits Web. L4 implore: Reread the definition of implore to students. Then have them name words with similar meanings, but that carry less intensity. Possible answers: ask, request the canterbury tales 12:16:42 NA_L12PE-u01s33-Wife.indd PM Analyze Is the king’s decision, that the knight should die for his crime, fair? Some students may say that the knight’s crime is so heinous that he should die; others may protest that he does not deserve such a harsh punishment, as he did not kill anyone. 187 1/3/11 8:31:10 AM And in the end he chose to go away And to return after a year and day Armed with such answer as there might be sent To him by God. He took his leave and went. 95 100 105 T E X T A N A LY S I S d RL 3 narrator 110 Possible answer: The Wife of Bath suggests that women can be won over with flattery. Her comments on this topic show that she is honest about her personal weaknesses for flattery and pampering. She likes them both. 115 revisit the big question 120 Do men UNDERSTAND women? Discuss In lines 101–124, the knight finds many different opinions on understanding women’s one desire. What are they? Possible answer: women want wealth (line 101), treasure (line 101), honor (line 102), fun (line 102), pleasure (line 102), clothing (line 103), many husbands (line 104), pampering (line 106), flattery (lines 106–110), freedom (line 112), a lack of criticism (lines 113–120), and the trust of others, even if it’s not deserved (lines 121–127). 125 130 188 He knocked at every house, searched every place, Yes, anywhere that offered hope of grace. What could it be that women wanted most? But all the same he never touched a coast, Country or town in which there seemed to be Any two people willing to agree. Some said that women wanted wealth and treasure, “Honor,” said some, some “Jollity and pleasure,” Some “Gorgeous clothes” and others “Fun in bed,” “To be oft widowed and remarried,” said Others again, and some that what most mattered Was that we should be cosseted and flattered. That’s very near the truth, it seems to me; A man can win us best with flattery. To dance attendance on us, make a fuss, Ensnares us all, the best and worst of us. d Some say the things we most desire are these: Freedom to do exactly as we please, With no one to reprove our faults and lies, Rather to have one call us good and wise. Truly there’s not a woman in ten score Who has a fault, and someone rubs the sore, But she will kick if what he says is true; You try it out and you will find so too. However vicious we may be within We like to be thought wise and void of sin. Others assert we women find it sweet When we are thought dependable, discreet And secret, firm of purpose and controlled, Never betraying things that we are told. But that’s not worth the handle of a rake; Women conceal a thing? For Heaven’s sake! Remember Midas? Will you hear the tale? Among some other little things, now stale, Ovid relates that under his long hair The unhappy Midas grew a splendid pair Of ass’s ears; as subtly as he might, He kept his foul deformity from sight; 106 cosseted (kJsPG-tGd): pampered. d NARRATOR What is the narrator’s opinion of flattery in lines 101–110? Consider what this view suggests about her personality. 115 ten score: 200. 117 but she will: who will not. 120 void of sin: sinless. 127 Midas: a legendary king of Phrygia, in Asia Minor. 129 Ovid (JvPGd): an ancient Roman poet whose Metamorphoses is a storehouse of Greek and Roman legends. According to Ovid, it was a barber, not Midas’s wife, who told the secret of his donkey’s ears. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s33-Wife.indd 188 11/22/10 differentiated instruction 188 for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Vocabulary: Outdated Forms Remind students that some words in this translation are outdated, such as: took his leave (line 94), “said a formal goodbye”; oft (line 104), “often”; she will kick (line 117), “she will protest”; save for (line 133), “except for”; hold fast (line 155), “persist”; ere (line 170), “before.” Have students reread the lines, substituting the modern version for each outdated form. Synthesize [small-group option] Remind students of the Notable Quote they discussed before reading “The Prologue”: “Full wise is he that can himself know.” Encourage students to debate whether or not the Wife of Bath seems to know herself well. Ask them to provide textual support for their arguments. Within this context, they might take a closer look at the Wife of Bath’s comment that women can be won over easily by flattery. Is she being ironic? 12:16:46 NA_L12PE-u01 PM unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s11-canterwife.indd 188 1/3/11 8:31:14 AM 2/10 135 140 145 150 155 160 165 170 175 Save for his wife, there was not one that knew. He loved her best, and trusted in her too. He begged her not to tell a living creature That he possessed so horrible a feature. And she—she swore, were all the world to win, She would not do such villainy and sin As saddle her husband with so foul a name; Besides to speak would be to share the shame. Nevertheless she thought she would have died Keeping this secret bottled up inside; It seemed to swell her heart and she, no doubt, Thought it was on the point of bursting out. Fearing to speak of it to woman or man, Down to a reedy marsh she quickly ran And reached the sedge. Her heart was all on fire And, as a bittern bumbles in the mire, She whispered to the water, near the ground, “Betray me not, O water, with thy sound! To thee alone I tell it: it appears My husband has a pair of ass’s ears! Ah! My heart’s well again, the secret’s out! I could no longer keep it, not a doubt.” And so you see, although we may hold fast A little while, it must come out at last, We can’t keep secrets; as for Midas, well, Read Ovid for his story; he will tell. e This knight that I am telling you about Perceived at last he never would find out What it could be that women loved the best. Faint was the soul within his sorrowful breast, As home he went, he dared no longer stay; His year was up and now it was the day. 133 save: except. 147 sedge: marsh grasses. 148 bumbles in the mire: booms in the swamp. (The bittern, a wading bird, is famous for its loud call.) READING SKILL e analyze structure IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Have them fill out a chart like the one on page 183. Character Trait 189 Interruptions “Ovid relates that under his long hair” (line 129) 189 11/22/10 for struggling readers for advanced learners/ap Summarize Ask students to summarize the events of the Midas tale, as told by the Wife of Bath. Possible answer: King Midas hid his donkey ears from everyone except his wife. His wife swore that she would never tell, but keeping the secret proved so painful that she finally ran to a marsh and whispered it to the water; afterwards, she felt much better. Make Predictions/Research [paired option] Ask partners to predict the ending of the Midas tale. If they are already familiar with the story, ask them to write down the ending in as much detail as possible. Then have students research the ending on the Internet. How close were their predictions or recollections of the ending? Invite them to share their findings with the class. Reasons To show her literary knowledge 12:16:46 PM the canterbury tales NA_L12TE-u01s11-canterwife.indd 189 RL 5 Possible answer: The Wife of Bath digresses to tell the story of King Midas and his wife. This interruption serves the purpose of building suspense and of showing her literary knowledge and worldliness. It also provides comic relief from a story about a debauched male who must find out what women want in order to avoid a death sentence. Finally, it is a humorous way of acknowledging to her mostly male audience that women aren’t perfect, either. As he rode home in a dejected mood Suddenly, at the margin of a wood, He saw a dance upon the leafy floor Of four and twenty ladies, nay, and more. Eagerly he approached, in hope to learn Some words of wisdom ere he should return; But lo! Before he came to where they were, Dancers and dance all vanished into air! There wasn’t a living creature to be seen Save one old woman crouched upon the green. A fouler-looking creature I suppose the canterbury tales 12:16:46 NA_L12PE-u01s33-Wife.indd PM e ANALYZE STRUCTURE Reread lines 128–158. In what way does the Wife of Bath digress, or wander, from her story about the knight? Explain what purpose this interruption might serve. 189 1/3/11 8:31:17 AM revisit the big question 180 Do men UNDERSTAND women? Discuss In lines 181–216, according to the old woman, what is the key to an understanding of women? Possible answer: A woman wants power over her husband. 185 VOCABULARY own the word L4 190 • crone: Read the definition of crone to students. Then have them suggest physical and personality attributes that would suggest that an elderly woman is a crone. Possible answers: frumpy, grumpy, illtempered, unattractive, unkempt, does not take care of self 195 • sovereignty: Remind students that in their study of history and government, they have been introduced to the term sovereignty. A sovereign nation is one that has the right, authority, and power to govern itself. What rights do people have that might be described as sovereign? Possible answers: the right to control oneself, the right to make individual decisions such as how and where to live 200 205 210 215 190 Could scarcely be imagined. She arose And said, “Sir knight, there’s no way on from here. Tell me what you are looking for, my dear, For peradventure that were best for you; We old, old women know a thing or two.” 179 peradventure: perhaps. “Dear Mother,” said the knight, “alack the day! I am as good as dead if I can’t say What thing it is that women most desire; If you could tell me I would pay your hire.” “Give me your hand,” she said, “and swear to do Whatever I shall next require of you —If so to do should lie within your might— And you shall know the answer before night.” “Upon my honor,” he answered, “I agree.” “Then,” said the crone, “I dare to guarantee Your life is safe; I shall make good my claim. Upon my life the queen will say the same. Show me the very proudest of them all In costly coverchief or jewelled caul That dare say no to what I have to teach. Let us go forward without further speech.” And then she crooned her gospel in his ear And told him to be glad and not to fear. 181 alack the day: an exclamation of sorrow, roughly equivalent to “Woe is me!” They came to court. This knight, in full array, Stood forth and said, “O Queen, I’ve kept my day And kept my word and have my answer ready.” 199 in full array: in all his finery. There sat the noble matrons and the heady Young girls, and widows too, that have the grace Of wisdom, all assembled in that place, And there the queen herself was throned to hear And judge his answer. Then the knight drew near And silence was commanded through the hall. 202 heady: giddy; impetuous. crone (krIn) n. an ugly old woman 194 coverchief: kerchief; caul (kaul): an ornamental hairnet. 197 gospel: message. 203 grace: gift. The queen gave order he should tell them all What thing it was that women wanted most. He stood not silent like a beast or post, But gave his answer with the ringing word Of a man’s voice and the assembly heard: “My liege and lady, in general,” said he, “A woman wants the self-same sovereignty Over her husband as over her lover, And master him; he must not be above her. 213 liege (lCj): lord. sovereignty (sJvPEr-Gn-tC) n. rule; power unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s33-Wife.indd 190 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Comprehension: Text Structure Point out that the speakers in the tale change quickly in some sections. Help them to find places where dialogue begins and ends. Ask them to identify each speaker, such as the old woman, lines 176–180; knight, lines 181–184; old woman, lines 185–188; knight, line 189; old woman, lines 190–196; knight, lines 200–201 and 213–218; all the ladies, line 221; old woman, lines 224–233; knight, lines 234–237. Interpret Context [paired option] How did the knight know that the old woman’s answer would please the queen and her ladies? Ask students to review the various answers that the knight rejected (lines 101–124) and suggest reasons why. Is his final choice satisfying, humorous, or ironic? Allow time for partners to share and compare their ideas. 12:16:47 NA_L12PE-u01 PM 190 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s11-canterwife.indd 190 1/3/11 8:31:20 AM 2/10 That is your greatest wish, whether you kill Or spare me; please yourself. I wait your will.” 220 225 230 235 240 245 250 255 In all the court not one that shook her head Or contradicted what the knight had said; Maid, wife and widow cried, “He’s saved his life!” background And on the word up started the old wife, The one the knight saw sitting on the green, And cried, “Your mercy, sovereign lady queen! Before the court disperses, do me right! ’Twas I who taught this answer to the knight, For which he swore, and pledged his honor to it, That the first thing I asked of him he’d do it, So far as it should lie within his might. Before this court I ask you then, sir knight, To keep your word and take me for your wife; For well you know that I have saved your life. If this be false, deny it on your sword!” “Alas!” he said, “Old lady, by the Lord I know indeed that such was my behest, But for God’s love think of a new request, Take all my goods, but leave my body free.” “A curse on us,” she said, “if I agree! I may be foul, I may be poor and old, Yet will not choose to be, for all the gold That’s bedded in the earth or lies above, Less than your wife, nay, than your very love!” “My love?” said he. “By heaven, my damnation! Alas that any of my race and station Should ever make so foul a misalliance!” Yet in the end his pleading and defiance All went for nothing, he was forced to wed. He takes his ancient wife and goes to bed. 235 behest (bG-hDstP): promise. 244 race and station: family and rank. 245 misalliance (mGsQE-lFPEns): an unsuitable marriage. Now peradventure some may well suspect A lack of care in me since I neglect To tell of the rejoicing and display Made at the feast upon their wedding-day. I have but a short answer to let fall; I say there was no joy or feast at all, Nothing but heaviness of heart and sorrow. He married her in private on the morrow the canterbury tales 12:16:47 NA_L12PE-u01s33-Wife.indd PM The Economics of Knighthood Knighthood was on the wane in the age of Chaucer. The number of knights had dropped from about five thousand in 1100 a.d. to about eleven hundred in the year 1300. The problem: The cost of knighthood was so high. Equipment— especially armor and horses—was very expensive. In the 12th century, knights were members of a military order that included peasants as well as nobles. By Chaucer’s day, most knights were aristocrats, the only class who could afford the cost of knighthood. The status attached to knighthood had more to do with greatness of wealth than with abundance of chivalry. Ask students to keep this information in mind as they consider the knight’s reaction to the status of his prospective wife, the old lady (lines 244–245 and 277). 191 191 11/22/10 12:16:48 PM for struggling readers Character Ask students which words best describe the Knight. Encourage them to explain each choice. Help them to find textual support. List their responses in an Open Mind diagram. lusty liver, ungrateful, mean, angry, self-centered BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Open Mind p. D9 the canterbury tales NA_L12TE-u01s11-canterwife.indd 191 191 1/3/11 8:31:23 AM And all day long stayed hidden like an owl, It was such torture that his wife looked foul. READING SKILL 260 f analyze structure RL 5 Possible answer: The Wife of Bath’s digression serves several purposes: It builds suspense; it offers some humor, as the knight’s wedding night is not enjoyable, but a fitting punishment for a man who mistreats women; and finally it clarifies the fact that the Wife of Bath’s “neglect” (line 250) was intentional. This is ironic, as there was no need to explain; the pilgrims certainly know that the Wife of Bath, who is an engaging storyteller, is setting them up for another turn of events. 265 270 275 VOCABULARY own the word f Great was the anguish churning in his head When he and she were piloted to bed; He wallowed back and forth in desperate style. His ancient wife lay smiling all the while; At last she said, “Bless us! Is this, my dear, How knights and wives get on together here? Are these the laws of good King Arthur’s house? Are knights of his all so contemptuous? I am your own beloved and your wife, And I am she, indeed, that saved your life; And certainly I never did you wrong. Then why, this first of nights, so sad a song? You’re carrying on as if you were half-witted. Say, for God’s love, what sin have I committed? I’ll put things right if you will tell me how.” “Put right?” he cried. “That never can be now! Nothing can ever be put right again! You’re old, and so abominably plain, So poor to start with, so low-bred to follow; It’s little wonder if I twist and wallow! God, that my heart would burst within my breast!” L4 “Is that,” said she, “the cause of your unrest?” 280 bequeath: Have students write the answers to these questions. What possessions do they have that they might like to bequeath to friends and to family? What possessions might they like their family members to bequeath to them? “Yes, certainly,” he said, “and can you wonder?” 285 290 295 192 “I could set right what you suppose a blunder, That’s if I cared to, in a day or two, If I were shown more courtesy by you. Just now,” she said, “you spoke of gentle birth, Such as descends from ancient wealth and worth. If that’s the claim you make for gentlemen Such arrogance is hardly worth a hen. Whoever loves to work for virtuous ends, Public and private, and who most intends To do what deeds of gentleness he can, Take him to be the greatest gentleman. Christ wills we take our gentleness from Him, Not from a wealth of ancestry long dim, Though they bequeath their whole establishment By which we claim to be of high descent. f ANALYZE STRUCTURE Consider why the Wife of Bath speaks directly to the other pilgrims in lines 249–258. What effect might this digression have on her audience? 260 piloted: led. (In the Middle Ages, the wedding party typically escorted the bride and groom to their bedchamber.). 261 wallowed (wJlPId): rolled around; thrashed about. Language Coach Roots A word’s root contains its core meaning. The root of abomination, -omin, means “omen,” or “sign.” Abominable means “disgusting,” like a bad omen. How does this information help you understand the meaning of abominably (line 276) and ominous? bequeath (bG-kwCthP) v. to leave in a will; to pass down as an inheritance unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s33-Wife.indd 192 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners Vocabulary: Idioms Point out examples of idiomatic expressions on this page. Help students use context to determine the meaning of each one: all the while (line 262), “the whole time”; carrying on (line 271), “behaving in an excited, foolish way”; put things right (line 273), “correct the problem”; It’s little wonder (line 278), “it’s no surprise”; set right (line 282), “correct the problem”; cared to (line 283), “wanted to.” 192 12:16:48 NA_L12PE-u01 PM for english language learners Language Coach Roots Answer: Abominably must mean “disgustingly”; ominous must mean “like a bad omen.” Direct students to use both abonimably and ominous in a sentence that describes a contemporary scenario. For example, students might describe a person behaving abonimably at a social gathering. unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s11-canterwife.indd 192 1/3/11 8:31:26 AM 2/10 tiered discussion prompts In lines 282–300, use these prompts to help students understand the Wife of Bath’s observations about gentility: Analyze According to the Wife of Bath, what gives a man the distinction of being a great gentleman? Possible answer: Virtuous deeds, rather than high birth, make a great gentleman. 300 305 310 315 Synthesize Why does the old lady feel it necessary to explain her ideas about gentility to the knight? Possible answer: The knight has been treating the old lady rudely because she is not high born, rather than showing her gratitude for saving his life. The old lady’s instructive comments illustrate why she believes that the knight is no gentleman. Our fathers cannot make us a bequest Of all those virtues that became them best And earned for them the name of gentlemen, But bade us follow them as best we can. Analyze Visuals “Thus the wise poet of the Florentines, Dante by name, has written in these lines, For such is the opinion Dante launches: ‘Seldom arises by these slender branches Prowess of men, for it is God, no less, Wills us to claim of Him our gentleness.’ For of our parents nothing can we claim Save temporal things, and these may hurt and maim. “But everyone knows this as well as I; For if gentility were implanted by The natural course of lineage down the line, Public or private, could it cease to shine In doing the fair work of gentle deed? No vice or villainy could then bear seed. “Take fire and carry it to the darkest house Between this kingdom and the Caucasus, 302 Dante (dänPtA): a famous medieval Italian poet. Lines 304–306 refer to a passage in Dante’s most famous work, The Divine Comedy. 193 310 gentility (jDn-tGlPG-tC): the quality possessed by a gentle, or noble, person. Analyzing Character Development [smallgroup option] Have students consider what the knight has learned so far. They might keep in mind these questions: What was the knight like at the beginning of the tale? How does he treat the old lady who is now his wife? What does this show about his character? Has he absorbed the meaning of his answer to the queen’s question? Have students use a Character Traits and Textual Evidence chart—or VOCABULARY own the word 193 12:16:49 PM a graphic organizer of their own design—to illustrate the knight’s development. Ask them to share their findings with the class. BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Character Traits and Textual Evidence p. D6 Character Traits Quote: “There was a knight who was a lusty liver.” (line 59) Quote: “Nothing can ever be put right again! You’re old and so abominaably plain.” (lines 275–276) Explanation: He had great zest and lascivious tastes. Explanation: He judges his own wife by her outward appearance. the canterbury tales NA_L12TE-u01s11-canterwife.indd 193 L4 temporal: Tell students that the word temporal comes from the Latin word tempus, which means “time,” and that temporal is sometimes defined as “limited by time.” Have students write a sentence that shows an understanding of the word temporal. 316 Caucasus (kôPkE-sEs): a region of western Asia, between the Black and Caspian seas. 11/22/10 for advanced learners/ap Possible answer: The knight is turned away from the old woman and has a disgusted look on his face. The old woman has her hand on the knight’s shoulder. Her face and her posture suggest that she is fond of him. temporal (tDmPpEr-El) adj. of the material world; not eternal the canterbury tales 12:16:48 NA_L12PE-u01s33-Wife.indd PM Activity Based on the illustration, how does the knight feel about the old woman? How does she feel about him? 301 Florentines: the people of Florence, Italy. 193 1/3/11 8:31:31 AM 320 tiered discussion prompts In lines 322–358, use these prompts to help students understand the old woman’s motivations: Recall Why does the old woman launch into a speech against the knight? Possible answer: The knight mourns his situation and insults the old woman. He berates her for her ugliness and low class. 325 330 Analyze What arguments does the old woman use to put the knight to shame? Possible answer: She repeats that noble deeds, rather than high birth, are signs of gentility, and that poverty is neither shameful nor bad. 335 Synthesize Why does the old woman’s speech (lines 285–394) go on for so long? Possible answer: The old woman is very angry, hurt, and annoyed by the knight’s crude, ungrateful behavior toward her; she seems to be at wit’s end. Perhaps she wants to give the knight one last chance to change. 340 345 350 355 194 And shut the doors on it and leave it there, It will burn on, and it will burn as fair As if ten thousand men were there to see, For fire will keep its nature and degree, I can assure you, sir, until it dies. “But gentleness, as you will recognize, Is not annexed in nature to possessions. Men fail in living up to their professions; But fire never ceases to be fire. God knows you’ll often find, if you enquire, Some lording full of villainy and shame. If you would be esteemed for the mere name Of having been by birth a gentleman And stemming from some virtuous, noble clan, And do not live yourself by gentle deed Or take your father’s noble code and creed, You are no gentleman, though duke or earl. Vice and bad manners are what make a churl. 324 professions: beliefs; ideals. 327 lording: lord; nobleman. 334 churl (chûrl): low-class person; boor. “Gentility is only the renown For bounty that your fathers handed down, Quite foreign to your person, not your own; Gentility must come from God alone. That we are gentle comes to us by grace And by no means is it bequeathed with place. “Reflect how noble (says Valerius) Was Tullius surnamed Hostilius, Who rose from poverty to nobleness. And read Boethius, Seneca no less, Thus they express themselves and are agreed: ‘Gentle is he that does a gentle deed.’ And therefore, my dear husband, I conclude That even if my ancestors were rude, Yet God on high—and so I hope He will— Can grant me grace to live in virtue still, A gentlewoman only when beginning To live in virtue and to shrink from sinning. 341 Valerius (vE-lîrPC-Es): Valerius Maximus, a Roman writer who compiled a collection of historical anecdotes. 342 Tullius (tOlPC-Es) surnamed Hostilius (hJ-stGlPC-Es): the third king of the Romans. 344 Boethius (bI-CPthC-Es): a Christian philosopher of the Dark Ages; Seneca (sDnPG-kE): an ancient Roman philosopher, writer, teacher, and politician. “As for my poverty which you reprove, Almighty God Himself in whom we move, Believe and have our being, chose a life Of poverty, and every man or wife, Nay, every child can see our Heavenly King Would never stoop to choose a shameful thing. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s33-Wife.indd 194 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for advanced learners/ap Literary Allusions [paired option] “The Wife of Bath’s Tale” is full of many literary allusions, especially in the old woman’s rebuttal to the knight. She mentions Dante (line 302), Valerius (line 341), Boethius (line 344), Seneca (lines 344 and 360), and Juvenal (line 368). Ask students how these allusions help to characterize both the old woman and the Wife of Bath. Ask why the old woman’s rebuttal contains so many allusions and what 194 12:16:52 NA_L12PE-u01 PM they reveal about her. Then have partners each research one or two of the allusions and report their findings to the class. How does this information help students understand the text? unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s11-canterwife.indd 194 1/3/11 8:31:35 AM 2/10 360 365 370 375 380 385 390 395 No shame in poverty if the heart is gay, As Seneca and all the learned say. He who accepts his poverty unhurt I’d say is rich although he lacked a shirt. But truly poor are they who whine and fret And covet what they cannot hope to get. And he that, having nothing, covets not, Is rich, though you may think he is a sot. “True poverty can find a song to sing. Juvenal says a pleasant little thing: ‘The poor can dance and sing in the relief Of having nothing that will tempt a thief.’ Though it be hateful, poverty is good, A great incentive to a livelihood, And a great help to our capacity For wisdom, if accepted patiently. Poverty is, though wanting in estate, A kind of wealth that none calumniate. Poverty often, when the heart is lowly, Brings one to God and teaches what is holy, Gives knowledge of oneself and even lends A glass by which to see one’s truest friends. And since it’s no offense, let me be plain; Do not rebuke my poverty again. revisit the big question 366 sot: fool. 368 Juvenal (jLPvE-nEl): an ancient Roman satirist. Discuss In lines 346–388, is the old woman helping the knight to gain an understanding that goes beyond “what women most desire”? Explain. Possible answer: The old woman is helping him to understand what makes a good man: a person who is dignified in his actions and manners and is respectful of others. 375 wanting in estate: lacking in grandeur. VOCABULARY 376 calumniate (kE-lOmPnC-AtQ): criticize with false statements; slander. own the word rebuke (rG-byLkP) v. to criticize rebuke: Have students list the reasons Juvenal cites for not rebuking poverty. Possible answers: nothing to steal, great incentive to a livelihood, brings one closer to God and teaches what is holy, gives knowledge of self, provides a way to judge friends “Lastly you taxed me, sir, with being old. Yet even if you never had been told By ancient books, you gentlemen engage, Yourselves in honor to respect old age. To call an old man ‘father’ shows good breeding, And this could be supported from my reading. “You say I’m old and fouler than a fen. You need not fear to be a cuckold, then. Filth and old age, I’m sure you will agree, Are powerful wardens over chastity. Nevertheless, well knowing your delights, I shall fulfil your worldly appetites. g “You have two choices; which one will you try? To have me old and ugly till I die, But still a loyal, true, and humble wife That never will displease you all her life, Or would you rather I were young and pretty 390 cuckold (kOkPEld): a husband whose wife is unfaithful. T E X T A N A LY S I S g g NARRATOR In lines 285–394, the old woman offers a lengthy rebuttal to the knight’s complaints. Why might the narrator place her focus on the old woman and not the knight at this point in the story? 195 11/22/10 for struggling readers Comprehension Support: Allusions Direct students’ attention to the brief side notes, explaining each allusion in the old woman’s rebuttal to the knight (lines 301, 302, 316, 341, 342, 344, and 368). Remind them that an allusion is a reference to a famous person, place, event, or work of literature. If necessary, elaborate on the side notes to give students a better understand of the text. Develop Reading Fluency Have students work in small groups to practice choral reading of the stanzas on this page. Encourage group members to work together to identify difficult or confusing passages and clarify specific words, phrases, and punctuation that prove challenging. After students have finished reading this material once, encourage them to read again, focusing the second time on reading with emphasis and expression. narrator 12:16:52 PM the canterbury tales 195 RL 3 Possible answer: The narrator focuses on the old woman because she is the only one who can deliver the moral of the tale; the knight has proven by his actions and behavior that he is still churlish and mean-spirited. Only the old woman has something to teach, while the knight still has much to learn. 195 for english language learners NA_L12TE-u01s11-canterwife.indd L4 389 fen: marsh. the canterbury tales 12:16:52 NA_L12PE-u01s33-Wife.indd PM Do men UNDERSTAND women? 195 1/3/11 8:31:38 AM 400 405 410 415 T E X T A N A LY S I S h RL 3 narrator 420 Possible answer: The Wife of Bath’s attitude toward controlling or miserly husbands is negative and hostile: She asks that Jesus cut short the lives of controlling husbands (lines 437–438) and that God cause miserly husbands to die of pestilence (lines 439–440). 425 IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Reread and help students paraphrase lines 437–438 and 439–440. 430 Extend the Discussion What does the Wife of Bath’s tale suggest about her own marriages? 435 selection wrap–up READ WITH A PURPOSE Now that students have read The Wife of Bath’s Prologue, ask them whether the Wife of Bath was ahead of her time or behind the times with regard to her attitude toward gender roles. Possible answers: The Wife of Bath was ahead of her time, as she spoke out against men’s control of women’s lives in her 14th-century society. CRITIQUE 440 196 And chance your arm what happens in a city Where friends will visit you because of me, Yes, and in other places too, maybe. Which would you have? The choice is all your own.” 400 chance your arm: take your chance on. The knight thought long, and with a piteous groan At last he said, with all the care in life, “My lady and my love, my dearest wife, I leave the matter to your wise decision. You make the choice yourself, for the provision Of what may be agreeable and rich In honor to us both, I don’t care which; Whatever pleases you suffices me.” Language Coach “And have I won the mastery?” said she, “Since I’m to choose and rule as I think fit?” “Certainly, wife,” he answered her, “that’s it.” “Kiss me,” she cried. “No quarrels! On my oath And word of honor, you shall find me both, That is, both fair and faithful as a wife; May I go howling mad and take my life Unless I prove to be as good and true As ever wife was since the world was new! And if tomorrow when the sun’s above I seem less fair than any lady-love, Than any queen or empress east or west, Do with my life and death as you think best. Cast up the curtain, husband. Look at me!” And when indeed the knight had looked to see, Lo, she was young and lovely, rich in charms. In ecstasy he caught her in his arms, His heart went bathing in a bath of blisses And melted in a hundred thousand kisses, And she responded in the fullest measure With all that could delight or give him pleasure. So they lived ever after to the end In perfect bliss; and may Christ Jesus send Us husbands meek and young and fresh in bed, And grace to overbid them when we wed. And—Jesu hear my prayer!—cut short the lives Of those who won’t be governed by their wives; And all old, angry niggards of their pence, God send them soon a very pestilence! h INDEPENDENT READING • Students may also enjoy reading Jerry Ellis’s Walking to Canterbury: A Modern Journey Through Chaucer’s Medieval England. h NARRATOR Reread the last paragraph. What is the Wife of Bath’s attitude toward husbands who are controlling or misers (“niggards”)? Cite the details that helped you draw this conclusion. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s33-Wife.indd 196 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners • Ask students whether the Wife of Bath succeeded in telling a tale that “gives the fullest measure / Of good morality and general pleasure” (“The Prologue” to The Canterbury Tales, lines 817–818). Have students explain their responses. Derivations The word pity (“sympathetic sorrow”) has several derivations, or related words, including pitiful, pitying, and piteous (line 404). Two derivations mean “causing pity,” one sometimes means “causing disgust,” and one means “having pity.” Match each derivation of pity to its definition. Language Coach Derivations Answer: pitiful=causing disgust; pitying=having pity; piteous= causing pity Ask student pairs to write three sentences, each with a derivation of pity. Have students leave blanks where the words should appear, and exchange sentences with their partner. 12:16:53 NA_L12PE-u01 PM for advanced learners/ap Stream of Consciousness [small-group option] Does the “Wife of Bath’s Tale” anticipate modern stream-of-consciousness writing? Have students research streamof-consciousness writing and then consider what the Wife of Bath’s digressions and idiosyncrasies reveal about the way she thinks. 196 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s11-canterwife.indd 196 1/3/11 8:31:41 AM 2/10 After Reading Practice and Apply Comprehension 1. Recall Describe the knight’s original sentence and his revised punishment. 2. Recall What agreement does the knight make with the old woman? 3. Recall What information does the old woman share with the knight? 4. Summarize In what ways does the relationship between the knight and the old woman change during the course of the story? RL 3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story. RL 5 Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure specific parts of a text contribute to its overall structure and meaning as well as its aesthetic impact. For preliminary support of post-reading questions, use these copy masters: RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Masters Reading Check p. 174 Narrator p. 167 Question Support p. 175 Additional selection questions are provided for teachers on page 161. Text Analysis 5. Examine Narrator In her tale, the Wife of Bath offers direct statements on friars (lines 39–56), women’s desires (lines 101–126), and marriage (lines 433– 440). Summarize each statement and then explain what each reveals about the Wife’s personality. answers 1. The original punishment is death by beheading; the revised punishment is to discover what women most desire. 6. Analyze Structure Review the chart you created as you read. Unlike other pilgrims, the Wife of Bath interrupts her story with various personal comments, anecdotes, and illustrative stories. What might she be trying to convey about herself with this additional information? 2. He agrees to honor her request in exchange for the answer to the queen’s question. 7. Evaluate Plot Review lines 404–432. Is the conclusion of the story satisfying? In your response, consider the knight’s crime and the outcome of his actions. 3. She tells him that women desire power over men. 8. Make Judgments The enduring appeal of The Canterbury Tales stems in part from Chaucer’s remarkable ability to match stories and storytellers. In what way is the Wife of Bath’s unusual tale well-suited to her personality? Cite evidence from the text to support your answer. 4. At first he despairs of having her as his wife. As she shames him, he comes to appreciate her and to understand her message. When he defers to her better judgment, he knows true bliss. 9. Compare Texts Compare the tales of the Pardoner and the Wife of Bath. Which character tells a better, more entertaining story? Cite evidence from both tales to support your opinion. Possible answers: Text Criticism 10. Social Context Around 1185, Andreas Capellanus wrote The Art of Courtly Love. In this influential work, Capellanus states, “Love makes an ugly and rude person shine with all beauty, knows how to endow with nobility even one of humble birth, can even lend humility to the proud.” In what ways does “The Wife of Bath’s Tale” reflect Capellanus’s understanding of love and its transforming power? Do men RL 3, RL 5 5. common core focus Narrator Lines 39–56 present her view that the church has stripped away England’s old beliefs in magic and that friars now prey on women, showing that she is humorous, ironic, clever, satiric; lines 101–126 offer a frank description of women’s sometimes earthy desires, showing that she’s honest about her desire for pleasure, pampering, flattery, and money; lines 433–440 acknowledge the flaws of both marriage and men, showing that she is humorous, domineering, smart, no-nonsense. 6. common core focus Analyze Structure With her literary and historical allusions, she may be trying to show that she is at least as knowledgeable and worthy of respect as any educated, affluent male pilgrim. understand women? Are male writers capable of portraying realistic female characters? How well do you think Chaucer portrayed the Wife of Bath? What would you change about his characterization of women? the canterbury tales 9. Students 197 should back up their opinions with evidence from the text. Details might include the message that each story conveys, the believability of the characters, or the irony presented in each tale. 12:16:53 NA_L12PE-u01s33-arWife.indd PM 10. Through love, the crone becomes beautiful and the knight becomes humble and good-hearted. 197 1/8/11 Do men UNDERSTAND women? Possible answers: Answers will vary, but students should offer well-reasoned arguments, supported by evidence from the selection. 12:09:21 PM 7. Some will say the conclusion is disturbing because the knight is rewarded despite his crime. Others will say that the knight has changed into a decent human being who deserves his reprieve. 8. Make Judgments The Wife of Bath is a larger-than-life personality. Her tale is as rollicking, multi-dimensional, and provocative as she is. the canterbury tales NA_L12TE-u01s11-canterwife.indd 197 197 1/13/11 10:56:30 AM Vocabulary in Context answers Vocabulary in Context vocabulary practice word list Indicate whether the following pairs of words are synonyms or antonyms. Check your answers in a dictionary. crone vocabulary practice 1. bequeath/inherit 4. rebuke/praise bequeath implore rebuke 1. antonyms 4. antonyms 2. crone/maiden 5. sovereignty/rule 2. antonyms 5. synonyms 3. implore/beseech 6. temporal/eternal 3. synonyms 6. antonyms sovereignty temporal academic vocabulary in writing RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master • concept • culture • parallel • section • structure Vocabulary Practice p. 172 academic vocabulary in writing Encourage students to draw a T-chart or other type of graphic organizer to organize their ideas about the themes of love and fidelity in these parallel stories. Students should use the ideas they record in their organizers to construct their arguments for their paragraphs. vocabulary strategy: the latin root temp The word temporal contains the root temp, from the Latin tempus, which means “time” or “a fixed period.” Something temporal exists in time and is not eternal. The same root is found in several other English words. PRACTICE In each sentence below, choose the word from the pair in parentheses that correctly completes each sentence. Use your knowledge of word parts and the context in which the word appears to help you make the correct choice. BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency T Chart p. A25 vocabulary strategy: the latin root temp How do the two parallel stories—the knight searching for love and the Wife of Bath’s role in the pilgrimage—share some of the same concepts about love and fidelity? Write a paragraph explaining how stories of those seeking love extend across cultures. 1. The scientist explained that the age of the dinosaurs was not (extemporaneous, contemporaneous) with human existence. L 4, L 6 Remind students that studying a word’s root in conjunction with its definition can help them to remember its meaning. Using the word regularly will ensure that it becomes part of their vocabulary. L 4 Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown words. L 6 Acquire and use accurately general academic and domain-specific words. contemporary extemporaneous temp temporary temporize tempo 2. The band conductor suddenly increased the march’s (tempo, temper). 3. The senator (contemporized, temporized), hoping to delay the bill’s passage. Answers: 4. The brightly colored chart helped us (temporalize, extemporize) the different geological areas we were studying. Interactive Vocabulary 5. President Lyndon B. Johnson was both respected and feared by many of his (contemporaries, templates). Go to thinkcentral.com. KEYWORD: HML12-198 1. contemporaneous 2. tempo 3. temporized 4. extemporize 5. contemporaries RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master Vocabulary Strategy p. 173 198 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s33-arWife.indd Interactive Vocabulary Keywords direct students to a WordSharp tutorial on thinkcentral.com or to other types of vocabulary practice and review. 198 198 1/8/11 differentiated instruction for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Vocabulary Support Help students to create word webs, showing words with the Latin root temp in their home languages. Vocabulary Practice: Challenge Ask students to try to use all the temp words from the word web in one sentence. 12:09:23 NA_L12PE-u01 PM unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s11-canterwife.indd 198 1/13/11 10:56:35 AM 8/11 Language grammar and style: Add Descriptive Details Review the Grammar and Style note on page 159. Chaucer was a keen observer who conveyed memorable details about characters through his use of similes. Similes are figures of speech that use like or as to make a comparison. In the passage below, Chaucer conjures up a striking, if not complimentary, image of the balding Pardoner. Language L 5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language. W 3b Use dialogue to develop experiences, events, and/or characters. L 5, W 3b grammar and style Possible answers: 1. His fleshy ears protruded from his head As far wings of birds that are outspread. This Pardoner had hair as yellow as wax, Hanging down smoothly like a hank of flax. In driblets fell his locks behind his head Down to his shoulders which they overspread; Thinly they fell, like rat-tails, one by one. (lines 695–699) 2. His prominent earlobes always seemed a-twitching Just like a dog who’s always, always itching. RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master Notice how each of the highlighted prepositions is followed by a concrete visual image. These similes greatly enrich Chaucer’s descriptions because they allow readers to form a vivid mental picture of a character. Add Descriptive Details p. 176 reading-writing connection PRACTICE Write sentences modeled on Chaucer’s work. • Suggest that students select two pilgrims who seem very different from each other and from the Wife of Bath. example There was a Franklin with him, it appeared; White as a daisy-petal was his beard. • Have them brainstorm a response to these questions for each character: What do you think about the Wife of Bath’s story? Did you enjoy it? Did you think it was funny? How did you feel about the knight’s predicament? How did you feel about the queen’s reprieve? Did you think the ending was fair? Do you agree with its message about men’s roles? Do you agree with its message about women’s roles? There was a puppy with him, it appeared; Striped like a skunk, which seemed very weird. 1. His eyes would twinkle in his head as bright As any star upon a frosty night. 2. His prominent eyeballs never seemed to settle. They glittered like the flames beneath a kettle. reading-writing connection YOUR Expand your understanding of Chaucer’s characters by responding to this prompt. Then, use the revising tips to improve your dialogue. • When they finish brainstorming, they can put the responses together, creating a dialogue by editing each response so that it seems to flow naturally with the rest. TURN writing prompt revising tips CREATE A DIALOGUE How might the other pilgrims have reacted to “The Wife of Bath’s Tale”? Write a dialogue in which at least two pilgrims, as well as the Wife of Bath herself, comment on the story and its message about men’s and women’s roles. • Add stage directions to describe each pilgrim’s tone of voice or body movements. • Clearly identify each pilgrim’s opinion about men’s and women’s roles. Interactive Revision KEYWORD: HML12-199 the canterbury tales 12:09:23 NA_L12PE-u01s33-arWife.indd PM Writing Online Go to thinkcentral.com. 199 199 1/8/11 [First Pilgrim]: My dear lady, let me explain myself better. I for struggling writers • Offer this structure to students to help them begin their dialogues: . [First pilgrim]: That story of yours was . [Second pilgrim]: I’m afraid I still have to (dis)agree. I’d say . [Second pilgrim]: I’m afraid I have to (dis) agree. I’d say Wife of Bath: But gentlemen, . Wife of Bath: Gentlemen, I’m afraid you weren’t listening. It was 12:09:24 PM The following tools are available online at thinkcentral.com and on WriteSmart CD-ROM: • Interactive Graphic Organizers • Interactive Student Models • Interactive Revision Lessons For additional grammar instruction, see GrammarNotes on thinkcentral.com. Assess and Reteach Assess DIAGNOSTIC AND SELECTION TESTS Selection Tests A, B/C pp. 57–58, 59–60 . Interactive Selection Test on thinkcentral.com Reteach . Level Up Online Tutorials on thinkcentral.com the canterbury tales NA_L12TE-u01s11-canterwife.indd 199 199 1/13/11 10:56:43 AM Focus and Motivate Reading for Information “Pilgrimages: Journeys of the Spirit” consists of three features that provide information about a pilgrim’s trek: historian Barbara Tuchman’s description of hardships faced by travelers in medieval times; a personal account of a modern pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela; and a map depicting medieval pilgrimage sites. • Book Excerpt, page 201 • Magazine Article, page 202 • Map and Illustrations, page 204 Essential Course of Study ecos The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories written as if they were told by pilgrims on their way to a holy site. The following selections describe what it was like to travel on a pilgrimage in Chaucer’s time and also reveal why this ancient tradition still thrives today. As you read, consider how the information in these selections enhances your understanding of the characters in The Canterbury Tales. RI 2 Provide an objective summary of a text. RI 7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different formats in order to address a question. summary Pilgrimages: Journeyss of the Spirit Use with selections from The Canterbury Tales, page 142. RI 2 Provide an objective summary of a text. RI 7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different formats in order to address a question. Standards Focus: Synthesize Whenever you put together facts, ideas, and details from different sources to form your own understanding of a topic, you are synthesizing, or integrating, information. You can usually gain deeper insight into a topic by synthesizing from several sources than by just reading one source. Use a chart like the one below to synthesize details about pilgrims. Skim through “The Prologue” of The Canterbury Tales, looking for information about pilgrims and pilgrimages. Add to the chart any information that would help you answer the questions provided. Then, read the selections that follow, and add more details about pilgrims to your chart. When your chart is complete, summarize, or briefly encapsulate, in no more than a few sentences, the purpose of taking a pilgrimage and what such a journey is like based on the information you collected about each work. Your purpose is not to form an opinion, but simply to sum up each author’s viewpoint about pilgrimages and their importance. Source The Canterbury Tales A Distant Mirror “In the Footsteps of the Faithful” “Pilgrimage Sites” Map What kinds of people go on pilgrimages? Why do they go? What is the journey like? Teach How does the pilgrimage affect them? Standards Focus: Synthesize Help students to build background for finding relevant information in “The Prologue” of The Canterbury Tales by responding to these questions: • What conditions created turmoil for the people of Chaucer’s day? Possible answer: plague, war, revolt, food shortages, cold weather • How did people travel from place to place in Chaucer’s day? Possible answer: by foot, by horse, or by boat 200 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods Selection Resources NA_L12PE-u01s33-c3MirFoo.indd 200 Synthesize p. 185 2:33:09 NA_L12PE-u01 PM See resources on the Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM and on thinkcentral.com. RESOURCE MANAGER UNIT 1 Lesson Support,* pp. 177–190 DIAGNOSTIC AND SELECTION TESTS Selection Tests, pp. 61–64 INTERACTIVE READER RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master 11/22/10 ADAPTED INTERACTIVE READER TECHNOLOGY Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM Student One Stop DVD-ROM PowerNotes DVD-ROM Audio Anthology CD ExamView Test Generator on the Teacher One Stop ELL ADAPTED INTERACTIVE READER 200 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01-RFI3-Faithful.indd * Resources for Differentiation 200 1/3/11 8:17:22 AM 22/10 Reading for Information In A Distant Mirror, historian Barbara Tuchman describes the hardships, including the difficulties of travel, faced by people of all classes in 14th-century Europe. Reading Support This selection on thinkcentral.com includes embedded ThinkAloud models–students “thinking aloud” about the story to model the kinds of questions a good reader would ask about a selection. A Distant Mirror Barbara Tuchman 10 20 30 Travel, “the mother of tidings,” brought news of the world to castle and village, town and countryside. The rutted roads, always either too dusty or too muddy, carried an endless flow of pilgrims and peddlers, merchants with their packtrains, bishops making visitations, tax-collectors and royal officials, friars and pardoners, wandering scholars, jongleurs and preachers, messengers and couriers who wove the network of communications from city to city. Great nobles like the Coucys, bankers, prelates, abbeys, courts of justice, town governments, kings and their councils employed their own messengers. The King of England at mid-century kept twelve on hand who accompanied him at all times, ready to start, and were paid 3d. a day when on the road and 4s. 8d. a year for shoes. . . . The voyage from London to Lyon took about 18 days and from Canterbury to Rome about 30 days depending on the Channel crossing, which was unpredictable, often dangerous, sometimes fatal, and could take anywhere from three days to a month. One knight, Sir Hervé de Léon, was kept 15 days at sea by a storm and, besides having lost his horse overboard, arrived so battered and weakened “that he never had health thereafter.” It was no wonder that, according to a ballad, when pilgrims took to sea for the voyage to Compostella or beyond, “Theyr hertes begin to fayle.” . . . a Travelers stopped before nightfall, those of the nobility taking shelter in some nearby castle or monastery where they would be admitted indoors, while the mass of ordinary travelers on foot, including pilgrims, were housed and fed in a guest house outside the gate. They were entitled to one night’s lodging at any monastery and could not be turned away unless they asked for a second night. Inns were available to merchants and others, though they were likely to be crowded, squalid, and flearidden, with several beds to a room and two travelers to a bed—or three to a bed in Germany, according to the disgusted report of the poet Deschamps, who was sent there on a mission for the French King. Moreover, he complained, neither bed nor table had clean linen, the innkeeper offered no choice of foods, a traveler in the Empire could find nothing to drink but beer; fleas, rats, and mice were unavoidable, and the people of Bohemia lived like pigs. b Given the hardships and the length of time consumed, people journeyed over long distances to an astonishing degree—from Paris to Florence, from Flanders to Hungary, London to Prague, Bohemia to Castile, crossing seas, alps, and rivers, walking to China like Marco Polo or three times to Jerusalem like the Wife of Bath. I N F O R M AT I O N A L A N A LY S I S a 201 RI 2 RI 7 synthesize Read lines 2–6 aloud to students. Explain that when you synthesize information, you need to think carefully about what the author is saying and compare it to what you already know. Possible answer: Roads were rutted, dusty or muddy, and crowded (lines 2–6); travel was slow, tiring, and dangerous (lines 12–18). Extend the Discussion: How does the information in the excerpt enhance your understanding of medieval pilgrims’ lives? a SYNTHESIZE Reread lines 1–18. What were the hardships of traveling in the Middle Ages? I N F O R M AT I O N A L A N A LY S I S b b SYNTHESIZE What was it like for a pilgrim to stay at an inn? reading for information 2:33:09 NA_L12PE-u01s33-c3MirFoo.indd PM Model the Skill: synthesize RI 2 RI 7 Possible answer: Pilgrims often had to share with other pilgrims a dirty, flea-ridden room, or even a bed. Their choice of food and drink was limited. The lodgings were infested with rats and mice. 201 11/22/10 differentiated instruction 12:17:06 PM for english language learners Find it Online! Features on thinkcentral.com that support the selection include • PowerNotes presentation • ThinkAloud models to enhance comprehension Options for Reading [small-group option] Have students read the excerpt in groups of four. Assign each student one paragraph. When they finish reading, have each student summarize the main idea and significant details of the paragraph. Then have them put their summaries together. reading for information NA_L12TE-u01-RFI3-Faithful.indd 201 201 1/3/11 8:17:30 AM Many people today still go on pilgrimages, often walking for long distances along ancient routes. Canadian writer Taras Grescoe writes about his journey to one of the most famous European pilgrimage sites. In the Footsteps of the Faithful Taras Grescoe L I N F O R M AT I O N A L A N A LY S I S c RI 2 RI 7 synthesize Possible answer: Today, some pilgrims go to find absolution (line 15), to grow spiritually (lines 15–16), or to show their gratitude (lines 33–38); others go for camaraderie (line 7). 10 Extend the Discussion How are contemporary pilgrims similar to or different from Chaucer’s pilgrims? c SYNTHESIZE Reread lines 8–16. What are some reasons why people go on pilgrimages today? 202 differentiated instruction for struggling readers As they read the selections in “Pilgrimages: Journeys of the Spirit,” students should complete the chart on the introductory page. Canterbury Tales: Pilgrims: clergymen and women, farmers, merchants, guildsmen, wealthy widowers, doctors, lawyers, sailors, knights, squires Why they go: to give thanks, ask for God’s help, for pleasure What journey is like: long, boring Effect of pilgrimage: 202 ittle by little, the road to Santiago de Compostela was changing me. When I started off on the Camino Francés—a 1,200-yearold route across northern Spain to one of Catholicism’s holiest shrines—I was unprepared for the camaraderie this pilgrimage fosters. Since a.d. 813, when the bones of St. James the Apostle were discovered in a cave at the western tip of Galicia, devout pilgrims from all over Europe have tramped hundreds of miles across the snow-streaked Pyrenees and the sun-baked plains of Castile in a quest for absolution and spiritual growth. Beginning the walk in the French town of St. Jean-Pied-de-Port, I was part of this rare band of travelers for three weeks. c 20 30 In the shade of eucalyptus forests and olive groves, over tuna sandwiches and chocolate bars, I heard stories by turns touching and inspiring. A young mother—a Danish athlete—was alternately carrying and pushing her two blond-haired infants over the mountain trails and switchbacks, a feat of almost superhuman endurance. A 60-year-old man in disintegrating sandals and with a long white beard paused just long enough to tell me he’d walked all the way from Rome, 40 miles a day. Next to a purling stream, I came across a pilgrim who’d lost his right leg and was being borne to Santiago on his trusty mare Lorena—named after his daughter, herself only recently recovered from leukemia. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s33-c3MirFoo.indd 202 makes them think about their lives A Distant Mirror: Pilgrims: peddlers, merchants, bishops, royal officials, clergymen, scholars, preachers, messengers, couriers Why they go: business, work, religion, excitement, adventure What journey is like: dangerous, unpredictable, difficult, sometimes fatal Effect of pilgrimage: unclear “In the Footsteps of the Faithful”: Pilgrims: men, women, children Why they go: religion, excitement, adventure What journey is like: long, arduous, inspiring, pleasant 11/22/10 12:17:15 NA_L12PE-u01 PM Effect of pilgrimage: uplifting, life-changing “Pilgrimage Sites” Map: What journey is like: across mountains, water, valleys; long for english language learners Vocabulary Support: Idioms Help students use context to analyze the meaning of these idioms: by turns (line 22) “alternately, first . . . then”; crash course (lines 42–43), “quick lesson”; fell by the wayside (lines 58–59), “disappeared.” unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12TE-u01-RFI3-Faithful.indd 202 1/3/11 8:17:36 AM 2/10 Readingfor forInformation Information Reading 40 50 60 The Camino Francés, which wends past storks on the chimney stacks of Rioja and seagulls on the moss-covered church spires of Galicia, is a crash course in medieval European history, with daily seminars in Romanesque architecture and the arcane iconography of the Knights Templar. I found myself walking on the original paving stones of Roman roads, staining my shoes on the red earth of the vineyards of Rioja, and losing my way in the fog of the Pyrenees. In a little town outside Logroño, I joined the queue at an unattended tap at a stone wall, from which Navarran red wine flowed free of charge, a local winery’s gift to passing pilgrims. As I walked, materialism and concern about self-image fell by the wayside; I divested myself of guidebooks and excess clothing, and sought only to fill my belly with nourishing food and to find simple lodgings each evening. I learned to expect the warm westerly wind that crosses the land just before sunset, the cool tramontana from the north, and 70 80 90 the afternoon breeze that sends iridescent ripples through the fields. I realized I’d never truly seen the world go by at this human pace, three miles an hour, hour after hour, day in, day out—nor understood that the quality of one’s travel experience is inversely proportional to the speed at which one travels. d I finally walked into Santiago in the midst of a record spring heat wave. Sweaty and unshaven, I approached the wildflower- and lichen-covered cathedral where the bones of St. James the Apostle rested—a fantastic barnacle-encrusted reef looming over waves of stone houses. As I strode up the last set of stairs before my goal, I was overwhelmed by a connection with all those who, over the ages, had risked losing home, family, and life to follow their faith to some marvelous shrine at the edge of the earth. Step by step, the Camino had made me one of its own: a pilgrim. I N F O R M AT I O N A L A N A LY S I S d synthesize RI 2 RI 7 Possible answer: The author has stopped thinking about materialism and self-image (lines 58–59); begun eating good foods (lines 61–62); paid closer attention to slight changes in weather and landscape (lines 63–68); and come to understand the value of traveling on foot (lines 68–75). d SYNTHESIZE Reread lines 57–75. How has the author been affected by his pilgrimage? tiered discussion prompts In lines 20–91, use these prompts to help students understand Grescoe’s transformation during his pilgrimage: Connect What do you think of the author, Taras Grescoe, and the feelings he expresses in this article? Accept all thoughtful responses. Pilgrims stop to kneel along the main pilgrimage route from southwest France to Santiago de Compostela. Analyze What factors influence Grescoe during his three-week pilgrimage? Possible answer: He is affected by the stories of other pilgrims (lines 22–38); being close to ancient sites (lines 39–51); the generosity of others (lines 51–56); the slowness of the travel (lines 68–75); and the connection with pilgrims of the past (lines 83–89). Evaluate Does Grescoe’s transformation into a true pilgrim seem realistic? Explain your answer. Possible answer: It seems realistic; as he describes his transformation, it appears to be a gradual process that evolves over the weeks through experience, awareness, understanding, and connections with others. reading for information 12:17:15 NA_L12PE-u01s33-c3MirFoo.indd PM 203 203 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for struggling readers for advanced learners/ap Check Predictions Have students summarize the main points of this article. Then have them check their summaries against the predictions they made during prereading. Compare and Contrast Have students compare Chaucer’s narrator with Grescoe. Encourage them to think about the values and interests of each one, as well as the traits they share. Why do Chaucer’s narrator and Grescoe each follow “in the footsteps of the faithful”? How does the historical period in which each man was born affect his insights? What do you think Chaucer’s narrator would say about Grescoe? 12:17:27 PM reading for information NA_L12TE-u01-RFI3-Faithful.indd 203 203 1/3/11 8:17:45 AM Medieval pilgrims visited holy sites throughout Europe and in parts of Asia. These sites continue to serve as important spiritual centers as well as popular tourist attractions. I N F O R M AT I O N A L A N A LY S I S RI 7 Show students a local map and demonstrate how to use the scale to find actual distances between places with which students are familiar. The map clarifies the huge commitment that long pilgrimages required. Chaucer’s pilgrims told stories to make the trip to Canterbury go faster, yet their pilgrimage was only about 40 miles. Considering the dangers, hardships, and unpredictability of travel in those days, medieval pilgrims must have been determined and often devoted. /THER CITY 4RONDHEIM INFORMATIONAL TEXTS A map represents a portion of the earth’s surface and a map scale shows the relationship between distance on a map and the distance on the earth’s surface. Use the scale on the map to measure the distances between London and the pilgrimage sites, and notice the geographic features a pilgrim would have to cross to reach these sites. What does this add to your understanding of what it was like to make a pilgrimage in Chaucer’s day? e MILES KILOMETERS .ORTH 3EA A e LT "A 7ALSINGHAM ,ONDON %NG LISH #HANNEL -ONT 3AINT -ICHEL !4,!.4)# /#%!. 4OURS 3ANTIAGO DE #OMPOSTELA 0Y -ADRID RE N EES -OSCOW #OPENHAGEN IC #ANTERBURY #OLOGNE 0ARIS !ACHEN #HARTRES , 0 36ENICE !D Possible answer: Canterbury: approximately 50 mi.; Walsingham: approximately 100 mi.; Mont-Saint-Michel: approximately 200 mi.; Chartres: approximately 220 mi.; Aachen: approximately 275 mi.; Cologne, Germany: approximately 300 mi.; Tours: approximately 300 mi.; Cologne, France: approximately 500 mi.; Venice: approximately 700 mi.; Santiago de Compostela: approximately 700 mi.; Assisi: approximately 800 mi.; Rome: approximately 850 mi.; Trondheim: approximately 900 mi.; Jerusalem: approximately 2,300 mi. 0ILGRIMAGE SITE RI 7 3E informational texts ! e !SSISI RI 2OME - E D I T E AT IC 3E A R R A N E A N 3 E A *ERUSALEM Reliquary At many pilgrimage sites, relics (personal items or body parts of saints) are kept in containers called reliquaries. Stained Glass In this French cathedral window, Saint Mary of Egypt is shown on a boat full of pilgrims bound for Jerusalem. 204 Canterbury Cathedral Located 55 miles from London, Canterbury Cathedral became an important pilgrimage site after Archbishop Thomas à Becket was murdered there in 1170. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s33-c3MirFoo.indd 204 differentiated instruction 12/15/10 7:30:34 NA_L12PE-u01 PM for advanced learners/ap Research [small-group option] Have groups of students research each of the pilgrimage sites on the map. They might address these questions: What drew early pilgrims to this site? What religious events are associated with this site? What historical events are associated with it? Who would be most likely to visit the site today? Encourage students to share their findings with the class. 204 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01-RFI3-Faithful.indd 204 1/21/11 1:46:58 PM 15/10 Reading for Information After Reading Practice and Apply Comprehension 1. Recall According to Barbara Tuchman, what was sea travel like in Chaucer’s day? 2. Recall During medieval times, how did the lodging offered to the nobility differ from the lodging available to members of other social classes? 3. Clarify How does Taras Grescoe feel about the slow pace of travel on a pilgrimage? RI 2 Provide an objective summary of a text. RI 7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different formats in order to address a question. W 9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis and reflection. Text Analysis 5. Synthesize Information from Graphic Aids Examine the photographs on page 204. How do these images help you understand the appeal of going on a pilgrimage? 2. The nobility stayed in castles or monasteries. Ordinary travelers stayed at guest houses or inns that were crowded and filthy. According to Chaucer, the other authors, and the map in this section, what is the purpose of a pilgrimage? What are the benefits and difficulties of a making a pilgrimage? 3. Grescoe feels that the slow pace increases the quality of his experience by allowing him to closely observe and appreciate changes in terrain and weather. To answer this prompt, you will need to follow these steps: Possible answers: 1. Gather information about the purpose of a pilgrimage from the three selections as well as from “The Prologue” of The Canterbury Tales. 2. Consider the main ideas and information you have collected and the summary you created of each work. Ask yourself what conclusion you can draw from them about making a pilgrimage. 3. Present your conclusion in a topic sentence, and support it with ideas and information from the texts. Text 4 • idea • idea Read for Information: Draw Conclusions 205 for struggling writers for advanced learners/ap Read for Information Read for Information Have students write three paragraphs on the topic, one for each text. • After students select a topic, help them to write a topic sentence, using one of these sentence starters: Assess and Reteach Assess DIAGNOSTIC AND SELECTION TESTS Travel during Chaucer’s day was likely to be . The benefits of making a pilgrimage included . Selection Test A pp. 61–62 Selection Test B/C pp. 63–64 Interactive Selection Test on thinkcentral.com Reteach Level Up Online Tutorials on thinkcentral.com reading for information NA_L12TE-u01-RFI3-Faithful.indd 205 W9 Writing Prompt Student responses should reflect an understanding that the purpose of a pilgrimage is to visit a holy site. Students reading for information 205 should also understand that travel in Chaucer’s day was slow, dangerous, and unpredictable. The benefits should include companionship, 12/30/10 10:44:28 AM adventure, inspiration, and excitement. CONCLUSION • Have students use one supporting idea from each text in their paragraph. 4. Grescoe’s connection with pilgrims of the past comes from his interaction with other travelers; from his new understanding of the significance of each place he passes; and from the slow pace. 5. The photographs reflect the sophistication and religious devotion of medieval artists, artisans, and architects. They also reflect differences with today’s secular world. TOPIC 7:30:34 NA_L12PE-u01s33-c3MirFoo.indd PM RI 2, RI 7 1. Travel by sea was unpredictable and dangerous. writing prompt Text 3 • idea • idea Reading Check p. 189 Question Support p. 190 Draw Conclusions p. 185 answers Read for Information: Draw Conclusions Text 2 • idea • idea RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Masters Additional selection questions are provided for teachers on page 180. 4. Analyze Author’s Message Reread lines 83–89 of “In the Footsteps of the Faithful.” What experiences have allowed Grescoe to form the connection he describes? Use details from the selection to support your answer. Text 1 • idea • idea For preliminary support of post-reading questions, use these copy masters: 205 1/26/11 5:58:46 PM Themes Across Cultures Focus and Motivate RL 3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story. RL 10 Read and comprehend literature, including stories. SL 1 Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions. L 4c Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., thesauruses). L 5b Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations. RL 3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story. RL 10 Read and comprehend literature, including stories. SL 1 Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions. Point out to students that in the late Middle Ages, the frame story construction was common. In The Decameron, each of the ten characters tells a story over the course of ten days. A significant difference between The Canterbury Tales and The Decameron is that each of Chaucer’s tales is named after its teller. Tale by Giovanni Boccaccio Meet the Author Giovanni Boccaccio did you know? Giovanni Boccaccio . . . about the author Federigo’s Falcon: Fifth Day, Ninth Story from The Decameron • survived the Black Death when it struck Florence, Italy, in 1348. • fell in love with a woman whom he called “Fiammetta,” or “little flame,” who inspired his early writing. notable quote “I would much rather have a man who lacks money than money that lacks a man.” – Giovanni Boccacio Call on a volunteer to read and paraphrase the notable quote. Possible answer: Good character is more important than wealth. Ask students how this quote might relate to Boccaccio’s own experience with money. Possible answer: Boccaccio himself lived in reduced financial circumstances; this experience must have helped him to recognize that having a strong character means more than money. 1313–1375 Writing at the end of the medieval period, Giovanni Boccaccio helped set a new direction for literature, focusing on the human condition rather than on spiritual matters. His masterpiece, The Decameron, a strikingly modern work, established the contemporary language of his day as a legitimate mode of literary expression. The work signaled a sharp break from medieval literary traditions and helped define the literary sensibilities that held sway throughout the Renaissance. Some scholars speculate that Boccaccio’s Decameron influenced Geoffrey Chaucer in his writing of The Canterbury Tales. Although no direct evidence exists to support this view, there are notable similarities between the two collections. Both feature a frame story construction, a treasury of tales,, and various sharply p y drawn works contain characters. Moreover, both work adaptations of age-old narratives narrati and literary forms that strongly appealed to their educated audiences. audienc Most significantly, few literary texts celebrate humanity as freely and f completely as The Decameron Deca and The Canterbury Tales. Tal An Overbearing Father G Giovanni Boccaccio grew up in Florence, Flo Italy, and he began to write w poetry when he was a child. His father frowned upon his son’s literary leanings, demanding that he forget about writing and learn business. While still a teenager, Boccaccio was sent to Naples, where he was apprenticed to a banker. When he failed at banking, his father arranged for him to study religious law. Boccaccio was unsuccessful at law, too, and after about 12 years in Naples, he returned home to seek other employment. Fame Without Funds Because his father “strove to bend” his talent, Boccaccio complained that he was never able to reach his potential as a poet. Yet upon publication of The Decameron, he became something of a celebrity. In later years, he applied himself to more scholarly pursuits, producing a number of biographical and moralistic works. His literary and scholarly efforts never brought in much money, and he was nearly always in perilous financial straits. Eventually, he was reduced to earning a meager living by working as a scribe, painstakingly copying his own works and those of others. He died in 1375, temporarily out of favor in both Florence and Naples. It was not long, however, before his works gained renewed appreciation. His reputation has endured over many centuries, influencing later writers such as Shakespeare, Dryden, Keats, Longfellow, and Tennyson. Author Online Go to thinkcentral.com. KEYWORD: HML12-206 206 Selection Resources NA_L12PE-u01s34-brFalcon.indd See resources on the Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM and on thinkcentral.com. RESOURCE MANAGER UNIT 1 BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT Plan and Teach, pp. 191–198 Summary, pp. 199–200†‡* Text Analysis and Reading Skill, pp. 201–204†* Vocabulary, pp. 205–207* New Word Analysis, p. E8 206 11/22/10 12:18:40 NA_L12PE-u01 PM TECHNOLOGY Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM Student One Stop DVD-ROM Audio Anthology CD ExamView Test Generator on the Teacher One Stop DIAGNOSTIC AND SELECTION TESTS Selection Tests, pp. 65–68 * Resources for Differentiation NA_L12TE-u01s13-federigo.indd 206 † Also in Spanish ‡ In Haitian Creole and Vietnamese 1/3/11 8:29:36 AM 2/10 Teach text analysis: plot elements Many stories in The Decameron are adaptations of medieval folk tales, fables, and anecdotes, from which Boccaccio borrows a basic plot, or series of related events. He then transforms it by adding plot devices such as complications—problems that create moral dilemmas that motivate his characters’ behavior. In “Federigo’s Falcon,” for example, Boccaccio introduces his main character, Federigo, in the following way: As often happens to most men of gentle breeding, he fell in love, with a noble lady named Monna Giovanna. . . . [Yet] he lost his wealth and was reduced to poverty, . . . Boccaccio presents Federigo as a traditional romantic hero who seeks the love of Monna Giovanna, a well-born woman. However, he quickly adds a complication to this situation— Federigo’s loss of wealth. How can he win her love if he has no money? As you read the selection, notice how Boccaccio builds toward a surprising and powerful climax, or turning point, through complications in the story’s plot. reading skill: analyze cause and effect In a well-crafted story, events are often related by cause and effect. The cause is an event that directly results in another event, which is the effect. Analyzing cause-and-effect relationships can help you better comprehend the complications of the story’s plot and how they affect characters’ actions. As you read “Federigo’s Falcon,” keep track of examples of cause and effect by making a diagram like the one shown. Federigo falls in love with Monna Giovanna. He spends all of his money to impress her. What would you What would you SACRIFICE for love? sacrifice for love? Read the question with students. Ask them to name their favorite love stories from literature, television, or movies, such as those of Lancelot and Guinevere, Romeo and Juliet, and Odysseus and Penelope. Then have them complete the DISCUSS activity. Love is a powerful emotion—one for which some people are prepared to make a great sacrifice. “Federigo’s Falcon” is a tale of a nobleman’s idealized love for a woman and the lengths to which he goes to win her affection. DISCUSS With a partner, list examples of sacrifices for love that you have heard of, read about, or seen in television shows or movies. Discuss the results of these sacrifices. Which examples do you find reasonable? Which examples seem extreme? Compare your conclusions with those of other students. T E X T A N A LY S I S RL 3 Model the Skill: plot elements To model for students the elements of a plot, list the important events in the plot of Boccaccio’s life: born in Florence, Italy; wrote poetry as a child; father didn’t support literary aspirations; went to Naples; failed at banking; failed at law; published Decameron; gained fame; forced to work as a scribe; died out of favor Examples of Sacrifices for Love 1. Romeo gives up his family, his honor, and finally his life because of his love for Juliet. 2. 3. GUIDED PRACTICE Ask students to circle the complications among these events that made Boccaccio’s struggle as an artist more difficult. Possible answer: father didn’t support literary aspirations; forced to work as a scribe vocabulary in context These boldfaced vocabulary words are key to understanding Boccaccio’s tale about love and its sacrifices. Restate each phrase, substituting a different word for the boldfaced term. 1. act with tact and discretion 2. deign to help a lowly peasant READING SKILL 3. behave with presumption RL 10 4. compel me to do my duty Model the Skill: 5. offer consolation for your loss analyze cause and effect Complete the activities in your Reader/Writer Notebook. federigo’s falcon 12:18:40 NA_L12PE-u01s34-brFalcon.indd PM V O C A B 207 ULARY SKILL vocabulary in context DIAGNOSE WORD KNOWLEDGE Have students complete Vocabulary in Context. Check their definitions against the following: discretion (dG-skrDshPEn) n. wise restraint; carefulness in one’s actions and words deign (dAn) v. to consider worthy of one’s dignity; to condescend presumption (prG-zOmpPshEn) n. bold or outrageous behavior 207 1/8/11 12:20:10 PM L4 compel (kEm-pDlP) v. to force or be forced to act in a certain way consolation (kJnQsE-lAPshEn) n. something that makes someone feel less sad or disappointed; comfort PRETEACH VOCABULARY Use the following copy master to help students predict meanings. RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master To help students understand cause and effect, discuss what caused Boccaccio to work as a scribe. Tell them that he was always in difficult financial straits; his literary and scholarly pursuits never brought in enough money. GUIDED PRACTICE Ask students to identify the effect, according to Boccaccio, of his father’s efforts to bend his talent. RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master Analyze Cause and Effect p. 203 (for student use while reading the selection) Vocabulary Study p. 205 federigo’s falcon NA_L12TE-u01s13-federigo.indd 207 207 1/13/11 10:57:01 AM Themes Across Cultures Practice and Apply summary In this tale of courtly love, Federigo squanders his money trying to win the heart of Monna Giovanna. Impoverished, he retreats to his farm. When Monna Giovanna’s son becomes gravely ill, the child has only one request: Federigo’s falcon. She pays Federigo a visit. Unaware of why she has come, Federigo roasts his falcon to give her a suitable meal. The child dies soon after. When Monna Giovanna’s brothers later urge her to remarry, she agrees to marry only Federigo. Federigo’s Falcon Fifth Day, Ninth Story Giovanni Boccaccio background Like Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, The Decameron is a collection of stories within a story. The frame, or outer story, involves ten characters who flee to the country to escape a plague that is ravaging Florence, Italy. For ten days they amuse themselves by telling stories, each day selecting a “king” or “queen” who presides over the storytelling. Their 100 tales make up the bulk of The Decameron. As this selection begins, the queen of the day decides that it is time to tell her own story. read with a purpose Help students set a purpose for reading. Tell them to look for the ways the characters express their love for others. 10 T E X T A N A LY S I S a RL 3 plot Possible answer: Readers learn that the tale involves Federigo, a young Tuscan man known for his skill in arms and for his courtliness. 20 Filomena had already finished speaking, and when the Queen saw there was no one left to speak except for Dioneo,1 who was exempted because of his special privilege, she herself with a cheerful face said: It is now my turn to tell a story and, dearest ladies, I shall do so most willingly with a tale similar in some respects to the preceding one, its purpose being not only to show you how much power your beauty has over the gentle heart, but also so that you yourselves may learn, whenever it is fitting, to be the donors of your favors instead of always leaving this act to the whim of Fortune,2 who, as it happens, on most occasions bestows such favors with more abundance than discretion. You should know, then, that Coppo di Borghese Domenichi,3 who once lived in our city and perhaps still does, a man of great and respected authority in our times, one most illustrious and worthy of eternal fame both for his way of life and his ability much more than for the nobility of his blood, often took delight, when he was an old man, in discussing things from the past with his neighbors and with others. He knew how to do this well, for he was more logical and had a better memory and a more eloquent style of speaking than any other man. Among the many beautiful tales he told, there was one he would often tell about a young man who once lived in Florence named Federigo, the son of Messer Filippo Alberighi,4 renowned above all other men in Tuscany for his prowess in arms and for his courtliness. a Analyze Visuals What details in this painting suggest that the woman is wealthy? discretion (dG-skrDshPEn) n. wise restraint; carefulness in one’s actions and words a PLOT The exposition of a story introduces the characters and setting. What do you learn about these elements in lines 17–20? 1. Dioneo (dCQô-nAPI). IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Reread the section and point out that Florence is a city in Tuscany, a region in Italy. 2. Fortune: a personification of the power that supposedly distributes good and bad luck to people. 3. Coppo di Borghese Domenichi (kôpPpI dC bIr-gAPzD dI-mDPnC-kC). 4. Messer Filippo Alberighi (mAsPsDr fC-lCpPpI älQbD-rCPgC). 208 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods Portrait of a Lady (1522), Bernardino Luini. Andrew W. Mellon Collection 1937.1.37 © 2005 National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C. VOCABULARY own the word L4 discretion: Have students explain what discretion is and why it is a very important in relationships among friends. Possible answer: We often tell friends things we do not want others to know. We expect friends to show discretion. NA_L12PE-u01s34-TACFalcon.indd 208 differentiated instruction 11/22/10 12:17:50 NA_L12PE-u01 PM for english language learners Vocabulary Support Use New Word Analysis to teach these words: authority (line 12), behalf (line 26), obtain (line 51), furthermore (line 61), contrary (line 85), diminish (line 157), aware (line 174). BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency New Word Analysis p. E8 208 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s13-federigo.indd 208 1/3/11 8:29:55 AM 2/10 Themes Across Cultures Analyze Visuals Possible answer: The woman’s ruffled lace collar, patterned dress, elaborate headpiece, and jewelry (earrings) all suggest that she is wealthy. About the Art Bernardino Luini (1480–1532) was born in Milan in Northern Italy. He was a follower of Leonardo da Vinci, who spent time in Milan. A prolific painter, Luini created frescoes as well as easel paintings. Luini’s main subjects were religious and mythological. Activity What does Luini’s painting suggest about the personality and character of the subject? Possible answer: The painting suggests a noblewoman who is modest, gracious, and pious. Her headdress resembles a halo, reinforcing the impression that she is devout and religious. background Falconry in the Middle Ages In the middle ages, falconry was a highly popular sport among the aristocracy. The lower classes also used falcons for hunting. In England, laws restricted hunting in royal forests, which covered huge areas of land. Other laws allotted specific birds to specific ranks. It was illegal to hunt with a bird that was delegated to a higher rank than the hunter. In medieval England, stealing a trained hawk could bring a death sentence on the thief. As as they read “Federigo’s Falcon,” students should keep in mind the high value attached to hawks in Boccaccio’s day. 12:17:50 NA_L12PE-u01s34-TACFalcon.indd PM 209 11/22/10 for struggling readers for advanced learners/ap The Audio Anthology CD provides extra support for students with reading difficulties. It is also recommended for use with English language learners. Point out to students that this is a story within another story. Ask them to identify where Federigo’s story begins as well as who tells it. Answer: Federigo’s story begins at the bottom of the page. It is told by Coppo di Borghese Domenichi. Make Judgements Ask students what they feel makes a person admirable. Discuss the characters in “Federigo’s Falcon” and have students come up with reasons why each of the characters are admirable or not admirable. Have them refer to the big question, “What would you sacrifice for love?” Ask them if they feel that making sacrifices is an admirable quality. 12:18:03 PM federigo’s falcon NA_L12TE-u01s13-federigo.indd 209 209 1/3/11 8:30:04 AM T E X T A N A LY S I S b RL 3 plot 30 Possible answer: Federigo has fallen in love with Monna Giovanna. She, however, does not return his affections. He struggles to win her heart. 40 READING SKILL c cause and effect RL 10 Possible answer: Federigo’s love for Monna Giovanna causes him to spend beyond his means in an effort to impress her; his overspending in turn causes him to become impoverished, which forces him to move from the city to a farm in Campi, where he lives in reduced circumstances (lines 27–29). IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Continue the chart students began in the Reading Skill activity. Federigo falls in love with Monna. He spends all of his money to impress her. He moves to a farm in Campi. He becomes impoverished. 50 As often happens to most men of gentle breeding, he fell in love, with a noble lady named Monna Giovanna, in her day considered to be one of the most beautiful and most charming ladies that ever there was in Florence; and in order to win her love, he participated in jousts and tournaments,5 organized and gave banquets, spending his money without restraint; but she, no less virtuous than beautiful, cared little for these things he did on her behalf, nor did she care for the one who did them. Now, as Federigo was spending far beyond his means and getting nowhere, as can easily happen, he lost his wealth and was reduced to poverty, and was left with nothing to his name but his little farm (from whose revenues he lived very meagerly) and one falcon, which was among the finest of its kind in the world. b More in love than ever, but knowing that he would never be able to live the way he wished to in the city, he went to live at Campi, where his farm was. There he passed his time hawking6 whenever he could, imposing on no one, and enduring his poverty patiently. Now one day, during the time that Federigo was reduced to these extremes, it happened that the husband of Monna Giovanna fell ill, and realizing death was near, he made his last will: he was very rich, and he left everything to his son, who was just growing up, and since he had also loved Monna Giovanna very much, he made her his heir should his son die without any legitimate children; and then he died. c Monna Giovanna was now a widow, and every summer, as our women usually do, she would go to the country with her son to one of their estates very close by to Federigo’s farm. Now this young boy of hers happened to become more and more friendly with Federigo and he began to enjoy birds and dogs; and after seeing Federigo’s falcon fly many times, it made him so happy that he very much wished it were his own, but he did not dare to ask for it, for he could see how precious it was to Federigo. During this time, it happened that the young boy took ill, and his mother was much grieved, for he was her only child and she loved him dearly; she would spend the entire day by his side, never ceasing to comfort him, asking him time and again if there was anything he wished, begging him to tell her what it might be, for if it was possible to obtain it, she would certainly do everything in her power to get it. After the young boy had heard her make this offer many times, he said: “Mother, if you can arrange for me to have Federigo’s falcon, I think I would get well quickly.” When the lady heard this, she was taken aback for a moment, and then she began thinking what she could do about it. She knew that Federigo had been in love with her for some time now, but she had never deigned to give him a second look; so, she said to herself: b PLOT Reread lines 21–31. What is the main conflict, or struggle, between Federigo and Monna Giovanna? c CAUSE AND EFFECT What effects does Federigo’s love for Monna Giovanna cause? Cite specific details in your response. deign (dAn) v. to consider worthy of one’s dignity; to condescend 5. jousts and tournaments: competitions in which knights displayed their skill in combat. 6. he went . . . hawking: He went to live in a town called Campi (kämPpC) in Tuscany, where he passed his time hunting with falcons, birds of prey trained to capture and retrieve small animals. VOCABULARY own the word L4 deign: Have students create a semantic map for deign. Write the word in a center circle and add the definition given, “to consider worthy of one’s dignity; to condescend.” Draw spider legs from the center circle and have students add synonyms to complete the map. Possible answers: stoop, see fit, lower oneself 210 210 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s34-TACFalcon.indd 210 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Vocabulary Support [paired option] Have partners use context to figure out the meaning of these multiple-meaning words and have students share their findings: breeding (line 21), “upbringing and background”; noble (line 21), “aristocratic”; means (line 27), “resources, income”; will (line 37), “a legal document”; bore (line 66), “held, carried”; modest (line 74), “simple”; rose (line 78), “stood up”; host (line 88), “one who entertains or takes care of guests”; company (line 90), “companionship.” Research [paired option] Ask partners to research courtly love during the Middle Ages and the Italian Renaissance on the Internet. Encourage them to answer these questions: 12:18:09 NA_L12PE-u01 PM • What did men do to win the favor of their ladies? • How were ladies expected to respond? unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s13-federigo.indd 210 1/3/11 8:30:10 AM 2/10 Themes Across Cultures 60 70 80 90 100 “How can I go to him, or even send someone, and ask for this falcon of his, which is, as I have heard tell, the finest that ever flew, and furthermore, his only means of support? And how can I be so insensitive as to wish to take away from this nobleman the only pleasure which is left to him?” And involved in these thoughts, knowing that she was certain to have the bird if she asked for it, but not knowing what to say to her son, she stood there without answering him. Finally the love she bore her son persuaded her that she should make him happy, and no matter what the consequences might be, she would not send for the bird, but rather go herself to fetch it and bring it back to him; so she answered her son: “My son, cheer up and think only of getting well, for I promise you that first thing tomorrow morning I shall go and fetch it for you.” d The child was so happy that he showed some improvement that very day. The following morning, the lady, accompanied by another woman, as if they were out for a stroll, went to Federigo’s modest little house and asked for him. Since the weather for the past few days had not been right for hawking, Federigo happened to be in his orchard attending to certain tasks, and when he heard that Monna Giovanna was asking for him at the door, he was so surprised and happy that he rushed there; as she saw him coming, she rose to greet him with womanly grace, and once Federigo had welcomed her most courteously, she said: “How do you do, Federigo?” Then she continued, “I have come to make amends for the harm you have suffered on my account by loving me more than you should have, and in token of this, I intend to have a simple meal with you and this companion of mine this very day.” To this Federigo humbly replied: “Madonna,7 I have no recollection of ever suffering any harm because of you; on the contrary: so much good have I received from you that if ever I was worth anything, it was because of your worth and the love I bore for you; and your generous visit is certainly so very dear to me that I would spend all over again all that I spent in the past, but you have come to a poor host.” And having said this, he humbly led her through the house and into his garden, and because he had no one there to keep her company, he said: “My lady, since there is no one else, this good woman, who is the wife of the farmer here, will keep you company while I see to the table.” Though he was very poor, Federigo until now had never realized to what extent he had wasted his wealth; but this morning, the fact that he had nothing in the house with which he could honor the lady for the love of whom he had in the past entertained countless people, gave him cause to reflect: in great anguish, he cursed himself and his fortune, and like someone out of his senses he started running here and there throughout the house, but unable to find either money or anything he might be able to pawn, and since it was getting late and he was still very much set on serving this noble lady some sort of meal, but unwilling to turn for help to T E X T A N A LY S I S d d PLOT What important complication is introduced into the plot in lines 47–71? Explain the moral dilemma this complication in the plot creates. How does it affect Monna’s behavior? RL 3 plot Possible answer: Monna Giovanna’s young son becomes gravely ill. He has only one request, which he believes will heal him: to have Federigo’s prized falcon. Mona’s dilemma is that she needs to ask a man who loves her, but whom she does not love, for a favor. In addition, he already sacrificed for her love, then lost his fortune. Now she will ask him to sacrifice for her again, and again, he may give up something precious and gain nothing in return. Extend the Discussion Why does Monna Giovanna go to fetch the falcon herself? Language Coach Fixed Expressions Some verbs have a special meaning when followed by a certain preposition. Reread lines 91–92. Here, see to means “attend to” or “take charge of.” What does Federigo mean when he says he will “see to the table”? 7. Madonna: Italian for “my lady,” a polite form of address used in speaking to a married woman. “Monna” is a contraction of this term. federigo’s falcon 12:18:09 NA_L12PE-u01s34-TACFalcon.indd PM 211 211 11/22/10 for struggling readers Summarize and Predict Ask students to summarize the events of “Federigo’s Falcon” so far. Have students predict how Federigo will react to Monna Giovanna’s request. Possible answer: Answers will vary, but many students will say that he will give her the falcon. 12:18:10 PM for english language learners Language Coach Fixed Expressions Possible answer: He will attend to the table or prepare the meal and bring it to the table. Read lines 70–71 aloud. Ask students to use the fixed expression see to in the sentence to create a sentence with the same meaning. federigo’s falcon NA_L12TE-u01s13-federigo.indd 211 211 1/3/11 8:30:14 AM READING SKILL e cause and effect RL 10 Possible answer: Monna Giovanna has paid Federigo a visit. Federigo has nothing appropriate to serve her and no means to obtain a fitting meal. Without a second thought, he kills his falcon, believing it to be suitable food for a lady. 110 tiered discussion prompts Use these prompts to help students understand the conflicts of Monna Giovanna and Federigo in lines 80–109: Connect Have you ever had to ask a difficult favor? How does that help you understand Monna Giovanna’s situation? Accept all thoughtful responses. Analyze Why does Monna Giovanna tell Federigo that she has come to “make amends”? Possible answer: She may hope to ingratiate herself to him; she may feel embarrassed or guilty for the pain she has caused him. 120 130 VOCABULARY own the word L4 • presumption: Tell students that the verb presume means “to take for granted; to assume.” Have them write a pair of sentences that show an understanding of both the verb and the noun. • compel: Have students reread the sentence with compels and then identify the context clue that can help them determine the meaning of the word. Possible answer: force of such laws • consolation: Ask students why individuals who come in second or third place in contests are often given consolation prizes. Possible answer: It makes them feel better about their effort and success. revisit the big question What would you SACRIFICE for love? 140 even his own farmer (not to mention anyone else), he set his eyes upon his good falcon, which was sitting on its perch in a small room, and since he had nowhere else to turn, he took the bird, and finding it plump, he decided that it would be a worthy food for such a lady. So, without giving the matter a second thought, he wrung its neck and quickly gave it to his servant girl to pluck, prepare, and place on a spit to be roasted with care; and when he had set the table with the whitest of tablecloths (a few of which he still had left), he returned, with a cheerful face, to the lady in his garden and announced that the meal, such as he was able to prepare, was ready. e The lady and her companion rose and went to the table together with Federigo, who waited upon them with the greatest devotion, and they ate the good falcon without knowing what it was they were eating. Then, having left the table and spent some time in pleasant conversation, the lady thought it time now to say what she had come to say, and so she spoke these kind words to Federigo: “Federigo, if you recall your former way of life and my virtue, which you perhaps mistook for harshness and cruelty, I have no doubt at all that you will be amazed by my presumption when you hear what my main reason for coming here is; but if you had children, through whom you might have experienced the power of parental love, I feel certain that you would, at least in part, forgive me. But, just as you have no child, I do have one, and I cannot escape the laws common to all mothers; the force of such laws compels me to follow them, against my own will and against good manners and duty, and to ask of you a gift which I know is most precious to you; and it is naturally so, since your extreme condition has left you no other delight, no other pleasure, no other consolation; and this gift is your falcon, which my son is so taken by that if I do not bring it to him, I fear his sickness will grow so much worse that I may lose him. And therefore I beg you, not because of the love that you bear for me, which does not oblige you in the least, but because of your own nobleness, which you have shown to be greater than that of all others in practicing courtliness, that you be pleased to give it to me, so that I may say that I have saved the life of my son by means of this gift, and because of it I have placed him in your debt forever.” When he heard what the lady requested and knew that he could not oblige her because he had given her the falcon to eat, Federigo began to weep in her presence, for he could not utter a word in reply. The lady at first thought his tears were caused more by the sorrow of having to part with the good falcon than by anything else, and she was on the verge of telling him she no longer wished it, but she held back and waited for Federigo’s reply once he stopped weeping. And he said: “My lady, ever since it pleased God for me to place my love in you, I have felt that Fortune has been hostile to me in many ways, and I have complained of her, but all this is nothing compared to what she has just done to me, and I shall never be at peace with her again, when I think how you have come here to my poor home, where, when it was rich, you never deigned to come, and how you requested but a small gift, and Fortune worked to make it impossible for me to give it to you; and why this is so I shall tell you in a few words. When I heard that 212 e CAUSE AND EFFECT Reread lines 93– 109. What specific circumstances cause Federigo to kill his beloved falcon? presumption (prG-zOmpPshEn) n. bold or outrageous behavior compel (kEm-pDlP) v. to force or be forced to act in a certain way consolation (kJnQsE-lAPshEn) n. something that makes someone feel less sad or disappointed; comfort unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s34-TACFalcon.indd 212 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for struggling readers for advanced learners/ap Comprehension Support Remind students that personification is a figure of speech in which an object, animal, or idea takes on human qualities. Ask them to explain the personification that appears in lines 139–140. Medieval Customs Monna Giovanna goes to Federigo’s house accompanied by a companion. Ask students why she does not go alone. Have them research ideas of propriety in medieval Europe to find the answer. 12:18:11 NA_L12PE-u01 PM Discuss In lines 132–152, how does Federigo respond to learning that he has sacrificed his falcon in vain? Possible answer: He weeps inconsolably for not being able to help Monna. 212 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s13-federigo.indd 212 1/3/11 8:30:17 AM 2/10 Themes Across Cultures 150 160 170 180 you, out of your kindness, wished to dine with me, I considered it only fitting and proper, taking into account your excellence and your worthiness, that I should honor you, according to my possibilities, with a more precious food than that which I usually serve to other people. So I thought of the falcon for which you have just asked me and of its value and I judged it a food worthy of you, and this very day I had it roasted and served to you as best I could. But seeing now that you desired it another way, my sorrow in not being able to serve you is so great that never shall I be able to console myself again.” f And after he had said this, he laid the feathers, the feet, and the beak of the bird before her as proof. When the lady heard and saw this, she first reproached him for having killed a falcon such as this to serve as a meal to a woman. But then to herself she commended the greatness of his spirit, which no poverty was able, or would be able, to diminish; then, having lost all hope of getting the falcon and thus, perhaps, of improving the health of her son, she thanked Federigo both for the honor paid to her and for his good intentions, and then left in grief to return to her son. To his mother’s extreme sorrow, whether in disappointment in not having the falcon or because his illness inevitably led to it, the boy passed from this life only a few days later. g After the period of her mourning and her bitterness had passed, the lady was repeatedly urged by her brothers to remarry, since she was very rich and still young; and although she did not wish to do so, they became so insistent that remembering the worthiness of Federigo and his last act of generosity—that is, to have killed such a falcon to do her honor—she said to her brothers: “I would prefer to remain a widow, if only that would be pleasing to you, but since you wish me to take a husband, you may be sure that I shall take no man other than Federigo degli8 Alberighi.” h In answer to this, her brothers, making fun of her, replied: “You foolish woman, what are you saying? How can you want him? He hasn’t a penny to his name.” To this she replied: “My brothers, I am well aware of what you say, but I would much rather have a man who lacks money than money that lacks a man.” Her brothers, seeing that she was determined and knowing Federigo to be of noble birth, no matter how poor he was, accepted her wishes and gave her with all her riches in marriage to him; when he found himself the husband of such a great lady, whom he had loved so much and who was so wealthy besides, he managed his financial affairs with more prudence than in the past and lived with her happily the rest of his days. Translated by Mark Musa and Peter Bondanella T E X T A N A LY S I S f f Possible answer: Federigo discovers that the real purpose of Monna Giovanna’s visit was to ask for his falcon, which he killed to provide her with worthy food. PLOT The climax, or turning point, is the moment of greatest intensity in a story. What shocking discovery does Federigo make in lines 115–152? T E X T A N A LY S I S g RL 3 plot Possible answer: Monna’s son dies, leaving her the heir of her husband’s fortune. g PLOT The resolution reveals the final outcome of events and ties up any loose ends of the story. How is the plot complication involving Monna’s son resolved? READING SKILL h cause and effect RL 10 Possible answer: Recalling Federigo’s generous and honorable behavior, Monna decides to marry only him. h CAUSE AND EFFECT Why, exactly, does Monna Giovanna decide to marry Federigo? Explain the connection between her decision and Federigo’s earlier behavior toward her. selection wrap–up 8. degli (dDlQyC): Italian for “of the”; used in names as a sign of noble birth. federigo’s falcon 12:18:11 NA_L12PE-u01s34-TACFalcon.indd PM RL 3 plot 213 213 11/22/10 READ WITH A PURPOSE Have students note the ways that Federigo showed his love for Monna Giovanna; how she showed her love for her son; and how her first husband showed his love for both her and their son. Possible answer: Federigo showed his love for Monna by sacrificing his falcon in order to host her for a meal. Monna showed her love for her son by staying with him and comforting him while he was sick, as well as by requesting the falcon from Federigo. Monna’s first husband showed his love for both her and their son by leaving all his riches to his son and by naming Monna his heir should their son die. 12:18:11 PM CRITIQUE for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Vocabulary: Idioms Help students use context to determine the meaning of each idiom: waited upon (line 111), “served”; fitting and proper (lines 145–146), “sensible, prudent”; taking into account (line 146), “considering”; making fun of (line 171), “teasing.” Compare and Contrast Ask students to compare and contrast Federigo with the knight in the “Wife of Bath’s Tale.” How are they different? Which character seems to best exemplify the medieval values of honor, duty, and love? Have students use a graphic organizer of their choice or create one to illustrate this comparison. Allow time for groups to share their findings. • Ask students whether they think Federigo and Monna Giovanna made a good marriage. • After completing the After Reading questions on page 214, have students revisit their responses and tell whether they have changed their opinions. INDEPENDENT READING Students may also enjoy reading Life in a Medieval Castle by Joseph and Frances Gies. federigo’s falcon NA_L12TE-u01s13-federigo.indd 213 213 1/3/11 8:30:20 AM After Reading Practice and Apply Comprehension For preliminary support of post-reading questions, use these copy masters: 1. Recall How does Federigo lose his fortune? 2. Clarify Why does Monna Giovanna want Federigo’s falcon? 3. Summarize Describe the events that take place during Monna Giovanna’s visit to Federigo. RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Masters Reading Check p. 208 Plot Elements p. 201 Question Support p. 209 Additional selection questions are provided for teachers on page 195. answers Text Analysis 4. Analyze Cause and Effect Review the cause-and-effect diagram you created as you read the selection. What does the story’s sequence of events suggest about the relationship between Federigo and Monna Giovanna? Cite details from the text to support your answer. 5. Understand Plot Elements What specific moral dilemmas arise from love in Boccaccio’s tale and complicate its plot? RL 3, RL 10 1. Federigo spends all of his money trying to impress Monna Giovanna. 6. Draw Conclusions About Character When Monna visits Federigo’s house, is her behavior virtuous or manipulative? Explain why you think so. 2. Her young son is gravely ill; his only wish is to have Federigo’s prized falcon. 7. Analyze Situational Irony In literature, situational irony occurs when a reader or character expects one thing to happen but something entirely different occurs. Explain the situational irony in lines 153–162. 3. Monna Giovanna tells him she has come to make amends. While she waits in his garden, Federigo tries to find a suitable meal to serve her. Finding nothing to give her or to pawn for food, he kills and roasts the falcon. After the meal, Monna Giovanna requests his bird. Despondent, he tells her what has become of it. 8. Compare Texts Money plays an important role in both “Federigo’s Falcon” and Chaucer’s “The Pardoner’s Tale” (page 169). Compare Federigo’s attitude toward money with that of the “three rioters” in Chaucer’s tale. What do the characters’ reactions reveal about their personalities? Text Criticism 9. Critical Interpretations Author Walter Raleigh says of Boccaccio’s tales, “The scene in which they are laid is as wide and well-ventilated as the world. The spirit which inspires them is an absolute humanity, unashamed and unafraid.” How does this opinion apply to “Federigo’s Falcon”? Cite evidence from the text to support your response. Possible answers: 4. 5. common core focus Analyze Cause and Effect The events show that Federigo’s efforts to impress Monna Giovanna not only fail to win her heart but also harm his own well-being; however, his generosity and nobility of spirit, which shine through his deeds, ultimately gain her respect and affection. common core focus Plot Elements A moral dilemma is presented when Federigo’s affection causes him first to overspend and impoverish himself, and later to kill his prized falcon. Had he been less ardent and sacrificed less, he would not have lost nearly everything he held dear; but neither would he have gained everything his heart desired in the end. What would you 7. Some students may say that they expected Federigo and Monna Giovanna to be drawn closer together because of his great sacrifice. They may also have expected her son to survive his illness. 8. Federigo first sacrifices his money and then his prized possession, all for love, demonstrating the depth of his affection and the nobility of his spirit and thereby winning sacrifice for love? Federigo eventually marries Monna after making great sacrifices for her love. What if you make a great sacrifice for love, but it does not produce the happy ending you expect? Would it still be worth having made this sacrifice? Why or why not? 214 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods 214 love and social position. By contrast, the rioters demonstrate only selfishness and extreme greed, which drive them along the path to self-destruction. NA_L12PE-u01s34-arFalcon.indd 6. Answers will vary. Students could make a case for either or both. 214 RL 3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story. RL 10 Read and comprehend literature, including stories. 9. Students may agree with this opinion of Boccaccio’s writing, noting that the world depicted in “Federigo’s Falcon” is complex. Both Federigo and Monna Giovanna suffer great losses before discovering love in each other. 1/8/11 12:20:49 NA_L12PE-u01 PM What would you SACRIFICE for love? Ask students if they or someone they know have ever sacrificed something for love. Have them think about and discuss reallife examples of people who sacrifice for love. unit 1: the anglo–saxon and medieval periods NA_L12TE-u01s13-federigo.indd 214 1/13/11 10:57:38 AM 8/11 Themes Across Cultures Vocabulary in Context consolation answers Vocabulary in Context deign vocabulary practice vocabulary practice word list Identify the antonym of the boldfaced vocabulary word. compel 1. compel: (a) instigate, (b) fascinate, (c) prevent 2. consolation: (a) irritation, (b) derivation, (c) comfort discretion 1. (c) prevent 4. (b) recklessness 4. discretion: (a) tactfulness, (b) recklessness, (c) strength 2. (a) irritation 5. (c) timidity 5. presumption: (a) assumption, (b) impudence, (c) timidity 3. (a) esteem 3. deign: (a) esteem, (b) intrude, (c) condescend presumption academic vocabulary in speaking • concept • culture • parallel • section RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master Vocabulary Practice p. 206 • structure academic vocabulary in speaking Were Federigo’s sacrifices for love reasonable? Using Academic Vocabulary words, discuss with a classmate Federigo’s concept of love as sacrifice. Suggest that students reference “Federigo’s Falcon” to help make their case. vocabulary strategy: nuanced meanings in a thesaurus The word thesaurus comes from the Greek word for treasure. If you are having trouble finding just the right word to express an idea, a thesaurus will provide a treasury of synonyms. Printed and online thesauri are arranged either alphabetically or by subject with an alphabetical index. The example below is based on the best-known thesaurus, Roget’s. If you looked up compel, you would find a short entry with a cross-reference to a longer entry that shows the nuanced meanings of synonyms. For example, compel’s synonym force has two shades of meaning, marked by the boldfaced numbers. L 4c Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., thesauruses). L 5b Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations. vocabulary strategy: nuanced meanings in a thesaurus Point out that a thesaurus is a useful tool to use when writing. Encourage students to consult a thesaurus when they are having trouble finding an appropriate word to use in their writing. compel v. coerce, constrain, make, obligate, oblige, pressure. See FORCE. force v. 1. To compel by pressure or threats: blackjack, coerce, dragoon. Informal: hijack, strong-arm. See PERSUASION. 2. To cause to act in spite of resistance: coerce, compel, make, obligate, pressure. See ATTACK. Answer: Sentences will vary but should include synonyms that show the correct nuance. RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master PRACTICE The boldfaced word in each sentence below is slightly wrong for the context of the sentence. Look up its synonym (in parentheses) in a thesaurus to find another word with the correct nuance, or shade of meaning. Then use each boldfaced word correctly in a new sentence. Vocabulary Strategy p. 207 1. He hated being compelled but couldn’t ignore the villain’s threats. (forced) 2. The citizens of the peaceful region enjoyed a life of consolation. (comfort) Interactive Vocabulary 3. Each campaign had deigned to a new low in negative advertising. (stooped) Interactive Vocabulary 4. Juan removed the bandage with discretion. (caution) Go to thinkcentral.com. 5. The counselor tried to instill a sense of presumption in her students. (pride) KEYWORD: HML12-215 federigo’s falcon 12:20:49 NA_L12PE-u01s34-arFalcon.indd PM L 4c, L 5b 215 Keywords direct students to a WordSharp tutorial on thinkcentral.com or to other types of vocabulary practice and review. 1/8/11 differentiated instruction Assess and Reteach 215 Assess 12:20:50 PM DIAGNOSTIC AND SELECTION TESTS for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Vocabulary Support Ask students to find words on the Word List that are cognates of words in their native languages. Vocabulary Practice: Challenge Have students choose a word to look up in a thesaurus. Tell them to look for a synonym that retains the precise meaning of the original word as well as a synonym that has a slightly different nuance, or shade of meaning. Then, have students write three different sentences that reveal the shade of meaning of each word. Selection Tests A, B/C pp. 65–66, 67–68 Interactive Selection Test on thinkcentral.com Reteach Level Up Online Tutorials on thinkcentral.com Reteaching Worksheets on thinkcentral.com Literature Lesson 5: Elements of Plot Reading Lesson 7: Recognizing Cause and Effect Vocabulary Lesson 18: Synonyms and Antonyms federigo’s falcon NA_L12TE-u01s13-federigo.indd 215 215 1/13/11 10:57:45 AM The Age of Chaucer Focus and Motivate RL 4 Analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning, including words with multiple meanings. RL 5 Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure specific parts of a text contribute to its aesthetic impact. L 3 Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts and to comprehend more fully when reading. RL 4 Analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning, including words with multiple meanings. RL 5 Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure specific parts of a text contribute to its aesthetic impact. L 3 Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts and to comprehend more fully when reading. did you know? about the ballads Encourage students to identify contemporary forms of popular entertainment, such as television, radio, and movies. After they read the section on “Popular Entertainment,” ask them to compare the subjects and themes of medieval ballads with today’s popular television shows. Students should recognize that, although the form has changed dramatically, the subjects and themes are similar. • In early English ballads, Robin Hood was not a champion of the poor but a hardened criminal. • A sermon dating from 1405 reprimands those who would rather listen to a Robin Hood ballad than attend church services. notable quote “Since my love died for me today, / I’ll die for him tomorrow.” Invite students to identify the subject matter of the notable quote. Possible answer: The subject matter is nrequited love or tragic love. Ask them to predict from which of the three ballads this quote comes. How can they tell? Possible answer: It probably comes from “Barbara Allan,” because the subject of the quote is tragic love, and according to The Legacy of “Barbara Allan,” that is the subject of the “Barbara Allan” ballad. Barbara Allan Robin Hood and the Three Squires Get Up and Bar the Door Anonymous Ballads Introduction Ballads Throughout history, life’s tragedies and comedies—real and fictional—have been depicted in song. Narrative songs called ballads were popular in England and Scotland during the medieval period, particularly among the common people, many of whom could not read or write. The best of the early ballads were transferred orally from one generation to the next. Stories often changed in the retelling, sometimes resulting in dozens of versions of the same ballad. Popular Entertainment In the Middle Ages, just as today, audiences craved dramatic—even sensational—stories. Typical subjects of ballads included tragic love, domestic conflicts, disastrous wars and shipwrecks, sensational crimes, and the exploits of enterprising outlaws. Later ballads celebrated historical events and romantic heroes of an earlier chivalrous age. Revenge, rebellion, envy, betrayal, and superstition all found thematic expression in the ballad. Unknown Authorship The ballad genre is thought to be nearly 1,000 years old, with the earliest known ballad dating from about 1300. Because ballads were not written down until the 18th century, early ballads are all anonymous—the names of their composers lost forever in the mists of time. The Legacy of “Barbara Allan” When waves of English, Irish, and Scottish immigrants settled in the New World during the 18th and 19th centuries, they brought many traditions, including their beloved ballads. Over time, some examples have proven consistently popular, becoming part of the American folk heritage. Among these enduring ballads is “Barbara Allan.” In the 19th century, a young Abraham Lincoln reportedly knew and sang this tale of unrequited love. Much later, during the 1920s and 1930s, famed country singer Bradley Kincaid featured it on his radio broadcasts from Chicago and Boston. In the 1960s, there was a great resurgence of interest in folk music, particularly in ballads. Singers and political activists Bob Dylan and Joan Baez both recorded the legendary song to wide acclaim. Over the years, countless variations of “Barbara Allan” have been discovered in the United States, with roughly 100 variations observed in Virginia alone. Indeed, scholars believe that “Barbara Allan” is the most widespread folk song in the English language. 216 Selection Resources NA_L12PE-u01s35-brBallad.indd See resources on the Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM and on thinkcentral.com. RESOURCE MANAGER UNIT 1 BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT Plan and Teach, pp. 211–218 Text Analysis and Reading Skill, pp. 219–222†* Character Traits Web, p. D7 Three-Column Journal, p. B10 DIAGNOSTIC AND SELECTION TESTS 216 12/15/10 7:31:00 NA_L12PE-u01 PM TECHNOLOGY Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM Student One Stop DVD-ROM Audio Anthology CD ExamView Test Generator on the Teacher One Stop Selection Tests, pp. 69–72 * Resources for Differentiation NA_L12TE-u01s14-barbara.indd 216 † Also in Spanish ‡ In Haitian Creole and Vietnamese 1/3/11 7:59:34 AM 15/10 Teach poetic form: ballad Early English and Scottish ballads are dramatic stories told in song, using the language of common people. These ballads were composed orally and passed on to subsequent generations through numerous retellings. The three ballads in this lesson are written versions of folk songs that date back centuries. Like works of fiction, ballads have characters and settings. Most examples also include certain conventions, such as • tragic or sensational subject matter • a simple plot involving a single incident • dialogue Additionally, ballads usually feature four-line stanzas, or quatrains, with rhyming second and fourth lines. The lines are heavily accented, and the stanzas contain repetition of words, phrases, and ideas. In the following example from “Barbara Allan,” observe how the patterns of rhyme and repetition help make the lines musically appealing and easy to remember: O slowly, slowly rase she up, To the place where he was lyin’, And when she drew the curtain by, Why tell stories in song? Why tell stories in SONG? From time to time, you’ve probably been infected by an “earworm”—a song that gets stuck in your head and plays over and over and over until you want to scream. Although a nuisance, earworms illustrate what a potent combination rhyme, melody, and lyrics can be— something that no doubt helped ensure the survival of ballads over the centuries. QUICKWRITE Think of a popular song, radio commercial jingle, or song you remember from your childhood for which you know all or most of the words. Write it down and analyze the elements that make the song so memorable. Read the question and paragraph with students. Then ask them to write down the next ten words of each of these rhymes: (1) Baa, baa, black sheep (2) London Bridge is (3) Twinkle, twinkle, Discuss whether students knew the words and why. Did they hear the songs in their minds as they recalled the words? Then have them complete the QUICKWRITE. POETIC FORM “Young man, I think you’re dyin’.” RL 5 Model the Skill: ballad reading strategy: understand dialect To model for students the elements of a ballad, have students use the quatrain from “Barbara Allan” to (1) identify the subject matter of the ballad; (2) name the incident described in the example; and (3) identify the dialogue in the example. Possible answers: a tragic love story; a woman discovers that a young man she cares for is dying; “Young man, I think you’re dyin’.” Dialect is a distinct language spoken by a specific group of people from a particular region. In the ballads you are about to read, certain words from Scottish dialect appear—twa, for example, meaning two. To help you understand other examples of dialect in the poems, follow these steps: • Read each ballad through once, using the notes to help you identify the meaning of each word in dialect, then reread the line in which it appears. • Paraphrase the events in the section of the poem you are reading to make sure you understand what is happening at that point in the story. Understanding these events can provide a context to help you decipher dialect used in that section of the poem. GUIDED PRACTICE Have students write a quatrain of their own that has a clear subject matter, desribes an incident, and includes dialogue. Complete the activities in your Reader/Writer Notebook. R E A D I N G STR ATEG Y L3 Model the Skill: 217 understand dialect 7:31:00 NA_L12PE-u01s35-brBallad.indd PM 217 differentiated instruction for struggling readers Paraphrasing Remind students that paraphrasing is restating information in their own words. Point out that a paraphrase is usually the same length as the original text; however, a paraphrase is generally simpler than the original, and it always contains modern language. Encourage students to pay careful attention to the side note glosses, which include translations and definitions of outdated forms. These notes will be helpful as students paraphrase the ballads. 11/22/10 12:18:20 PM To model for students how to understand dialect, have them use the same quatrain to follow these steps: (1) paraphrase the quatrain; (2) read the quatrain again slowly; (3) read it aloud with a partner. Possible answer: Slowly, she went to the place where he was resting. When she pulled back the curtain around his bed, she told him, “I think you are dying.” RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master Understand Dialect p. 221 (for student use while reading the selections) anonymous ballads NA_L12TE-u01s14-barbara.indd 217 217 1/3/11 7:59:44 AM Practice and Apply summary barbara b a rb b a r a alla a lla ll l a n b a rb a r a a ll l a barbara b arb r ara aalla rba lllan n On his deathbed, Sir John Graeme sends for Barbara Allan. She rebukes him, referring to a past slight. When Graeme’s death bell tolls her name, she prepares for her own death. read with a purpose Help students set a purpose for reading. Tell them to look at the ways each of the three ballads build suspense. revisit the big question Why tell stories in SONG? It was in and about the Martinmas time, When the green leaves were a-fallin’; That Sir John Graeme in the West Country Fell in love with Barbara Allan. Discuss In lines 1–20, the name Barbara Allan is repeated in nearly every quatrain. In what way does this repetition serve the song? Possible answer: The name generally appears at the end of a line, where it rhymes with another word. The name Barbara Allan also contains internal repetition, which has the onomatopoetic effect of a bell. The repetition of the name has an incantatory quality which adds to the ballad’s feeling of doom and helps to build suspense. 5 10 15 20 218 He sent his man down through the town To the place where she was dwellin’: “O haste and come to my master dear, Gin ye be Barbara Allan.” O slowly, slowly rase she up, To the place where he was lyin’, And when she drew the curtain by: “Young man, I think you’re dyin’.” “O it’s I’m sick, and very, very sick, And ’tis a’ for Barbara Allan.” “O the better for me ye sal never be, Though your heart’s blood were a-spillin’. “O dinna ye mind, young man,” said she, “When ye the cups were fillin’, That ye made the healths gae round and round, And slighted Barbara Allan?” 1 Martinmas: November 11 (St. Martin’s Day). 8 Gin (gGn): if. 9 rase (rAz): rose. 15 sal: shall. 17 dinna ye mind: don’t you remember. 19–20 made . . . Allan: made toasts (drinking to people’s health) but failed to toast Barbara Allan. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s35-Barbar.indd 218 11/22/10 differentiated instruction 218 for struggling readers Language: Conversational Patterns Explain that in line 2, the g is left off the end in the term a-fallin’, and that this pattern is repeated throughout the ballad. Have students work in pairs to identify the words that have been abbreviated and hyphenated, and ask them to identify the missing letters. Options for Reading: Audio Recording • Have students listen to the ballads on the Audio Anthology CD (also recommended for English language learners) while they read along in their texts. Ask students to pay attention to the speaker of each ballad. What is his or her attitude toward the subject matter? • For “Robin Hood and the Three Squires,” draw their attention to the speaker’s reference to himself or herself in line 2. unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s14-barbara.indd for english language learners 12:14:58 NA_L12PE-u01 PM 218 1/3/11 7:59:52 AM 2/10 Analyze Visuals Possible answer: The dramatic lighting and the deep reds and browns help to convey a sorrowful mood. background Analyze Visuals Notice the lighting and colors in this photograph. What mood do they help convey? Explain. He turned his face unto the wall, And death with him was dealin’: “Adieu, adieu, my dear friends all, And be kind to Barbara Allan.” 25 30 The Dead-Bell Also known as “the passing bell,” “the soul-bell,” or “the death bell,” the dead-bell (line 30) was rung by clergy when a parishioner died. The ringing of a death bell was not simply an announcement, but also a request for prayers on behalf of the departing soul. According to superstition, the dead-bell also kept away evil spirits that waited at the foot of the deathbed. The larger the bell, the higher the price, as a great bell would be heard by more parishioners and would be more effective in fending off evil spirits. 23 Adieu: goodbye. And slowly, slowly, rase she up, And slowly, slowly left him; And sighing said she could not stay, Since death of life had reft him. 28 reft: deprived. She had not gane a mile but twa, When she heard the dead-bell knellin’, And every jow that the dead-bell ga’ed It cried, “Woe to Barbara Allan!” a 29 gane (gAn): gone; twa: two. 30 dead-bell: a church bell rung to announce a person’s death. R E A D I N G STR ATEG Y 31 jow (jou): stroke; ga’ed: gave. a a UNDERSTAND DIALECT 35 “O mother, mother, make my bed, O make it soft and narrow: Since my love died for me today, I’ll die for him tomorrow.” Reread lines 25–32. Which words capture the Scottish dialect, or regional language? Explain the strategies you used to understand these words. barbara allan 12:14:58 NA_L12PE-u01s35-Barbar.indd PM 219 219 for struggling readers for advanced learners/ap Summarize Ask students to summarize the events of “Barbara Allan.” Possible answer: Sir John Graeme sends his servant for Barbara Allan. She arrives, pulls back the curtain around his bed, and sees that he is dying. He declares that he is lovesick, but she spurns him, recalling a past slight. On her way home, she hears his death bell, but it seems to be tolling for her. When she gets home, she asks her mother to prepare her own deathbed, saying that she will die the next day for her love, Sir John Graeme. Research [paired option] Ask partners to find another medieval ballad in the library or on the Internet, for example: NA_L12TE-u01s14-barbara.indd 219 • “Lord Randall” • “The Wife of Usher’s Well” • “Bonny Earl of Murray” L3 Possible answer: Words that capture the Scottish dialect: rase (line 25), reft (line 28), gane (line 29), twa (line 29), jow (line 31), ga’ed (line 31). Students may use side notes, context clues, and their own knowledge of similar words to help them understand these Scottish terms. 11/22/10 • “Sir Patrick Spens” understand dialect 12:14:59 PM Have partners practice reading the ballad. Encourage them to give a recitation to the class. Debate Characterization One comment frequently made about Sir John Graeme is that he is spineless and gives Barbara Allan up too easily. Invite two teams of students to debate this question. Allow time for preparation and debate. • “Bonny George Campbell” • “Thomas the Rhymer” • “The Three Ravens” barbar a allan 219 1/3/11 7:59:55 AM summary robin hood three squires Robin Hood learns that three squires are to hang for shooting the king’s deer. In disguise, he meets a sheriff who tries to hire him as a hangman. Instead, he and his band free the squires and hang the sheriff. and the There are twelve months in all the year, As I hear many men say, But the merriest month in all the year Is the merry month of May. 5 10 Now Robin Hood is to Nottingham gone, With a link-a-down and a-day, And there he met a silly old woman, Was weeping on the way. “What news? what news, thou silly old woman? What news hast thou for me?” Said she, “There’s three squires in Nottingham town, Today is condemned to dee.” 7 silly: poor; innocent. 11 squires: well-born young men who served as knights’ attendants. 12 dee: die. 15 20 understand dialect “They have no parishes burnt, good sir,” Nor yet have ministers slain, Nor have they robbed any virgin, Nor with other men’s wives have lain.” “O what have they done?” said bold Robin Hood, “I pray thee tell to me.” “It’s for slaying of the king’s fallow deer, Bearing their longbows with thee.” b R E A D I N G STR ATEG Y b “O have they parishes burnt?” he said, “Or have they ministers slain? Or have they robbed any virgin, Or with other men’s wives have lain?” L3 b UNDERSTAND DIALECT Paraphrase lines 21–24. Why have the three squires been condemned to die? Possible answer: The squires have killed the king’s deer. IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Have students reread the third and sixth quatrains and make sure students can paraphrase them. 23 fallow: yellowish red. 220 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s35-Robin.indd 220 differentiated instruction 11/22/10 12:14:52 NA_L12PE-u01 PM for struggling readers Build Background Invite students to share information about Robin Hood movies they have seen or Robin Hood tales that they have heard. Then read aloud the background information about Robin Hood in the side column on the next page. 220 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s14-barbara.indd 220 1/3/11 7:59:59 AM 2/10 Analyze Visuals Activity How does the photograph support the text? Possible answer: The photograph suggests the fate of the three squires: they have been condemned to death by hanging. The photograph supports the ominous tone and suspense. background 25 30 35 40 “Dost thou not mind, old woman,” he said, “Since thou made me sup and dine? By the truth of my body,” quoth bold Robin Hood, “You could not tell it in better time.” Now Robin Hood is to Nottingham gone, With a link-a-down and a-day, And there he met with a silly old palmer, Was walking along the highway. 31 palmer: someone who carried a palm leaf to signify that he or she had made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. “What news? what news, thou silly old man? What news, I do thee pray?” Said he, “Three squires in Nottingham town Are condemned to die this day.” “Come change thine apparel with me, old man, Come change thine apparel for mine. Here is forty shillings in good silver, Go drink it in beer or wine.” The Story of Robin Hood Nobody knows for sure who the real Robin Hood was or when, exactly, he lived. Some scholars believe that the legend of Robin Hood is based on two different “Robin Hoods.” The heroic outlaw probably lived during the reign of King John (1199–1216). His popularity spread so far and wide that his true identity was soon lost. During the 13th and 14th centuries, there were many cases of outlaws calling themselves Robin Hood and Little John. Whatever the truth may be, Robin Hood’s popularity suggests that people believed that the English king had become tyrannical and deserving of retribution. “Forest laws,” alluded to in this ballad, were detested. These strict laws gave royalty control over vast forestlands that included some cultivated areas. 39 shillings: former English silver coins, each worth 1/20 of a pound. “O thine apparel is good,” he said, “And mine is ragged and torn. Wherever you go, wherever you ride, Laugh ne’er an old man to scorn.” robin hood and the three squires 12:14:52 NA_L12PE-u01s35-Robin.indd PM 221 221 11/22/10 12:14:52 PM for english language learners Vocabulary: Outdated Forms Remind students that many words in this ballad are not commonly used in modern English, such as: hast thou (line 10), “do you have”; dee (line 12), “die”; I pray thee tell to me (line 22), “please tell me”; Dost thou (line 25), “do you”; quoth (line 27), “said”; I do thee pray (line 34), “I ask you”; ne’er (line 44), “never.” Have students reread the lines, substituting modern equivalents. robin hood and the three squires NA_L12TE-u01s14-barbara.indd 221 221 1/3/11 8:00:02 AM 45 POETIC FORM c RL 5 ballad 50 Possible answer: The question “What news?” is repeated three times in lines 33–34; the order “Come change thine apparel with me”(or “mine”) is repeated in lines 37, 38, 45, and 46. The second and fourth lines rhyme in each quatrain, and the rhyme is the same in lines 38 and 40 as in 46 and 48. These sound devices help to build suspense and to illustrate Robin Hood’s growing impatience with the old man. They also provide support for the listener and help for a singer memorizing the words. 55 60 revisit the big question Why tell stories in SONG? 65 Discuss Many songs contain a repeated line or lines with catchy nonsense words, such as With a link-a-down and a-down (lines 6, 30, 70). What purposes do these lines serve in this ballad? Possible answer: Each example of this type of repitition introduces a new character. These lines also slow down the action, causing the listener/reader to wonder what will happen between Robin Hood and this new character, thus building suspense. 70 75 80 222 differentiated instruction Visualization The description of Robin Hood transforming himself into a poor palmer is graphic. Encourage students to visualize it by having them close their eyes and listen as you read aloud lines 49–68. Then ask them to recall specific details. Background Remind students of the violence of the Middle Ages. Public executions were common. So, too, was torture or imprisonment in dark cells, where men languished 222 Then he put on the old man’s hat, It stood full high on the crown: “The first bold bargain that I come at, It shall make thee come down.” c BALLAD Identify patterns of repetition and rhyme in lines 33–48. In what ways do these sound devices help you understand Robin’s exchange with the old man? Then he put on the old man’s cloak, Was patched black, blue, and red: He thought it no shame all the day long To wear the bags of bread. Then he put on the old man’s breeks, Was patched from ballup to side: “By the truth of my body,” bold Robin can say, “This man loved little pride.” 57–58 breeks . . . side: trousers reaching to just below the knees, patched from the center to the side. Then he put on the old man’s hose, Were patched from knee to wrist: “By the truth of my body,” said bold Robin Hood, “I’d laugh if I had any list.” 61 hose: tight-fitting outer garment. Then he put on the old man’s shoes, Were patched both beneath and aboon: Then Robin Hood swore a solemn oath, “It’s good habit that makes a man.” 64 list: wish to do so. 66 aboon: above. 68 habit: clothing. Now Robin Hood is to Nottingham gone, With a link-a-down and a-down, And there he met with the proud sheriff, Was walking along the town. “O Christ you save, O sheriff,” he said, “O Christ you save and see: And what will you give to a silly old man Today will your hangman be?” “Some suits, some suits,” the sheriff he said, “Some suits I’ll give to thee; Some suits, some suits, and pence thirteen, Today’s a hangman’s fee.” 73 O Christ you save: A respectful greeting meaning “God save you” or “God be with you.” 79 pence thirteen: thirteen pennies. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s35-Robin.indd for struggling readers “Come change thine apparel with me, old churl, Come change thine apparel with mine: Here are twenty pieces of good broad gold, Go feast thy brethren with wine.” c 222 without hope. In such times, an outlaw like Robin Hood, seeking justice against tyranny, would have used violent means as well. Students should keep this in mind as they read the ballad. 11/22/10 12:14:56 NA_L12PE-u01 PM for advanced learners/ap Author’s Purpose [paired option] Have partners write a paragraph about the author’s purpose in this ballad, citing details to support their findings. They might consider these questions: • Who was the intended audience? • What is the narrator’s attitude toward Robin Hood? • What is the narrator’s attitude toward the sheriff? Have them share their findings in class. unit 1: anglo–saxon and medieval periods NA_L12TE-u01s14-barbara.indd 222 1/3/11 8:00:05 AM 2/10 Then Robin he turns him round about, And jumps from stock to stone: “By the truth of my body,” the sheriff he said, “That’s well jumped, thou nimble old man.” 85 90 95 100 “I was ne’er a hangman in all my life, Nor yet intends to trade. But cursed be he,” said bold Robin, “That first a hangman was made. 82 stock: a tree stump. tiered discussion prompts Use these prompts to help students understand the verbal and situational irony in lines 73–116: RL 4 Restate Ask students to restate Robin Hood’s greeting to the sheriff. Possible answer: He greets the sheriff respectfully, with “God save you” or “God be with you.” Language Coach Multiple Meanings Many words have more than one definition. For example, meal can mean “food served at a certain time of day” or “ground grain.” What does it mean in line 89? What is Robin Hood doing as he speaks lines 89–91? “I’ve a bag for meal, and a bag for malt, And a bag for barley and corn, A bag for bread, and a bag for beef, And a bag for my little small horn. “I have a horn in my pocket: I got it from Robin Hood; And still when I set it to my mouth, For thee it blows little good.” “O wind thy horn, thou proud fellow: Of thee I have no doubt; I wish that thou give such a blast Till both thy eyes fall out.” Analyze How is Robin Hood’s greeting an example of verbal irony? Possible answer: Though Robin Hood hopes to foil the sheriff’s plan to hang the three squires, he greets the sheriff. Evaluate Is the dramatic irony in this scene effective? Possible answer: The sheriff has no clue about Robin Hood’s identity; he even enlists Robin Hood to be his hangman. This dramatic irony is effective in building suspense and gallows humor. 97 wind: blow. 98 doubt: fear. The first loud blast that he did blow, He blew both loud and shrill, A hundred and fifty of Robin Hood’s men Came riding over the hill. 105 110 The next loud blast that he did give, He blew both loud and amain, And quickly sixty of Robin Hood’s men Came shining over the plain. 106 amain: with full force. 108 shining: riding courageously. “O who are those,” the sheriff he said, “Come tripping over the lea?” “They’re my attendants,” brave Robin did say, “They’ll pay a visit to thee.” 110 tripping over the lea (lC): running over the meadow. 113 slack: a very small valley or hollow. POETIC FORM d d BALLAD 115 They took the gallows from the slack, They set it in the glen; They hanged the proud sheriff on that, Released their own three men. d Describe the subject matter of this ballad. Which aspects of the ballad would most likely appeal to an audience of common people? Explain your opinion. robin hood and the three squires 12:14:56 NA_L12PE-u01s35-Robin.indd PM 223 for advanced learners/ap Historical Perspective [small-group option] Have small groups discuss and report on the historical context of the Robin Hood ballad. They might consider these questions: • What does the ballad suggest about the social system of Robin Hood’s day? RL 5 Possible answer: The subject matter is a romanticized historical event: Robin Hood’s efforts on behalf of the downtrodden, powerless, common man. Aspects of the ballad that would particularly appeal to an audience of common people: rebellion against authority; the victory of right over might; nobility of spirit over nobility of rank. 223 12/15/10 ballad 7:31:09 PM for english language learners Language Coach RL 4 Multiple Meanings Answer: ground grain; Robin is describing what he is carrying. Have students write sentences using both meanings of the word meal. • What assumptions did the audience probably make about the sheriff and Robin Hood based on their knowledge of the social system? robin hood and the three squires NA_L12TE-u01s14-barbara.indd 223 223 1/3/11 8:00:08 AM GET UP and summary A stubborn husband and wife both refuse to get up and bar their door. They make a pact that the first one to speak must bar it. When two intruders threaten them, the husband speaks, and the wife demands that he bar the door. BAR the DOOR revisit the big question Why tell stories in SONG? Discuss Many ballads and songs contain slant rhyme, or two words that sound similar, but don’t quite rhyme. In lines 1–28, what conclusions can be drawn about changes in the English language based on the slant rhymes of “then/pan” (lines 2, 4) and “black/spake” (lines 26, 28)? Possible answer: Chances are that the words in at least some of the pairs both had the same vowel sounds hundreds of years ago, and did not become distinct, separate sounds until later. 5 10 R E A D I N G STR ATEG Y e understand dialect 15 L3 Possible answer: Whoever speaks first has to get up and bar the door; they both wanted the other person to bar the door. 20 It fell about the Martinmas time, And a gay time it was then, When our goodwife got puddings to make, And she’s boild them in the pan. 1 fell . . . time: happened around St. Martin’s Day, November 11. The wind sae cauld blew south and north, And blew into the floor; Quoth our goodman to our goodwife, “Gae out and bar the door.” 5 sae cauld: so cold. 3 goodwife . . . make: mistress of the household had sausages to make. 7 Quoth (kwIth) . . . goodwife: This husband said to his wife. 8 Gae . . . door: Go out and use the bar to fasten the door shut. “My hand is in my hussyfskap, Goodman, as ye may see; An it should nae be barrd this hundred year, It’s no be barrd for me.” They made a paction tween them twa, They made it firm and sure, That the first word whae’er should speak, Should rise and bar the door. e Then by there came two gentlemen, At twelve o’clock at night, And they could neither see house nor hall, Nor coal nor candle-light. 9 hussyfskap: household chores. 11–12 An . . . me: If it should not be barred for a hundred years, it shall still not be barred by me. 13 paction . . . twa: agreement between the two of them. 15 whae’er shoud: whoever should. e UNDERSTAND DIALECT Reread and paraphrase lines 1–16. What do the husband and wife agree to do? Why? “Now whether is this a rich man’s house, Or whether is it a poor?” 224 differentiated instruction unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s35-GetUp.indd 224 11/22/10 for struggling readers Character Ask students which words best describe the husband and wife in the ballad. Encourage them to explain each choice. Help them to find textual support. List their responses in a Character Traits Web. for english language learners stubborn proud Husband and Wife foolish short-sighted BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Character Traits Web p. D7 224 unit 1: anglo–saxon and medieval periods NA_L12TE-u01s14-barbara.indd 224 12:15:02 NA_L12PE-u01 PM Vocabulary: Outdated Forms Help students use context to clues define outdated words in this ballad; for example: as ye may see (line 10), “as you can see”; wad (line 23), “was”; ane o’ them (line 23), “one of them”; spake (line 28), “spoke”; nae (line 33), “no”; than (line 34), “then”; een (line 39), “eyes”; wi’ (line 40), “with”; Gied (line 42), “gave”; foremost (line 43), “first.” Then have students reread the lines, substituting a modern equivalent for each word or phrase. 1/3/11 8:00:11 AM 2/10 25 30 35 40 But ne’er a word wad ane o’ them speak, For barring of the door. And first they ate the white puddings, And then they ate the black; Tho muckle thought the goodwife to hersel, Yet ne’er a word she spake. POETIC FORM f 31 tak . . . beard: take off the old man’s beard. “But there’s nae water in the house, And what shall we do than?” “What ails ye at the pudding-broo, That boils into the pan?” 35–36 What . . . pan?: What’s wrong with using the broth the puddings are boiling in? 40 scad: scald; bree: broth. f Then up and started our goodwife, Gied three skips on the floor: “Goodman, you’ve spoken the foremost word, Get up and bar the door.” f BALLAD What might account for the enduring popularity of “Get Up and Bar the Door”? Consider the ballad’s subject matter, dialogue, and musical qualities in your response. get up and bar the door 12:15:02 NA_L12PE-u01s35-GetUp.indd PM RL 5 Possible answer: Readers and listeners relate to the humorous domestic scenario of the ballad. The rhyme and repetition make the ballad memorable and enjoyable. The dialogue contributes to the humor and to the characterization of the husband and wife as well as the “gentlemen.” 28 spake: spoke. Then said the one unto the other, “Here, man, tak ye my knife; Do ye tak aff the auld man’s beard, And I’ll kiss the goodwife.” O up then started our goodman, An angry man was he: “Will ye kiss my wife before my een, And scad me wi’ pudding-bree?” ballad 27 muckle: a great deal. 225 225 11/22/10 selection wrap–up READ WITH A PURPOSE Have students select a four-line stanza from each ballad that they feel is the most dramatic or suspenseful. Ask them to explain why. Possible answer: “He turned his face unto the wall, / And death with him was dealin’: / “Adieu, adieu, my dear friends all, / and be kind to Barbara Allan.” This stanza is dramatic and suspenseful because the narrator describes the man’s death, and the man dramatically speaks his last words. Accept all responses that are adequately supported. 12:15:03 PM CRITIQUE for struggling readers BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Cause and Effect To ensure that students recognize the cause-and-effect relationships in “Get Up and Bar the Door,” help them fill out a Cause-and-Effect Chain. Ask Cause-and-Effect Chain pp. B16, B39 • Why does the man ask his wife to bar the door? • Why does she refuse? • What do they decide, as a result? • What happens because the door is open? • Why does the husband finally speak? NA_L12TE-u01s14-barbara.indd 225 for advanced learners/ap Satire Remind students that satire may be gently witty, mildly abrasive, or bitterly critical. Invite them to characterize the satire in this ballad. What does it satirize? What does it suggest about marriage? • Ask students which ballad told the most interesting story. Have them give their reasoning. • After completing the After Reading questions on page 226, have students revisit their responses and tell whether they have changed their opinions. INDEPENDENT READING Students may also enjoy reading A Book of Old English Ballads by George Wharton Edwards. get up and bar the door 225 1/3/11 8:00:15 AM After Reading Practice and Apply Comprehension For preliminary support of post-reading questions, use these copy masters: 1. Recall Why does Barbara Allan want to die? 2. Summarize What specific steps does Robin Hood take to rescue the three squires from execution? RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Masters 3. Clarify In “Get Up and Bar the Door,” what do the couple argue about? Ballad p. 219 Question Support p. 223 Additional selection questions are provided for teachers on page 215. Text Analysis RL 5 Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure specific parts of a text contribute to its aesthetic impact. L 3 Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts and to comprehend more fully when reading. 4. Draw Conclusions About Characters What does each of the following events suggest about the relationship between Barbara Allan and Sir John Graeme? • his request to see her (lines 1–8) answers • the reason for his illness (lines 13–14) RL 5, L 3 • her statement “I’ll die for him tomorrow” (line 36) 1. She wants to die because her lover has died from the heartache she caused him. 5. Make Inferences Poaching, the killing of a king’s game, was punishable by death, even though poaching was often the only way common people could get meat. In “Robin Hood and the Three Squires,” what can you infer is Robin’s motive for helping the men accused of this crime? 2. Robin Hood disguises himself in the clothes of a poor palmer; he draws the sheriff into his masquerade; and he blows the horn to call up his men, who hang the sheriff and free the squires. 6. Understand Dialect Dialect often provides clues about a poem’s setting, or location and era. How does dialect help establish the setting of “Get Up and Bar the Door”? Cite evidence to support your ideas. 7. Analyze Ballad Form Provide an example from one ballad of repetition and regular rhyme and meter. How do these elements help make its story memorable and entertaining? 3. They argue about barring the door. Possible answers: 4. His request to see her suggests that they had a romantic relationship; the breakup of their relationship appears to have caused him heartache and illness; her statement suggests that she loved him, as he did her. Text Criticism 8. Historical Context What general impressions of medieval society do you get from reading the ballads? Support your response with details. Why tell stories in 5. It seems that Robin doesn’t believe that the punishment fits the crime. His motive is to fight the tyranny, materialism, and domination of the nobility. 6. song? What are some modern examples of stories told in song? Why do you think telling stories through song remains popular today? common core focus Understand Dialect The dialect helps to establish the ballad’s setting in rural Scotland long ago, possibly in medieval times. Assess and Reteach 226 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods Assess DIAGNOSTIC AND SELECTION TESTS NA_L12PE-u01s35-arBallad.indd Selection Tests A, B/C pp. 69–70, 71–72 Interactive Selection Test on thinkcentral.com Reteach Level Up Online Tutorials on thinkcentral.com Reteaching Worksheets on thinkcentral.com Literature Lesson 12: Ballad Literature Lesson 41: Dialogue and Dialect 7. 226 1/8/11 12:21:17 NA_L12PE-u01 PM common core focus Ballad Examples will vary. These elements provide a structure that is easy for the reader to remember and follow, which makes it easier for the reader to absorb the story. They create a pleasing musicality as well. 8. Answers will vary. Students should use evidence from the text to support their statements about medieval society. Why tell stories in SONG? Ask students to think about some of their favorite songs. Do these songs tell stories? Ask them what challenges they think lyricists have when telling stories through song. 226 unit 1: the anglo–saxon and medieval periods NA_L12TE-u01s14-barbara.indd 226 1/13/11 10:58:42 AM 2/10 Wrap-Up: The Age of Chaucer Medieval Life and Times Centuries after they were written, the colorful, dramatic tales of Chaucer and the lilting medieval ballads continue to entertain modern readers. These lively stories also provide insight into the culture of the Middle Ages. Medieval Europeans lived in a world vastly different from the secular, scientifically ordered world we know today. Consider Chaucer’s description of a doctor. Extension VIEWING & REPRESENTING On the basis of Chaucer’s descriptive details and your own impressions, select one pilgrim and visually represent that character in a drawing or computer-generated design. Be prepared to explain why you have represented the pilgrim as you have. “A Doctor too emerged as we proceeded; No one alive could talk as well as he did On points of medicine and of surgery, For, being grounded in astronomy, He watched his patient closely for the hours When, by his horoscope, he knew the powers of favorable planets, then ascendent, Work on the images for his dependant.” W 2 Write explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information through the analysis of content. W 2b Develop the topic thoroughly by selecting concrete details. Wrap-Up: The Age of Chaucer W 2 Write explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information through the analysis of content. W 2b Develop the topic thoroughly by selecting concrete details. Can you imagine a trip to the hospital in which your doctor analyzed your horoscope? It was not only in matters of science but also in courtship, communities, religion, and daily life that the Middle Ages differed so wildly from our own contemporary age. Writing to Analyze Of the selections found on pages 144–225, choose three and analyze what they reveal about medieval life—not just how people looked and acted but what they believed and valued. This Wrap-Up gives students a chance to re-examine medieval culture through the characters and tales of the day. What did students learn about the role of religion in the Middle Ages? How did medieval men and women view love? How did they view death? What challenges did they face in their everyday lives? Encourage students to keep in mind historical events, such as the plague and the Hundred Years’ War that informed the world of Chaucer. Writing to Analyze • Remind students that analyzing involves breaking something down into parts to examine how it works; in other words, looking at details from the selection to determine what medieval life was like. Consider • the conflicts faced by the characters, as well as their goals and motivations • the physical descriptions of the characters, their professions, their behavior, and any direct commentary on their values • After students choose three selections, they might use a Three-Column Journal to brainstorm what they learned from each one about goals of medieval people, their motivations, their conflicts, their work, their actions, their values, their habits, and their social contacts. Point out that not every selection will yield information about all of these topics. • details about the communities in which they lived • the tone displayed in the selections, and in particular the sense of humor View of London, Jan Griffier, the Elder. Galleria Sabauda, Turin, Italy. © Alinari/Art Resource, New York. BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency 227 Three-Column Journal p. B10 12:15:47 NA_L12PE-u01s60-wu3.indd PM 227 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for struggling writers for english language learners Writing Support Ask students to answer these questions as they analyze a character: Structure To help students get started, provide this structure for their writing: gives insight into life in the Middle • What does the character do for a living? • What does the job suggest about medieval life? Ages. • What does the narrator think of this character? [Character’s name] does Before they begin analyzing, have students use the excerpt on this page to answer two or more of the questions. . The main character is Ask students to each choose one or two pilgrims of interest to them. Then have partners take turns listening with eyes closed as the other student reads aloud a description of one pilgrim from “The Prologue.” After each reading, the listener should jot down details that left a strong visual impression. Students can refer to these notes as they create their drawing or collage. . This job involves This shows for a living. Extension 12:21:51 PM . wr ap–up NA_L12TE-u01s14-barbara.indd 227 227 1/3/11 8:00:25 AM Medieval Romance Focus and Motivate RL 1 Cite textual evidence to support inferences drawn from the text. RL 3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story. RL 5 Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure specific parts of a text contribute to its overall structure. SL 1c Propel conversations by responding to questions that probe reasoning and evidence. L 2b Spell correctly. about the author After students have read about the Gawain Poet, ask how it is possible to conclude that the same poet wrote two or more works if they have no attribution. Possible answer: Similarities in style, subject, settings, and themes could lead to such a conclusion. from RL 1 Cite textual evidence to support inferences drawn from the text. RL 3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story. RL 5 Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure specific parts of a text contribute to its overall structure. SL 1c Propel conversations by responding to questions that probe reasoning and evidence. L 2b Spell correctly. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight g Romance by the Gawain Poet Translated by John n Gardner VIDEO TRAILER KEYWORD: HML12-228 notable quote includes a dozen rough illustrations of the four poems, though it is impossible to verify who created the images for this manuscript. Because Pearl is the most technically brilliant of the four poems, the Gawain Poet is sometimes also called the Pearl Poet. The Gawain Poet’s rich imagination and skill with language have earned him recognition as one of the greatest medieval English poets. Yet his identity remains unknown. Scholars can only speculate on what the background of the Gawain Poet (as he is known) may have been. Provincial Genius The Gawain Poet’s descriptions and language suggest that he wrote the poem during the second half of the 14th century, which would have made him a contemporary of Chaucer’s. His dialect, however, indicates that, unlike Chaucer, he was not a Londoner but probably lived somewhere in the northwestern part of England. “His eyes, like lightning, flashed, / And it seemed to many a man, / That any man who clashed / With him would not long stand.” The only surviving early manuscript of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, produced by an anonymous copyist around 1400, also contains three religious poems—Pearl, Purity, and Patience— that are believed to be the work of the Gawain Poet. The manuscript also NA_L12PE-u01s41-brGawain.indd See resources on the Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM and on thinkcentral.com. RESOURCE MANAGER UNIT 1 DIAGNOSTIC AND SELECTION TESTS Selection Tests, pp. 73–76 * Resources for Differentiation NA_L12TE-u01s15-gawain.indd 228 A Man for All Seasons The Gawain Poet’s works reveal that he was widely read in French and Latin and had some knowledge of law and theology. Although he was familiar with many details of medieval aristocratic life, his descriptions and metaphors also show a love of the countryside and rural life. The Ideal Knight In the person of Sir Gawain—a nephew of the legendary King Arthur—the Gawain Poet portrays the ideals medieval knights would have striven to meet. Although real knights were far from perfect, legendary knights such as Sir Gawain dutifully obeyed a code of chivalry that represented a combination of Christian and military ideals, including faith, modesty, loyalty, courtesy, bravery, and honor. Perhaps the most important virtue for a knight in the age of chivalry was what the Gawain Poet calls trawthe, a Middle English word translated variously as “truth,” “devotion,” and “fidelity.” Trawthe meant not only keeping one’s word but also remaining faithful to the vows taken at the ceremony of knighthood, which included both secular and religious chivalric responsibilities. 228 Selection Resources Plan and Teach, pp. 225–232 Summary, pp. 233–234†‡* Text Analysis and Reading Skill, pp. 235–238* Grammar and Style, p. 241 ecos Meet the Author did you know? • The first modern edition of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight was translated by J. R. R. Tolkien, a respected scholar of Old and Middle English as well as the author of The Lord of the Rings. Essential Course of Study BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT Jigsaw Reading, p. A1 Word Questioning, p. E9 Reader Response Starters, p. D20 Predicting, p. A10 Visualizing, p. A11 Three-Column Journal, p. B10 INTERACTIVE READER ADAPTED INTERACTIVE READER ELL ADAPTED INTERACTIVE READER † Also in Spanish 228 1/8/11 Video Trailer TECHNOLOGY Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM Student One Stop DVD-ROM PowerNotes DVD-ROM Audio Anthology CD GrammarNotes DVD-ROM ExamView Test Generator on the Teacher One Stop 12:21:53 NA_L12PE-u01 PM Go to thinkcentral.com to preview the Video Trailer introducing this selection. Other features that support the selection include • PowerNotes presentation • ThinkAloud models to enhance comprehension • WordSharp vocabulary tutorials • interactive writing and grammar instruction ‡ In Haitian Creole and Vietnamese 1/21/11 1:51:18 PM 2/10 Teach text analysis: medieval romance A medieval romance is a dramatic verse or prose narrative that usually involves adventurous heroes, idealized love, exotic places, and supernatural events. This genre first appeared in France during the 12th century and soon spread to England. Many of the best-known romances celebrate the legendary King Arthur and his knights, who often risk their lives for the love of a noble lady or to uphold the code of behavior known as chivalry. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is considered one of the finest Arthurian romances. As you read, look for these characteristics of romance: • idealized or larger-than-life characters • a hero who faces a challenge or test • exotic settings and supernatural or magical elements • hidden or mistaken identity Review: Character Traits reading skill: make inferences When you make inferences, you are making logical guesses about a text or character based on your own experience and the evidence or clues you find in the text. Making inferences is sometimes called “reading between the lines” because you come to understand something in the text that the author has not explicitly stated. For example, we can infer from the following lines that Arthur and his knights may be frightened by the Green Knight’s challenge: Is honor worth dying for? Whether honor is worth dying for is a question a good medieval knight would have no trouble answering. The code of chivalry made it plain that it was his duty to defend—if necessary, with his life—his church, king, and country. Today, blind obedience is often looked upon with suspicion. Many people cannot accept the belief that an abstract concept is worth dying for. Details from the Text Inferences “And over his breast hung a beard as big as a bush” (line 4) There’s something wild and uncivilized about the Green Knight. Read aloud the question and paragraph; then invite a variety of definitions of the word honor. After groups have completed the DISCUSS activity, have them exchange and compare their Venn diagrams. DISCUSS Get together with several classmates to make a Venn diagram that compares and contrasts what it means to be honorable today with what it meant to a medieval knight. Are there similarities in the way we define honor today to a medieval knight’s definition of it? Discuss how the idea of honor has changed and whether there are leaders today who might be thought of as modern-day knights. If they were like stone before, they were stiller now, Every last lord in the hall, both the high and the low; As you read the excerpt from Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, pay close attention to the Gawain Poet’s descriptions of the characters and settings. Record your inferences about the story in a chart like the one shown. Is HONOR worth dying for? a M ediev l Times • Honor T E X T A N A LY S I S RL 5 Model the Skill: medieval romance Share this passage with students: Sir Gareth, pure of heart, laughed heartily as the giant approached. “So you want to fight?” he asked. “Who are you? What do you seek?” The giant said, “Guess.” Identify the four traits of medieval romance in the passage: idealized character (“Sir Gareth, pure of heart”); hero motivated by adventurousness (“laughed heartily as the giant approached”); supernatural elements (the giant); hidden identity (“The giant said, ‘Guess’”). Today • • defend the faith • defend the king GUIDED PRACTICE Have students name modern movies or books that include all four traits. Complete the activities in your Reader/Writer Notebook. READING SKILL RL 1 Model the Skill: sir gawain and the green knight 12:25:09 NA_L12PE-u01s41-brGawain.indd PM 229 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for struggling readers Vocabulary Support make inferences 229 • chivalry, “the system of knighthood during the Middle Ages” 12:25:22 PM Review the previous page and identify statements about the poet’s identity that are inferences. Discuss possible bases for the inferences. Help students recognize that statements about the poet’s possible traits are inferences, based on the poem’s language and content. • speculate, “to make intelligent guesses without having absolute proof” • fidelity, “faithfulness or loyalty” • contemporary, “someone who lives during the same time period as someone else” • prose, “writing in the form of sentences and paragraphs” (in contrast to verse) • technically brilliant, “successful in using techniques (in this case, poetic techniques)” • idealized, “viewed as better than it really is” RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master • exotic, “unusual or strange” Make Inferences p. 237 (for student use while reading the selection) • theology, “the study of religion” • striven, “worked very hard to meet a goal” • code, “a set of rules or values to live by” NA_L12TE-u01s15-gawain.indd 229 • verse, “writing in the form of a poem” • explicitly, “directly and precisely” GUIDED PRACTICE Ask students to provide examples of making inferences in everyday life. • abstract, “relating to ideas, not to things” sir gawain and the green knight 229 1/3/11 8:34:14 AM Practice and Apply summary The Green Knight challenges anyone at Camelot to strike his bare neck with an ax, provided that the Green Knight may return the blow in a year and a day. Sir Gawain accepts the challenge and chops off the knight’s head. The Green Knight retrieves his head and rides off. A year later, Gawain rides to his appointment. Reaching a castle, he stays with the lord and lady. The lady tries to seduce him; he refuses but accepts her magical green sash. The Green Knight—Gawain’s host in disguise—merely nicks Gawain’s neck after finding Gawain to be honorable, even if somewhat flawed. Sir Gawain and the Green Knight As the poem begins, Arthur and his knights are gathered to celebrate Christmas and the new year with feasting and revelry. In the midst of their festivities, an enormous man—who is entirely green—bounds through the door. read with a purpose Help students set a purpose for reading. Tell them to read Sir Gawain and the Green Knight to learn about what honor meant in medieval times. 5 10 15 230 Splendid that knight errant stood in a splay of green, And green, too, was the mane of his mighty destrier; Fair fanning tresses enveloped the fighting man’s shoulders, And over his breast hung a beard as big as a bush; The beard and the huge mane burgeoning forth from his head Were clipped off clean in a straight line over his elbows, And the upper half of each arm was hidden underneath As if covered by a king’s chaperon, closed round the neck. The mane of the marvelous horse was much the same, Well crisped and combed and carefully pranked with knots, Threads of gold interwoven with the glorious green, Now a thread of hair, now another thread of gold; The tail of the horse and the forelock were tricked the same way, And both were bound up with a band of brilliant green Adorned with glittering jewels the length of the dock, Then caught up tight with a thong in a criss-cross knot Where many a bell tinkled brightly, all burnished gold. So monstrous a mount, so mighty a man in the saddle Was never once encountered on all this earth till then; unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s41-Gawain.indd 1 knight errant (DrPEnt): a knight who wanders about, searching for adventure in order to prove his chivalry; splay: display 2 destrier (dDsPtrC-Er): war horse. 5 burgeoning (bûrPjE-nGng): growing. 8 chaperon (shBpPE-rInQ): hood. 10 pranked with knots: decorated with bows. 13 forelock: the part of a horse’s mane that falls between the ears. 15 dock: the fleshy part of an animal’s tail. Analyze Visuals Which details in this image correspond with the Gawain Poet’s description of the Green Knight? Illustration by Herbert Cole in English Fairy Tales by Ernest and Grace Rhys. 230 11/22/10 differentiated instruction 230 unit for english language learners BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT Options for Reading First, read the selection summary aloud so that students have an overview of the events in the selection before they begin to read it on their own. Then, have students silently read along as they listen to the Audio Anthology CD. Finally divide students into Jigsaw groups and assign one passage to each. Have students present their passages to the other groups. Jigsaw Reading, p. A1 12:20:44 NA_L12PE-u01 PM 1 NA_L12TE-u01s15-gawain.indd 230 1/3/11 8:34:24 AM 2/10 Reading Support This selection on thinkcentral.com includes embedded ThinkAloud models–students “thinking aloud” about the story to model the kinds of questions a good reader would ask about a selection. Analyze Visuals Possible answer: The Green Knight’s imposing stature, his long hair and beard, and his lavish attire are some of the details that correspond to the Gawain Poet’s description. About the Art This illustration of the Green Knight uttering his challenge was painted by English magazine illustrator Herbert Cole (1867–1930). Cole’s clever, individualistic style emphasizes the size and power of the Green Knight and his ability to intimidate King Arthur and his court. background An Overview of Chivalry Chivalry reached its height in the 12th and 13th centuries. At age 7, boys from the nobility became pages in the castles of nobles; at 14, they became squires, serving knights and learning military skills and horsemanship; at 21, they were knighted. A chivalrous knight owed loyalty to God, to his lord, and to a lady to whom he had sworn his love (a platonic love). A knight’s prowess was evaluated on the battlefield or in tournaments. Questions of chivalric love sometimes were decided by courts of love presided over by noblewomen. cultural connection 12:20:44 NA_L12PE-u01s41-Gawain.indd PM 231 11/22/10 for advanced learners/ap Hypothesize Ask students to think about why the Green Knight has shown up at the feast and presented this challenge. Is the challenge about him and his power or is it to test the knights? Why is it important to note that he came unarmed? Invite students to share their hypotheses. Many cultures celebrate ancient warriors or heroes who followed codes of behavior. In Japan, for example, the samurai were the equivalent of chivalric knights. Encourage students to compare and contrast codes of heroic behavior from other cultures with which they are familiar. 12:21:03 PM sir gawain and the green knight NA_L12TE-u01s15-gawain.indd 231 231 1/3/11 8:34:34 AM His eyes, like lightning, flashed, And it seemed to many a man, That any man who clashed With him would not long stand. 20 T E X T A N A LY S I S a RL 5 romance Possible answer: Details making the Green Knight a larger-than-life figure include the richness in the appearance of both the knight and his horse (lines 1–17), the description of his horse as “monstrous” (line 18), and the statement that no man as mighty as the Green Knight has ever been known before (lines 18–19). 25 30 a ROMANCE What details in lines 1–23 make the Green Knight a larger-thanlife figure? a But the huge man came unarmed, without helmet or hauberk, No breastplate or gorget or iron cleats on his arms; He brought neither shield nor spearshaft to shove or to smite, But instead he held in one hand a bough of the holly That grows most green when all the groves are bare And held in the other an ax, immense and unwieldy, A pitiless battleblade terrible to tell of. . . . 24 hauberk (hôPbErk): a coat of chain mail (a type of armor). 25 breastplate or gorget (gôrPjGt) or iron cleats: armor for the chest, the throat, or the shoulders and elbows. Extend the Discussion Read ahead to line 30, noting what the Green Knight carries. What might be the significance of these items, especially when carried by a larger-than-life character? About the Art This is a detail from a tapestry called The Holy Grail Appears to the Knights of the Round Table, designed by British artist Edward Burne-Jones (1833–1898) in 1891. Burne-Jones was deeply influenced by the Arthurian legend, and he helped revive the medieval technique of stained glass art in England. The religious subject of the Holy Grail and the relatively peaceful mood of the scene in the tapestry contrast with the martial spirit and activity in the Gawain Poet’s narrative; both scenes, however, share the motif of a sudden, startling arrival that prompts a reaction from the knights of Camelot. Detail of The Holy Grail Appears to the Knights of the Round Table (1927–1932), by Morris & Company, Merton Abbey Tapestry Works, after design about 1891 by Edward Burne-Jones. 250 cm × 530 cm. Münchner Stadtmuseum, Munich. 232 differentiated instruction unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s41-Gawain.indd 232 for struggling readers for english language learners Comprehension Support Have students page through the selection, observing that it consists of sections of verse that are separated by italicized prose summaries of intervening material. Explain that the italicized narrative will help them follow the story line and keep track of what has happened between sections. Vocabulary Support Use Word Questioning to teach these words: likewise (line 98), contract (line 319), abandon (line 358). BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Word Questioning p. E9 11/22/10 12:21:09 NA_L12PE-u01 PM Comprehension: Text Structure [mixed-ability pairs] Students may find it difficult to follow a long poem. Use Jigsaw Reading to divide the poem into more manageable sections, choosing sections that are most important to following the plot. Have mixed-readiness pairs paraphrase sections of a few lines at a time and share their paraphrases with other pairs. BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT Jigsaw Reading p. A1 232 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12TE-u01s15-gawain.indd 232 1/3/11 8:34:41 AM 2/10 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 King Arthur stared down at the stranger before the high dais And greeted him nobly, for nothing on earth frightened him. And he said to him, “Sir, you are welcome in this place; I am the head of this court. They call me Arthur. Get down from your horse, I beg you, and join us for dinner, And then whatever you seek we will gladly see to.” But the stranger said, “No, so help me God on high, My errand is hardly to sit at my ease in your castle! But friend, since your praises are sung so far and wide, Your castle the best ever built, people say, and your barons The stoutest men in steel armor that ever rode steeds, Most mighty and most worthy of all mortal men And tough devils to toy with in tournament games, And since courtesy is in flower in this court, they say, All these tales, in truth, have drawn me to you at this time. You may be assured by this holly branch I bear That I come to you in peace, not spoiling for battle. If I’d wanted to come in finery, fixed up for fighting, I have back at home both a helmet and a hauberk, A shield and a sharp spear that shines like fire, And other weapons that I know pretty well how to use. But since I don’t come here for battle, my clothes are mere cloth. Now if you are truly as bold as the people all say, You will grant me gladly the little game that I ask as my right.” Arthur gave him answer And said, “Sir noble knight, If it’s a duel you’re after, We’ll furnish you your fight.” 31 dais (dAPGs): a raised platform where honored guests are seated. 33 this place: Camelot, Arthur’s favorite castle and the site of his court of the Round Table. Is HONOR worth dying for? 43 In medieval tournaments, knights on horseback fought one another for sport. 44 courtesy is in flower: the high standards of behavior expected in a king’s court are currently flourishing. 47 spoiling for: eager for. Use these prompts to help students grasp the problem that the Green Knight poses for the knights of the Round Table in lines 59–75: Connect How does it feel to be dared to do something? Explain. Students’ responses should demonstrate an awareness of both the danger of a dare and the appeal that a dare presents to the competitive spirit. 61 hasped: fastened. And so all I ask of this court is a Christmas game, For the Yule is here, and New Year’s, and here sit young men; If any man holds himself, here in this house, so hardy, So bold in his blood—and so brainless in his head— That he dares to stoutly exchange one stroke for another, I shall let him have as my present this lovely gisarme, This ax, as heavy as he’ll need, to handle as he likes, And I will abide the first blow, bare-necked as I sit. 233 Details from the Inferences Text “‘Sir, you are welcome in this place; . . . ’” King Arthur is courteous and chivalrous. Synthesize What motives or emotions may lie beneath the surface of the Green Knight’s cordial exterior? Possible answer: The Green Knight may be a bully; he may be hostile to King Arthur and his court; he may be testing King Arthur and his knights for an unknown, private reason. 233 11/22/10 Concept Support: Make Inferences Have students work with the Reading Skill chart on the pre-reading pages to make inferences about characters and topics in this first narrative scene. Possible subjects of inference include the Green Knight and King Arthur and his court, as in this example: Interpret What is the Green Knight’s attitude as he presents his challenge to the knights? Explain. Possible answer: He feels an amused disdain for them; he mocks them by calling his challenge a “game” (line 63) and implying that the knights are children (lines 60, 62, 64, and 72). 68 gisarme (gG-zärmP): a battle-ax with a long shaft and a two-edged blade. sir gawain and the green knight for struggling readers Discuss In lines 37–45, how does the Green Knight’s greeting appeal to King Arthur’s sense of honor? Possible answer: In his greeting, the Green Knight speaks of Arthur’s fame, glorious castle, brave and skilled nobles, and courtly standards. In essence, the Green Knight is challenging Arthur to give him a hearing and treat him well, lest Arthur violate his reputation as an honorable king. tiered discussion prompts “Good heavens, I want no such thing! I assure you, Sire, You’ve nothing but beardless babes about this bench! If I were hasped in my armor and high on my horse, You haven’t a man that could match me, your might is so feeble. 12:21:09 NA_L12PE-u01s41-Gawain.indd PM revisit the big question 12:21:14 PM for advanced learners/ap Analyze Symbolism As students read the entire poem, encourage them to identify the symbols that the Gawain Poet uses, and to investigate the meaning of the symbols. Symbols to consider include the bough of holly, the color green, Gawain’s green sash, and the cut that Gawain receives later in the tale. sir gawain and the green knight NA_L12TE-u01s15-gawain.indd 233 233 1/3/11 8:34:46 AM 75 80 85 90 READING SKILL b Model the Skill: RL 1 make inferences To model how to answer this question, guide students in pinpointing details that show the Green Knight using words and gestures to taunt the knights of Camelot— for example, “he coughed, as if embarrassed” (line 86) and “‘Can this be King Arthur’s court?’” (line 88). Possible answer: The Green Knight taunts Arthur and his knights to insult their bravery and so goad them into accepting his challenge. 95 100 105 110 234 If anyone here has the daring to try what I’ve offered, Leap to me lightly, lad; lift up this weapon; I give you the thing forever—you may think it your own; And I will stand still for your stroke, steady on the floor, Provided you honor my right, when my inning comes, to repay. But let the respite be A twelvemonth and a day; Come now, my boys, let’s see What any here can say.” If they were like stone before, they were stiller now, Every last lord in the hall, both the high and the low; The stranger on his destrier stirred in the saddle And ferociously his red eyes rolled around; He lowered his grisly eyebrows, glistening green, And waved his beard and waited for someone to rise; When no one answered, he coughed, as if embarrassed, And drew himself up straight and spoke again: “What! Can this be King Arthur’s court?” said the stranger, “Whose renown runs through many a realm, flung far and wide? What has become of your chivalry and your conquest, Your greatness-of-heart and your grimness and grand words? Behold the radiance and renown of the mighty Round Table Overwhelmed by a word out of one man’s mouth! You shiver and blanch before a blow’s been shown!” b And with that he laughed so loud that the lord was distressed; In chagrin, his blood shot up in his face and limbs so fair; More angry he was than the wind, And likewise each man there; And Arthur, bravest of men, Decided now to draw near. And he said, “By heaven, sir, your request is strange; But since you have come here for folly, you may as well find it. I know no one here who’s aghast of your great words. Give me your gisarme, then, for the love of God, And gladly I’ll grant you the gift you have asked to be given.” Lightly the King leaped down and clutched it in his hand; Then quickly that other lord alighted on his feet. Arthur lay hold of the ax, he gripped it by the handle, And he swung it up over him sternly, as if to strike. The stranger stood before him, in stature higher 76–77 let the respite . . . day: let the period of delay be a year and a day. b MAKE INFERENCES Why does the Green Knight taunt Arthur and his knights in lines 88–94? 102 folly: dangerous and foolish activity. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s41-Gawain.indd 234 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for struggling readers for advanced learners/ap Comprehension Support Have students use Reader Response Starters to engage with the tale here and throughout, as the plot develops and characters are revealed. Analyze Dialogue Point out that when King Arthur makes his first reply to the Green Knight’s challenge, he reinforces his words with oaths: “By heaven” (line 101) and “for the love of God” (line 104). Ask students to explain what such language may reveal about King Arthur’s character. Is Arthur expressing religious faith? Is he expressing pride? Is he belittling his opponent? For whom are such words meant the most? BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Reader Response Starters p. D20 234 unit 12:21:15 NA_L12PE-u01 PM 1 NA_L12TE-u01s15-gawain.indd 234 1/3/11 8:34:50 AM 2/10 115 120 125 130 135 140 By a head or more than any man here in the house; Sober and thoughtful he stood there and stroked his beard, And with patience like a priest’s he pulled down his collar, No more unmanned or dismayed by Arthur’s might Than he’d be if some baron on the bench had brought him a glass of wine. Then Gawain, at Guinevere’s side, Made to the King a sign: “I beseech you, Sire,” he said, “Let this game be mine. “Now if you, my worthy lord,” said Gawain to the King, “Would command me to step from the dais and stand with you there, That I might without bad manners move down from my place (Though I couldn’t, of course, if my liege lady disliked it) I’d be deeply honored to advise you before all the court; For I think it unseemly, if I understand the matter, That challenges such as this churl has chosen to offer Be met by Your Majesty—much as it may amuse you— When so many bold-hearted barons sit about the bench: No men under Heaven, I am sure, are more hardy in will Or better in body on the fields where battles are fought; I myself am the weakest, of course, and in wit the most feeble; My life would be least missed, if we let out the truth. Only as you are my uncle have I any honor, For excepting your blood, I bear in my body slight virtue. c And since this affair that’s befallen us here is so foolish, And since I have asked for it first, let it fall to me. If I’ve reasoned incorrectly, let all the court say, without blame.” The nobles gather round And all advise the same: “Let the King step down And give Sir Gawain the game!” . . . 114 unmanned: deprived of manly courage. 116 Guinevere: King Arthur’s wife. tiered discussion prompts Have students use these prompts to explore Gawain’s acceptance of the Green Knight’s challenge in lines 120–134: Restate According to Gawain, why should he take King Arthur’s place? Possible answer: Gawain should take King Arthur’s place because it is not right, according to the chivalric code, for the king to answer a challenge; Gawain is the least important of the knights; Gawain is Arthur’s nephew; and Gawain has been the first knight to step forward to take Arthur’s place. 123 liege (lCj) lady: a lady to whom one owes loyalty and service; here used by Gawain to refer to Queen Guinevere. 126 churl: rude, uncouth person. c Analyze What details in Gawain’s response show his obedience to the rules of chivalry? Possible answer: Obedience to the rules of chivalry is seen in Gawain’s concern for his king, in his deference to his “liege lady” (line 123), and in his modest description of himself (lines 131–134). CHARACTER TRAITS What traits does Gawain reveal about himself in lines 120–134? Evaluate Gawain’s self-description in lines 131–134 seems falsely modest. Would a modern-day hero describe himself in this way? Why or why not? Possible answer: No. Gawain’s false modesty may be understandable in the context of chivalry, but it seems obsolete today. Arthur grants Gawain’s request to take on the Green Knight’s challenge. The Green Knight asks Gawain to identify himself, and the two agree on their pact. Gawain then prepares to strike his blow against the Green Knight. T E X T A N A L Y S I S : Review c O n the ground, the Green Knight got himself into position, His head bent forward a little, the bare flesh showing, His long and lovely locks laid over his crown Possible answer: Gawain reveals traits of honor, of respect for and allegiance to his king and his liege lady, and of modesty. sir gawain and the green knight 12:21:15 NA_L12PE-u01s41-Gawain.indd PM 235 for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Related Vocabulary Several words in this narrative refer to noble or royal rank. Teach these interrelated words: Analyze a Motif Direct attention to King Arthur’s response to the Green Knight in lines 99–109 and to Gawain’s response to Arthur’s action in lines 116–119. Propose the idea that the scene feels like a preordained ritual rather than a spontaneous confrontation—that is, that the players seem to know their roles. For instance, does Arthur, in accepting the Green Knight’s challenge, expect that one of his knights will step up to fight for him? Why • court, “important people around the king” • lord, “the owner of a large piece of land” • noble, “a person of high rank” • baron, “a noble” • knight, “a high-ranking warrior who serves the king” NA_L12TE-u01s15-gawain.indd 235 Extend the Discussion What traits might a present-day warrior reveal in responding to the Green Knight’s challenge? 235 11/22/10 • king, “the male ruler of a country” character traits 12:21:16 PM does Gawain use the word game (line 119) when risking his life? Challenge students to write and share a paragraph about what this gamelike motif suggests about medieval romance as a genre. sir gawain and the green knight 235 1/3/11 8:34:53 AM 145 revisit the big question Is HONOR worth dying for? 150 Discuss Reread the Green Knight’s parting words in lines 172–180. Is Gawain’s sense of honor so extreme that it becomes foolishly self-destructive? Possible answers: Yes, because Gawain probably will be killed by the Green Knight one year from now. No, because Gawain may sense that the Green Knight’s challenge is a test that he can survive. 155 160 T E X T A N A LY S I S d Model the Skill: RL 5 romance 165 Remind students of the four traits of medieval romance. As students read, have them identify other supernatural, heroic qualities in the characters. 170 Possible answer: The larger-than-life figure of the Green Knight and the element of the supernatural in his surviving the blow reflect characteristics of medieval romance. 175 tiered discussion prompts 180 Use these prompts to help students understand the encounter between Sir Gawain and the lady of the castle in lines 190–208: Connect How good are most people at resisting temptation? Students’ responses should show an awareness that temptation is quite hard for many people to resist. Interpret State two reasons that the lady might be trying to seduce Gawain. Possible answer: The lady might be trying to seduce Gawain because she finds him attractive or because she is testing his chivalric virtue. Synthesize What might Gawain gain by giving in to this temptation? What might he gain by resisting? Possible answer: By giving in, Gawain might gain pleasure and even love; by resisting, he might gain self-esteem and the respect of his host. 236 unit 236 So that any man there might note the naked neck. Sir Gawain laid hold of the ax and he hefted it high, His pivot foot thrown forward before him on the floor, And then, swiftly, he slashed at the naked neck; The sharp of the battleblade shattered asunder the bones And sank through the shining fat and slit it in two, And the bit of the bright steel buried itself in the ground. The fair head fell from the neck to the floor of the hall And the people all kicked it away as it came near their feet. The blood splashed up from the body and glistened on the green, But he never faltered or fell for all of that, But swiftly he started forth upon stout shanks And rushed to reach out, where the King’s retainers stood, Caught hold of the lovely head, and lifted it up, And leaped to his steed and snatched up the reins of the bridle, Stepped into stirrups of steel and, striding aloft, He held his head by the hair, high, in his hand; And the stranger sat there as steadily in his saddle As a man entirely unharmed, although he was headless on his steed. He turned his trunk about, That baleful body that bled, And many were faint with fright When all his say was said. He held his head in his hand up high before him, Addressing the face to the dearest of all on the dais; And the eyelids lifted wide, and the eyes looked out, And the mouth said just this much, as you may now hear: “Look that you go, Sir Gawain, as good as your word, And seek till you find me, as loyally, my friend, As you’ve sworn in this hall to do, in the hearing of the knights. Come to the Green Chapel, I charge you, and take A stroke the same as you’ve given, for well you deserve To be readily requited on New Year’s morn. Many men know me, the Knight of the Green Chapel; Therefore if you seek to find me, you shall not fail. Come or be counted a coward, as is fitting.” Then with a rough jerk he turned the reins And haled away through the hall-door, his head in his hand, And fire of the flint flew out from the hooves of the foal. To what kingdom he was carried no man there knew, d 149 asunder: into pieces. 156 shanks: legs. 157 retainers: servants or attendants. 165 baleful: threatening evil; sinister. d ROMANCE Which characteristics of medieval romance are reflected in lines 161–174? unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s41-Gawain.indd 236 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for struggling readers Comprehension Support Encourage students to use the Visualizing strategy and organizer to explore the exciting scene in which Gawain cuts off the Green Knight’s head, only to have the Green Knight retrieve it, speak to the assembly, and depart (lines 142–185). Encourage students to reflect on the results, responding with speculation about who the Green Knight is and why he is challenging the Round Table. Then invite 12:21:16 NA_L12PE-u01 PM students to use the Predicting strategy and organizer to discuss what may happen as the plot advances. Urge students to write their predictions and then see which ones come to pass by the story’s end. BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparencies Predicting p. A10 Visualizing p. A11 1 NA_L12TE-u01s15-gawain.indd 236 1/3/11 8:34:56 AM 2/10 185 No more than they knew what country it was he came from. What then? The King and Gawain there Laugh at the thing and grin; And yet, it was an affair Most marvelous to men. e READING SKILL e As the end of the year approaches, Gawain leaves on his quest to find the Green Chapel and fulfill his pledge. After riding through wild country and encountering many dangers, he comes upon a splendid castle. The lord of the castle welcomes Gawain and invites him to stay with him and his lady for a few days. The lord proposes that he will go out to hunt each day while Gawain stays at the castle. At the end of the day, they will exchange what they have won. While the lord is out hunting, the lady attempts to seduce Gawain. Gawain resists her, however, and on the first two days accepts only kisses, which he gives to the lord at the end of each day in exchange for what the lord has gained in the hunt. On the third day Gawain continues to resist the lady, but she presses him to accept another gift. 190 195 200 205 She held toward him a ring of the yellowest gold And, standing aloft on the band, a stone like a star From which flew splendid beams like the light of the sun; And mark you well, it was worth a rich king’s ransom. But right away he refused it, replying in haste, “My lady gay, I can hardly take gifts at the moment; Having nothing to give, I’d be wrong to take gifts in turn.” She implored him again, still more earnestly, but again He refused it and swore on his knighthood that he could take nothing. Grieved that he still would not take it, she told him then: “If taking my ring would be wrong on account of its worth, And being so much in my debt would be bothersome to you, I’ll give you merely this sash that’s of slighter value.” She swiftly unfastened the sash that encircled her waist, Tied around her fair tunic, inside her bright mantle; It was made of green silk and was marked of gleaming gold f Embroidered along the edges, ingeniously stitched. This too she held out to the knight, and she earnestly begged him To take it, trifling as it was, to remember her by. 237 Comprehension: Text Structure [paired option] Have students pay special attention to the italicized synopsis at the top of this page, which is packed with important plot details. Have students work with fluent English speakers to identify the events mentioned. As they do so, urge them to pay attention to transitions that indicate time and/or sequence, such as “After riding,” “At the end of the day,” and “While the lord is hunting.” Suggest that stu- GRAMMAR AND STYLE • Invite students to identify other examples of alliterative participial phrases (or any examples of alliteration) in the text. GRAMMAR AND STYLE The Gawain Poet uses alliterative participial phrases throughout the poem, which creates a rhythmic or “musical” effect in the selection. “Gleaming gold” in line 205 is a good example. 237 dents imagine each event as a picture and create a simple caption for it; then have partners share and elaborate upon the captions. Encourage students to repeat this activity when they come to the next italicized synopsis at the end of line 240; students also may find it useful for passages in the poetic narrative. 12:21:17 PM for advanced learners/ap Analyze Foreshadowing Point out the description of the sash in lines 205–206 and ask students where they read a similar description earlier in the selection. Answer: The description of the mane of the Green Knight’s horse (lines 9–17) is similar. Challenge students to write and share a brief essay in which they analyze this similarity as an example of foreshadowing, as well as any other examples that they may find. sir gawain and the green knight NA_L12TE-u01s15-gawain.indd 237 L1 • Share these other examples of alliterative participial phrases: “glistening green” (line 84), and “Tied around her fair tunic” (line 204). 204 tunic . . . mantle: shirtlike garment worn under a sleeveless cloak. 11/22/10 for english language learners RL 1 Use Alliteration Seen often in Anglo-Saxon poetry, alliteration was used later by the Gawain Poet in Middle English, the language of medieval England. John Gardner preserves much of the original alliteration in this translation. By creating musically alliterative phrases, the poets turned a technical constraint into a source of beauty. 197 implored: begged. f make inferences Possible answer: The reader can infer that Arthur and Gawain laugh from nervousness, being unsure about what awaits Gawain in the future, or from enjoyment of the adventure. f sir gawain and the green knight 12:21:16 NA_L12PE-u01s41-Gawain.indd PM e MAKE INFERENCES Reread lines 185– 189. What can you infer about Arthur and Gawain’s feelings about their encounter with the Green Knight? 237 1/13/11 10:59:52 AM About the Art English artist William Morris (1834–1896) created this oil painting, Queen Guinevere, in 1858. A leader of the Arts and Crafts movement, which revived traditional handicrafts, Morris created stained glass and tapestries, wrote poetry and prose, printed books, designed typefaces, and more. This painting of Guinevere, King Arthur’s wife (see line 116), shows her as a beautiful but pensive figure, standing in a luxuriously furnished and draped bedroom, with a book open on a table. The atmosphere is one of artistic refinement and sensitivity. The violent aspects of the age of chivalry are absent, and only the gentle aspects are shown. It is easy to imagine that the lady of the castle in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight was similar in demeanor. Queen Guinevere (1858), William Morris. Oil on canvas. 238 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s41-Gawain.indd 238 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Vocabulary: Outdated Forms Explain that even though this poem is presented in a modern translation, it contains some terms that are not widely used in English today. Provide these definitions for students. Then have them reread the lines, substituting the definitions for the outdated forms. Analyze Character After students have finished reading the selection, ask them to review the words and actions of the lady of the castle (lines 190–240). Then have them write a character sketch in which they present the lady’s key traits, with textual support, and explain how her presence in the story clarifies the Gawain Poet’s main ideas. Work with students to create a format for sharing their insights. • perchance (line 222), “maybe” • suffered (line 231), “allowed” (Contrast with suffer in line 229.) 238 unit 12:21:18 NA_L12PE-u01 PM 1 NA_L12TE-u01s15-gawain.indd 238 1/3/11 8:35:03 AM 2/10 210 215 220 225 230 235 240 But again he said no, there was nothing at all he could take, Neither treasure nor token, until such time as the Lord Had granted him some end to his adventure. “And therefore, I pray you, do not be displeased, But give up, for I cannot grant it, however fair or right. I know your worth and price, And my debt’s by no means slight; I swear through fire and ice To be your humble knight.” g “Do you lay aside this silk,” said the lady then, “Because it seems unworthy—as well it may? Listen. Little as it is, it seems less in value, But he who knew what charms are woven within it Might place a better price on it, perchance. For the man who goes to battle in this green lace, As long as he keeps it looped around him, No man under Heaven can hurt him, whoever may try, For nothing on earth, however uncanny, can kill him.” The knight cast about in distress, and it came to his heart This might be a treasure indeed when the time came to take The blow he had bargained to suffer beside the Green Chapel. If the gift meant remaining alive, it might well be worth it; So he listened in silence and suffered the lady to speak, And she pressed the sash upon him and begged him to take it, And Gawain did, and she gave him the gift with great pleasure And begged him, for her sake, to say not a word, And to keep it hidden from her lord. And he said he would, That except for themselves, this business would never be known to a man. h He thanked her earnestly, And boldly his heart now ran; And now a third time she Leaned down and kissed her man. T E X T A N A L Y S I S : Review g g CHARACTER TRAITS In lines 209–217, what does Gawain’s refusal of gifts suggest about his character? character traits Possible answer: Gawain’s refusal of gifts suggests that he is honorable and strives to live up to his agreement with the lord. revisit the big question Is HONOR worth dying for? Discuss Is Gawain acting with honor when he hides the gift of the sash? Explain. Possible answers: Yes, because the lady asked him to keep the gift a secret (lines 233–234). No, because Gawain agreed to exchange gifts with his host each day (synopsis following line 189). READING SKILL h MAKE INFERENCES Reread lines 227–236. Why is Gawain distressed when he learns about the sash’s magical powers? h make inferences RL 1 Possible answer: Gawain is distressed because he realizes that although the sash could save his life, taking it would require him to deceive his host by keeping the gift a secret. He also may be distressed because using the gift would mean trusting in magic for help instead of depending upon his own strength and virtue. When the lord returns at the end of the third day, Gawain gives him a kiss but does not reveal the gift of the sash. IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Have them reread lines 227–230 closely, beginning with “it came to his heart . . . .” Ask: sir gawain and the green knight 12:21:18 NA_L12PE-u01s41-Gawain.indd PM 239 11/22/10 for advanced learners/ap Synthesize a Parallel [small-group option] Ask students to consider the plot situation: A person on a mission is given the chance to succeed with almost complete certainty, but accepting the opportunity requires him or her to compromise personal values. Invite interested groups of students to respond to one of these writing prompts and to share the results: NA_L12TE-u01s15-gawain.indd 239 • What reason or reasons would Gawain have for accepting the gift of the sash? 239 12:21:24 PM • In what way would accepting the sash be dishonest? • Do some research to find a real-life figure— someone from political or sports history, for example—who faced this kind of choice. What mission did the person have, what was the nature of the choice, what decision did he or she make, and what point does this person’s story make about honor? • Write a story about how a person today might face such a decision. Consider the person’s mission, choice, decision, and results; think, too, about what you want the story to say about the nature or importance of honor. sir gawain and the green knight 239 1/3/11 8:35:10 AM On New Year’s Day Gawain must go to meet the Green Knight. Wearing the green sash, he sets out before dawn. Gawain arrives at a wild, rugged place, where he sees no chapel but hears the sound of a blade being sharpened. Gawain calls out, and the Green Knight appears with a huge ax. The Green Knight greets Gawain, who, with pounding heart, bows his head to take his blow. revisit the big question Is HONOR worth dying for? Discuss In lines 247–260, is it a lack of honor that makes Gawain flinch? Why or why not? Possible answers: Yes, because a perfectly honorable knight would value honor above his own life. No, because flinching is a reflex; despite the flinching, he is brave in risking his life and following through on his promise. Q 245 250 255 260 265 270 READING SKILL i make inferences RL 1 Possible answer: The Green Knight stops because he is testing Gawain to see if Gawain is a truly brave knight. Extend the Discussion Since Gawain has been told that the green sash would protect him (lines 223–226), is he truly being brave at this moment? Explain your answer. 275 uickly then the man in the green made ready, Grabbed up his keen-ground ax to strike Sir Gawain; With all the might in his body he bore it aloft And sharply brought it down as if to slay him; Had he made it fall with the force he first intended He would have stretched out the strongest man on earth. But Sir Gawain cast a side glance at the ax As it glided down to give him his Kingdom Come, And his shoulders jerked away from the iron a little, And the Green Knight caught the handle, holding it back, And mocked the prince with many a proud reproof: “You can’t be Gawain,” he said, “who’s thought so good, A man who’s never been daunted on hill or dale! For look how you flinch for fear before anything’s felt! I never heard tell that Sir Gawain was ever a coward! I never moved a muscle when you came down; In Arthur’s hall I never so much as winced. My head fell off at my feet, yet I never flickered; But you! You tremble at heart before you’re touched! I’m bound to be called a better man than you, then, my lord.” Said Gawain, “I shied once: No more. You have my word. But if my head falls to the stones It cannot be restored. “But be brisk, man, by your faith, and come to the point! Deal out my doom if you can, and do it at once, For I’ll stand for one good stroke, and I’ll start no more Until your ax has hit—and that I swear.” “Here goes, then,” said the other, and heaves it aloft And stands there waiting, scowling like a madman; He swings down sharp, then suddenly stops again, Holds back the ax with his hand before it can hurt, And Gawain stands there stirring not even a nerve; He stood there still as a stone or the stock of a tree That’s wedged in rocky ground by a hundred roots. i O, merrily then he spoke, the man in green: 240 248 his Kingdom Come: his death and entry into the afterlife; a reference to the sentence “Thy kingdom come” in the Lord’s Prayer. 259–260 The Green Knight has proclaimed himself a better man than Gawain. i MAKE INFERENCES Reread lines 271–275. Why does the Green Knight stop his axe from falling a second time? unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s41-Gawain.indd 240 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for advanced learners/ap Evaluate Theme Ask students to think about how the external conflict between Gawain and the Green Knight represents broader issues. Ask students to consider these themes: • What is courage and what is cowardice? 12:21:25 NA_L12PE-u01 PM • What is the difference between a mortal human being and a perfect hero, and which is worthier? Ask students to discuss these questions both in the context of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and in relation to contemporary life. • When, if ever, is it permissible to avoid telling the whole truth? • What makes a person worthy of respect? 240 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s15-gawain.indd 240 1/3/11 8:35:15 AM 2/10 280 285 290 295 300 305 310 315 “Good! You’ve got your heart back! Now I can hit you. May all that glory the good King Arthur gave you Prove efficacious now—if it ever can— And save your neck.” In rage Sir Gawain shouted, “Hit me, hero! I’m right up to here with your threats! Is it you that’s the cringing coward after all?” “Whoo!” said the man in green, “he’s wrathful, too! No pauses, then; I’ll pay up my pledge at once, I vow!” He takes his stride to strike And lifts his lip and brow; It’s not a thing Gawain can like, For nothing can save him now! Language Coach Frequently Misused Words Reread lines 278-280. Efficacious can be a synonym for effective, but only when applied to things. Both words mean “producing the desired effect.” Is efficacious used correctly in this sentence? King Arthur was an efficacious leader. Why or why not? He raises that ax up lightly and flashes it down, And that blinding bit bites in at the knight’s bare neck— But hard as he hammered it down, it hurt him no more Than to nick the nape of his neck, so it split the skin; The sharp blade slit to the flesh through the shiny hide, And red blood shot to his shoulders and spattered the ground. And when Gawain saw his blood where it blinked in the snow He sprang from the man with a leap to the length of a spear; He snatched up his helmet swiftly and slapped it on, Shifted his shield into place with a jerk of his shoulders, And snapped his sword out faster than sight; said boldly— And, mortal born of his mother that he was, There was never on earth a man so happy by half— “No more strokes, my friend; you’ve had your swing! I’ve stood one swipe of your ax without resistance; If you offer me any more, I’ll repay you at once With all the force and fire I’ve got—as you will see. I take one stroke, that’s all, For that was the compact we Arranged in Arthur’s hall; But now, no more for me!” The Green Knight remained where he stood, relaxing on his ax— Settled the shaft on the rocks and leaned on the sharp end— And studied the young man standing there, shoulders hunched, And considered that staunch and doughty stance he took, Undaunted yet, and in his heart he liked it; And then he said merrily, with a mighty voice— With a roar like rushing wind he reproved the knight— “Here, don’t be such an ogre on your ground! Nobody here has behaved with bad manners toward you Synthesize How does Gawain’s behavior in this scene help define what it means to be a hero? Possible answer: Gawain’s behavior suggests that a hero may not be completely selfless or perfect; rather, a hero is someone who keeps his or her word, regardless of the danger or stress involved in doing so. revisit the big question Is HONOR worth dying for? 307 compact: binding agreement. 241 11/22/10 Language Coach Frequently Misused Words Answer: No; the correct sentence is, “King Arthur was an effective leader.” Efficacious in this sentence would mean the potential to be an effective leader, but the sentence is pointing out that King Arthur was an effective leader. Ask students to come up with another sentence that uses the term efficacious correctly. Discuss Does the way in which Gawain reacts to the cut on his neck detract from his example of honor? Why or why not? Possible answers: Yes, because Gawain turns nasty once the terms of the deal have been met. No, because willingness to face a foe is part of his code of honor. 313 staunch: firm; doughty (douPtC): brave. 241 for english language learners Summarize What happens to Gawain when the Green Knight swings the ax the third time? Answer: The Green Knight’s blade breaks the skin of Gawain’s neck, spilling a little blood. Interpret Why is Gawain happy after he is cut by the blade? Possible answer: Gawain is happy because he has fulfilled his vow to the Green Knight without experiencing injury or death. sir gawain and the green knight 12:21:25 NA_L12PE-u01s41-Gawain.indd PM tiered discussion prompts 12:21:25 PM for struggling readers Comprehension Support Have students use a Three-Column Journal to summarize what happens at each of the three strokes of the Green Knight’s ax. BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Three-Column Journal p. B10 sir gawain and the green knight NA_L12TE-u01s15-gawain.indd 241 241 1/3/11 8:35:18 AM 320 tiered discussion prompts Use these prompts to help students understand the Green Knight’s explanation for his actions in lines 324–339: Summarize Why did the Green Knight cut Gawain on the third stroke after feinting twice? Possible answer: The Green Knight feinted the first two times out of a sense of sport and out of respect for the fact that Gawain had fulfilled his agreement with the lord for the first two nights. He cut Gawain the third time because Gawain had concealed the sash on the third night. Analyze What is important about the information in lines 336–339? Possible answer: The information—that the Green Knight is the lord of the castle, that the lady is his wife, and that he arranged for her to give Gawain the sash—provides an explanation for the test that Gawain underwent at the castle. Evaluate Did Gawain really fail the Green Knight by not revealing the secret of the green sash? If so, how severe a failure was it? Was the punishment proportionate to the failure? Possible answer: In the minds of modern readers, Gawain’s fault was a slight one, and therefore deserved the slight kind of punishment that he received. 325 330 335 340 345 350 355 242 differentiated instruction for struggling readers Comprehension Support To help students understand the characters of Gawain and the Green Knight, have them complete a Character Traits and Textual Evidence chart such as the one excerpted here. Or done a thing except as the contract said. I owed you a stroke, and I’ve struck; consider yourself Well paid. And now I release you from all further duties. If I’d cared to hustle, it may be, perchance, that I might Have hit somewhat harder, and then you might well be cross! The first time I lifted my ax it was lighthearted sport, I merely feinted and made no mark, as was right, For you kept our pact of the first night with honor And abided by your word and held yourself true to me, Giving me all you owed as a good man should. I feinted a second time, friend, for the morning You kissed my pretty wife twice and returned me the kisses; And so for the first two days, mere feints, nothing more severe. A man who’s true to his word, There’s nothing he needs to fear; You failed me, though, on the third Exchange, so I’ve tapped you here. “That sash you wear by your scabbard belongs to me; My own wife gave it to you, as I ought to know. I know, too, of your kisses and all your words And my wife’s advances, for I myself arranged them. It was I who sent her to test you. I’m convinced You’re the finest man that ever walked this earth. As a pearl is of greater price than dry white peas, So Gawain indeed stands out above all other knights. But you lacked a little, sir; you were less than loyal; But since it was not for the sash itself or for lust But because you loved your life, I blame you less.” Sir Gawain stood in a study a long, long while, So miserable with disgrace that he wept within, And all the blood of his chest went up to his face And he shrank away in shame from the man’s gentle words. The first words Gawain could find to say were these: “Cursed be cowardice and covetousness both, Villainy and vice that destroy all virtue!” He caught at the knots of the girdle and loosened them And fiercely flung the sash at the Green Knight. “There, there’s my fault! The foul fiend vex it! Foolish cowardice taught me, from fear of your stroke, To bargain, covetous, and abandon my kind, 325 feinted (fAnPtGd): pretended to attack. 336 scabbard (skBbPErd): a sheath for a dagger or sword. 354 girdle: sash. 356 vex: harass; torment. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s41-Gawain.indd 242 Gawain is very principled Direct Example Clarification “Cursed be cowardice Gawain is furious with and covetousness himself for what he both . . . ” (line 352) views as a failure. 11/22/10 12:21:26 NA_L12PE-u01 PM for advanced learners/ap Evaluate Theme Ask students to reflect upon the message of lines 332–333. Then discuss whether or not the message is valid. Encourage them to support their view with evidence. Possible answers: Yes, it is valid. Whatever external difficulties an honorable person undergoes, he or she will face them bravely and retain honor. No, it is not valid. It implies that all opponents are honorable, and not all are as honorable as the Green Knight. 242 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12TE-u01s15-gawain.indd 242 1/3/11 8:35:21 AM 2/10 360 365 The selflessness and loyalty suitable in knights; Here I stand, faulty and false, much as I’ve feared them, Both of them, untruth and treachery; may they see sorrow and care! I can’t deny my guilt; My works shine none too fair! Give me your good will And henceforth I’ll beware.” j j 370 375 380 385 390 Language Coach Roots and Affixes For words that end in a vowel and consonant, normal spelling rules require doubling the final consonant when adding a suffix that begins with a vowel. Reread line 385. Does revel follow this rule? What other words are like revel? NA_L12TE-u01s15-gawain.indd 243 • Why would Gawain feel that he has betrayed his host? K PLOT Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a narrative: it has a clear beginning, middle and end, and focuses on a conflict and its eventual resolution. These elements of story-telling contribute to its plot, the sequence of actions and events that unfold in a narrative. Like most stories, this one builds to a climax as Gawain realizes he has betrayed his chivalric ideals, and the Green Knight passes judgment on him. Reread lines 366–392. What judgment does the Green Knight pass on Gawain? How does Gawain react? What is the resolution that results from this final scene? • Why would Gawain feel that he has betrayed knighthood in general? T E X T A N A LY S I S k for advanced learners/ap Hypothesize At the story’s end, some questions about the Green Knight remain: • Why did he want to test the knights of the Round Table in the first place? plot RL 5 Read aloud lines 366–392. Have students identify the lines spoken by the Green Knight, and the lines spoken by Gawain. Remind students that in dramatic poetry, there is usually a plot that builds up to a conclusion. Possible answer: The Green Knight absolves Gawain of his sins and invites him back to his castle. Gawain thanks him, but opts to move on. They affectionately bid each other goodbye. Sir Gawain, restored and revitalized, returns. 243 1/8/11 Roots and Affixes Answer: Revel does double the last consonant because the word ends with a vowel and a consonant. Point out spelling rule 11.3 on p. R77 that states that in words of more than one syllable, the writer should double the final consonant when the root word ends with one consonant preceded by a vowel. Urge students to employ the spelling rules as they write English words with increasing accuracy. IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Have them focus on the key question word betrayed. Ask: RL 5 243 L 2b RL 5 • Why would Gawain feel that he has betrayed himself in accepting the sash? sir gawain and the green knight Language Coach romance Possible answer: Paraphrase: Because I was afraid, I made a deal and acted unworthily for a knight. I am flawed and a liar, and I curse the lies and deceit that I fear. I am obviously guilty; but if you will give me your good will, I will be more careful from now on. Gawain believes that he has been cowardly in coveting the sash and in being disloyal to his host. L 2b And so they embraced and kissed and commended each other To the Prince of Paradise, and parted then in the cold; Sir Gawain turned again To Camelot and his lord; And as for the man of green, He went wherever he would. K for english language learners j 369 penance: punishment accepted by a person to show sorrow for wrongdoing; point: blade. “No, sir,” said the knight, and seized his helmet And quickly removed it, thanking the Green Knight, “I’ve reveled too well already; but fortune be with you; May He who gives all honors honor you well.” . . . 12:21:26 NA_L12PE-u01s41-Gawain.indd PM T E X T A N A LY S I S 367–371 The Green Knight is saying that Gawain has paid for his fault by admitting it and offering his head to the ax. A t that, the Green Knight laughed, saying graciously, “Whatever harm I’ve had, I hold it amended Since now you’re confessed so clean, acknowledging sins And bearing the plain penance of my point; I consider you polished as white and as perfectly clean As if you had never fallen since first you were born. And I give you, sir, this gold-embroidered girdle, For the cloth is as green as my gown. Sir Gawain, think On this when you go forth among great princes; Remember our struggle here; recall to your mind This rich token. Remember the Green Chapel. And now, come on, let’s both go back to my castle And finish the New Year’s revels with feasting and joy, not strife, I beg you,” said the lord, And said, “As for my wife, She’ll be your friend, no more A threat against your life.” ROMANCE Paraphrase lines 357–365. What ideals of chivalry does Gawain believe he has betrayed? 12:22:23 PM selection wrap–up READ WITH A PURPOSE Now that students have read Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, ask them to discuss what it meant to be honorable in medieval times. Do they feel that Sir Gawain acted honorably? Possible answer: Yes; he acted like a true, chivalrous knight. • What gives him his powers? • What is his history? • How much of the future does he know? INDEPENDENT READING Students may also enjoy reading The Sword in the Stone by T.H. White. Invite students to discuss these questions and others that they may have about the character. sir gawain and the green knight 243 1/21/11 1:51:31 PM After Reading Practice and Apply Comprehension For preliminary support of post-reading questions, use these copy masters: 1. Recall What challenge does the Green Knight make to King Arthur and his knights? 2. Summarize What happens when Sir Gawain meets the Green Knight on New Year’s Day? RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Masters Reading Check p. 239 Medieval Romance p. 235 Question Support p. 240 Additional selection questions are provided for teachers on page 229. answers 3. Clarify At the end of the poem, what is the Green Knight’s opinion of Gawain? Text Analysis 4. Examine Medieval Romance In medieval romances, there is often a character whose identity is hidden or mistaken. Explain how this characteristic affects the outcome of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. RL 1, RL 3, RL 5 5. Identify Situational Irony Situational irony is a contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs. What is ironic about Sir Gawain’s acceptance of the sash from the lady of the castle? 1. The Green Knight challenges the knights to exchange strokes with an ax. 2. The Green Knight makes two feinted swings of the ax and then nicks Gawain’s neck on the third swing. The agreement fulfilled, the Green Knight reveals that Gawain’s stay at the castle was a test. 6. Analyze Character’s Motives Why does Gawain decline the Green Knight’s invitation to celebrate the new year together at the end of the poem? 3. The Green Knight thinks that Gawain is imperfect but still the finest knight to be found. 8. Compare Texts Both Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Chaucer’s “The Wife of Bath’s Tale” portray knights who undergo a test. Compare the tone, or writer’s attitude toward a subject, in these two selections. Identify words and details that help convey the tone in each poem. 7. Make Inferences Review the inference chart you created as you read. Which character shows greater courage, Sir Gawain or the Green Knight? Support your answer with evidence from the text. Possible answers: 4. Text Criticism common core focus Medieval Romance The Green Knight hides his identity so that he can test Gawain. Gawain’s “performance” on the test determines his fate. 9. Social Context It is believed that Sir Gawain and the Green Knight was written in the late 1300s, as the age of chivalry began to wane. Though legend has it that Gawain was one of Arthur’s finest and most loyal knights, the Gawain Poet depicts him as flawed. Why might the Gawain poet have portrayed Gawain this way? 5. Gawain hopes that the sash will protect him from the ax blow; ironically, he ends up being slightly wounded by the ax for accepting the sash. Is common core focus Make Inferences Some students may say the Green Knight shows greater courage because he faces a hall full of brave knights and allows his head to be chopped off. Others may say that since the Green Knight is supernatural and Gawain is a mere mortal, Gawain’s courage in the face of death counts for more. 8. Chaucer’s tone is more humorous and ironic than the tone of the Gawain Poet. Students’ choices of details will vary and may be found throughout the texts. honor worth dying for? King Arthur’s knights devote themselves to following the code of chivalry. Trying to live up to such high ideals can be a double-edged sword. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having such high ideals? 6. Gawain declines the invitation because he feels shame at having betrayed his host. 7. RL 1 Cite textual evidence to support inferences drawn from the text. RL 3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story. RL 5 Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure specific parts of a text contribute to its overall structure. 244 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods 9. The Gawain Poet244 may be offering a critique of the moral failure to live up to the chivalric code due to the vanity and selfishness of mankind and the sorrow that results for all involved. However, the knights’ flaws also reveal their humanity. Their recognition of, and remorse for, their flaws suggests that they find some redemption in the end. NA_L12PE-u01s41-arGawain.indd 1/8/11 12:22:44 NA_L12PE-u01 PM Is HONOR worth dying for? Ask students to think about real-life examples of how doing the honorable thing can sometimes have negative consequences. Does being honorable in these instances outweigh the consequences? 244 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12TE-u01s15-gawain.indd 244 1/13/11 11:00:20 AM 8/11 Language grammar and style: Use Alliteration Review the Grammar and Style note on page 237. The lilting quality of the Gawain Poet’s verse owes much to his use of alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words—a technique that can add emphasis, heighten mood, or create a musical effect in a line or passage. Many of the alliterative elements in the poem consist of participles, verb forms that function as adjectives, and participial phrases, participles plus their modifiers and complements. Fair fanning tresses enveloped the fighting man’s shoulders, And over his breast hung a beard as big as a bush; (lines 3–4) L 1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar when writing. W 3 Write narratives to develop imagined events. W 3a–b, d Engage and orient the reader by introducing a narrator; create a smooth progression of events; use dialogue and description to develop events and characters; use precise words and phrases to convey a vivid picture of events and characters. Language L 1, W 3, W 3a–b, W 3d grammar and style Remind students that a participle is a verb form that is used as an adjective. Past participles usually end in -ed; present participles usually end in -ing. (For more on participial phrases, see Grammar Handbook, page R66.) Possible answers: 1. Participle: shining The bluster of the booming boasts inflamed Arthur, / And seething anger nearly forced him to draw his sword. Notice how the writer uses the alliterative participles fanning and fighting, repeating the consonant f to emphasize the Green Knight’s appearance. PRACTICE Identify the participles in the following lines from the poem, then write your own passages by similarly using participles to create alliteration. 2. Participle: rushing And then he galloped off, with his chest puffed with pride, / With a clatter like a crashing cataract he cleft the night. example He lowered his grisly eyebrows, glistening green, And waved his beard and waited for someone to rise; He held a large ax, blinding bright, But seemed friendly enough as he sized up the knights. RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master Use Alliteration p. 241 1. The sharp of the battleblade shattered asunder the bones And sank through the shining fat and slit it in two, reading–writing connection Before students begin to write, encourage them to reread lines 1–189 (including the italicized passages), taking notes on details that they want to include. Tell students to use their notes to help them organize their eyewitness accounts. 2. And then he said merrily, with a mighty voice— With a roar like rushing wind he reproved the knight— reading-writing connection YOUR TURN Expand your understanding of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by responding to this prompt. Then, use the revising tips to improve your eyewitness account. writing prompt revising tips CREATE AN EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT Imagine that you are a guest at King Arthur’s court. Write a three-to-five-paragraph eyewitness account about the Green Knight’s first appearance. Include a description of the event and excerpts from “interviews” with Knights of the Round Table who watched the event unfold. • Organize your eyewitness account in chronological order and include quotations from various knights. • Add participial phrases and alliteration to at least one sentence to enliven your description. 245 differentiated instruction for struggling writers • Limit the length of the account to two or three paragraphs. • Have groups of students brainstorm interview questions during prewriting. • Encourage students to jot down descriptive words that they find in the text and then to use those words as starters for their own descriptions. • Remind students to organize their accounts in chronological order. The following tools are available online at thinkcentral.com and on WriteSmart CD-ROM: • Interactive Graphic Organizers • Interactive Student Models • Interactive Revision Lessons For additional grammar instruction, see GrammarNotes on thinkcentral.com. Go to thinkcentral.com. KEYWORD: HML12-245 sir gawain and the green knight 12:22:44 NA_L12PE-u01s41-arGawain.indd PM Writing Online Interactive Revision 245 1/8/11 12:22:46 PM Assess and Reteach Assess DIAGNOSTIC AND SELECTION TESTS Selection Tests A, B/C pp. 73–74, 75–76 Interactive Selection Test on thinkcentral.com Reteach Level Up Online Tutorials on thinkcentral.com Reteaching Worksheets on thinkcentral.com Literature Lesson 21, Reading Lesson 8 sir gawain and the green knight NA_L12TE-u01s15-gawain.indd 245 245 1/13/11 11:00:27 AM Medieval Romance Focus and Motivate RL 2 Provide an objective summary of the text. RL 3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story. RL 4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including connotative meanings. RL 5 Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure specific parts of a text contribute to its overall structure and meaning. L 4 Determine or clarify the meaning of multiple-meaning words. L 4d Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word by checking the inferred meaning in context. about the author After students have read the biography, discuss the troubled times in which Malory lived. Invite suggestions about what kind of fictional kingdom an author with Malory’s experiences might be moved to create. Encourage students to find parallels as they read the excerpts from Le Morte d’Arthur. from RL 2 Provide an objective summary of the text. RL 3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story. RL 4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including connotative meanings. RL 5 Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure specific parts of a text contribute to its overall structure and meaning. Le Morte d’Arthur Romance by Sir Thomas Malory Retold by Keith Baines Meet the Author Sir Thomas Malory early 1400 s –1471 He pleaded innocent to all the charges, and his guilt was never proven. It is possible that his outspoken opposition to the ruling family provoked enemies to accuse him falsely in some instances. did you know? Sir Thomas Malory . . . • completed Le Morte d’Arthur while in Newgate Prison in London. • spent more than ten years in prison, accused of violent acts. The legend of King Arthur is one of the most popular and enduring legends in Western culture. Most English-speaking readers have been introduced to the Arthurian legend through Le Morte d’Arthur, a work consisting of a number of interwoven tales that chronicle the rise and fall of King Arthur and his court. Adventurous Life Although his identity is not certain, most scholars believe that the author of Le Morte d’Arthur was born into a fairly prosperous family in Warwickshire, England. As a young man, Thomas Malory fought in the Hundred Years’ War. He was knighted in about 1442 and was later elected to Parliament. Malory then became embroiled in the violent political conflicts that preceded the outbreak of the Wars of the Roses. notable quote “Come forth, traitor, and this time I shall make good my revenge!” –Sir Thomas Malory Read the quote aloud and explain to students that Sir Thomas Malory included it in his Arthurian romance. Ask students to predict what the story might be about, based on the quote. Possible answer: The story will present at least two people in combat, one of whom wants revenge for a past wrong. Video link at thinkcentral.com A staunch supporter of the house of Lancaster and its claim to the throne, Malory was imprisoned repeatedly by the Yorkist government on a variety of charges, including rape, robbery, cattle rustling, bribery, and attempted murder. Writing from Behind Bars Malory wrote Le Morte d’Arthur while serving a series of prison terms that began in 1451. He finished the work in prison in 1469. At the end of the book, he asks that readers “pray . . . that God send me good deliverance. And when I am dead, I pray you all pray for my soul.” The Arthurian Legends The first edition of Le Morte d’Arthur was published in 1485, fourteen years after Malory’s death. Le Morte d’Arthur remains the most complete English version of the Arthurian legends, which are believed to have existed since the sixth century as part of the oral tradition in France and England. Some historians believe that the fictional Arthur was modeled on a real fifth- or sixth-century Celtic military leader, although the historical Arthur was undoubtedly very different from Malory’s Arthur, who ruled an idealized world of romance, chivalry, and magic. As the first prose epic written in English, Le Morte d’Arthur is an important milestone in English literature. It has proved to be an astonishingly popular work, having not once gone out of print since it was first published in 1485—a testament to Malory’s singular talent as a writer. Author Online Go to thinkcentral.com. KEYWORD: HML12-246 246 Selection Resources NA_L12PE-u01s42-brMorte.indd See resources on the Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM and on thinkcentral.com. RESOURCE MANAGER UNIT 1 BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT Plan and Teach, pp. 243–250 Summary, pp. 251–252†‡* Text Analysis and Reading Skill, pp. 253–256†* Vocabulary, pp. 257–259* New Word Analysis, p. E8 Draw It, p. A2 What’s Most Important, p. D4 Two-Column Chart, p. A25 Story Map, p. D14 246 Video link at thinkcentral.com 12/15/10 7:31:22 NA_L12PE-u01 PM TECHNOLOGY Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM Student One Stop DVD-ROM Audio Anthology CD ExamView Test Generator on the Teacher One Stop DIAGNOSTIC AND SELECTION TESTS Selection Tests, pp. 77–80 * Resources for Differentiation NA_L12TE-u01s16-lemorte.indd 246 † Also in Spanish ‡ In Haitian Creole and Vietnamese 1/3/11 8:32:09 AM 15/10 Teach text analysis: conflict The plot of a medieval romance is typically driven by conflict, a struggle between opposing forces. The conflict can be external, between a character and an outside force, or it can be internal, taking place within the mind of a character. Sometimes a single event contains both types of conflict; for example, in a battle, a knight may externally struggle against an enemy warrior and internally struggle to be courageous and live up to the ideals of chivalry. In addition, conflicts often reveal a character’s motivations, or reasons for acting in a certain way. As you read Le Morte d’Arthur, look for examples of both types of conflict faced by King Arthur, Sir Launcelot, and the other knights, and for how these conflicts shed light on each character’s motivations. Review: Medieval Romance reading skill: summarize Summarizing can help you keep track of events in an actionfilled narrative, such as a romance. When you summarize a narrative, you briefly describe its plot developments. An effective summary should describe events in the same order in which they appear in the narrative and leave out details that are not essential to the plot. As you read, use a chart like the one shown to help you summarize the main plot developments. Passage Summary lines 1–6 Arthur sails to France, where Launcelot has settled, and attacks Launcelot’s lands. What is your ultimate What is your ultimate LOYALTY? loyalty? One of the most important components of the medieval code of chivalry was the requirement that a knight be loyal to his king and country. In Le Morte d’Arthur, Sir Launcelot, King Arthur’s most exemplary knight, falls in love with the king’s wife and faces a crisis of loyalty of epic proportions. Ask the question and have students read the paragraph. After students have completed the QUICKWRITE, invite volunteers to share their responses. Have students use their responses to create a class definition of loyalty that they can keep in mind as they read the selection. QUICKWRITE Loyalty is still a highly valued human quality, one that sometimes requires personal sacrifice. Make a list of individuals or groups to whom you owe some loyalty. Review your list, then write a paragraph to explain which person or group is the one you would not abandon under any circumstances. T E X T A N A LY S I S RL 3 RL 5 Model the Skill: conflict To model for students how to identify internal and external conflict, share this passage with students: Inch by inch, I climbed the rock. One false move and I would fall. Was reaching the summit worth this effort, or had I made a terrible mistake? “Just climb!” I growled to myself. “This is no time for doubt!” vocabulary in context Point out that internal conflicts come from within a person, while external conflicts involve the character and an outside force. Have students identify an external conflict and an internal conflict in the passage. Possible answer: The external conflict is the physical challenge of a dangerous climb; the internal conflict is the character’s struggle with self-doubt. Knowing the following boldfaced words will help you read Le Morte d’Arthur. To show that you understand the terms, try to replace each one with a word or phrase that has the same meaning. 1. The king established dominion over the nation. 2. It is incumbent upon the captain to try to save his ship. 3. Having been robbed and injured, we seek redress. 4. The leader of the rebellion was able to usurp the throne. 5. Some people are open and frank, while others use guile. GUIDED PRACTICE Ask students to cite one external conflict and one internal conflict that a student might experience on the first day of school. Complete the activities in your Reader/Writer Notebook. 247 READING SKILL 7:31:22 NA_L12PE-u01s42-brMorte.indd PM V O C A B247 ULARY SKILL 1/8/11 12:23:45 PM RL 2 vocabulary in context Have students complete Vocabulary in Context. Check their definitions against the following: dominion (dE-mGnPyEn) n. rule or power to rule; mastery guile (gFl) n. clever trickery; deceit incumbent (Gn-kOmPbEnt) adj. required as a duty or an obligation redress (rG-drDsP) n. repayment for a wrong or an injury usurp (yL-sûrpP) v. to seize unlawfully by force PRETEACH VOCABULARY Use the following copy master to help students understand word meanings: RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master Vocabulary Study p. 257 L4 Model the Skill: summarize Go through the biography of Sir Thomas Malory with students paragraph by paragraph. Ask them to recall the most important details from each paragraph. Have them use this information to summarize the biography. Call on a few volunteers to read their summaries to the class. RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master Summarize p. 255 (for student use while reading the selection) le morte d’arthur NA_L12TE-u01s16-lemorte.indd 247 247 1/13/11 11:04:37 AM Practice and Apply e orte d’ rthur summary At Sir Gawain’s insistence, King Arthur and his army besiege Sir Launcelot at Benwick. Launcelot wounds Sir Gawain in battle. Meanwhile, Modred has seized Arthur’s throne, and Arthur sails back to England to reclaim it. Gawain is mortally wounded as they attack the shore; dying, he writes to Launcelot to forgive him for killing his brothers and urges him to aid Arthur. As an apparition, Gawain warns Arthur that he will be killed if he attacks Modred before Launcelot arrives. Arthur attempts a truce, but fighting erupts because of a mistake at the signing ceremony. Modred is mortally wounded, but he delivers a mortal wound to Arthur. A barge takes the dying Arthur away to Avalon. Sir Thomas Malory Analyze Visuals background King Arthur’s favorite knight, Sir Launcelot, has fallen in love with the king’s wife, Gwynevere. The secret love affair is exposed by Sir Modred, Arthur’s son by another woman, and Gwynevere is sentenced to burn at the stake. While rescuing the imprisoned Gwynevere, Launcelot slays two knights who, unknown to him at the time, are the brothers of Sir Gawain, a favorite nephew of Arthur’s. After a reconciliation, Launcelot returns Gwynevere to Arthur to be reinstated as queen. At the urging of Sir Gawain, who still wants revenge on Launcelot, the king banishes Launcelot to France, where the following excerpt begins. read with a purpose Help students set a purpose for reading. Tell them to look for instances when the characters in the story felt regrets for going to battle. What details in this image suggest the size and power of the opposing armies? he iege of enwick T E X T A N A LY S I S a RL 3 RL 5 conflict Possible answer: In the past, Launcelot betrayed Arthur’s trust by falling in love with Queen Gwynevere. Launcelot then killed two of Sir Gawain’s brothers while rescuing Gwynevere from execution. 10 IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Direct their attention to the first three sentences of the Background note on the next page. Ask them how they would feel in Arthur’s situation. When Sir Launcelot had established dominion over France, he garrisoned the towns and settled with his army in the fortified city of Benwick, where his father King Ban had held court. King Arthur, after appointing Sir Modred ruler in his absence, and instructing Queen Gwynevere to obey him, sailed to France with an army of sixty thousand men, and, on the advice of Sir Gawain, started laying waste1 all before him. a News of the invasion reached Sir Launcelot, and his counselors advised him. Sir Bors2 spoke first: “My lord Sir Launcelot, is it wise to allow King Arthur to lay your lands waste when sooner or later he will oblige you to offer him battle?” dominion (dE-mGnPyEn) n. rule or power to rule; mastery a CONFLICT Reread lines 1–6 and the background note. How have Launcelot’s past actions set the stage for his current conflict with King Arthur? 1. laying waste: destroying. 2. Sir Bors: Sir Bors de Ganis, Launcelot’s cousin and the son of King Bors. 248 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s42-Morte.indd 248 differentiated instruction Arthur Uses Excalibur, Arthur Rackham. Illustration from The Romance of King Arthur. 11/22/10 12:22:21 NA_L12PE-u01 PM VOCABULARY own the word L4 dominion: Tell students that the term dominion comes from the Latin word dominium which means “property” and that it has its roots in domain, which comes from the Latin word for “lord.” Then have students explain the meaning of the phrase “. . . Lancelot had established dominion over France.” 248 unit for struggling readers The Audio Anthology CD provides extra support for students with reading difficulties. It is also recommended for use with English language learners. 1 NA_L12TE-u01s16-lemorte.indd 248 1/3/11 8:32:31 AM 2/10 Analyze Visuals Possible answer: The many visible swords and lances; the massed, partially obscured horses and soldiers; and the way the mass of figures seems to extend from the foreground to the background all help emphasize the armies’ size and power. About the Art Arthur Rackham (1867–1939), the British artist who created this image, is best known for his rich, detailed illustrations of children’s literature. Lauded as the “leading decorative illustrator of the Edwardian period,” Rackham illustrated collections of fairy tales and fables as well as Arthurian legends. background Arthur in History Scholars still debate whether the King Arthur legends originated with a real person. Only scraps of evidence exist. An early history of Britain lists 12 battles fought by Arthur, mostly in the north of Britain. An appendix in the same history records Arthur’s death in battle in the year a.d. 537. Welsh poems describe Arthur in legendary terms as early as the eighth century, allowing the inference that he lived earlier. Archaeologists have looked for Arthurian sites. One promising site, South Cadbury, was a well-fortified hill fort from about a.d. 500. Some people believe that it may have been the original Camelot. Cultural Connection The Arthurian legend is the great national legend of England. Similar stories include those of El Cid of Spain and Roland of France—both of which also come from the Middle Ages. Ask students to describe national or cultural legends with which they are familiar. 12:22:21 NA_L12PE-u01s42-Morte.indd PM 249 11/22/10 12:22:38 PM for advanced learners/ap Analyze Character Have students read the background information on the previous page. Ask them to imagine that they are directing a movie about the main characters: Sir Gawain, Sir Launcelot, and King Arthur. Based on the background information provided, what traits would they want the actors playing each character to be able to portray? le morte d’arthur NA_L12TE-u01s16-lemorte.indd 249 249 1/3/11 8:32:41 AM READING SKILL b RL 2 summarize Possible answer: Sir Lyonel advises Launcelot to stay within Benwick’s walls and attack Arthur’s army when it grows weak, while King Bagdemagus and Sir Galyhud advise leaving the city and attacking Arthur’s forces soon. IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Have them continue using the chart introduced on the prereading page, as in this example: Passage Summary lines 11–13 Sir Lyonel: “Stay within the city walls until the invaders are weak; then attack.” 20 30 40 revisit the big question What is your ultimate LOYALTY? Discuss In lines 22–33, how do Launcelot and Arthur show mutual loyalty, even when they are at war against each other? Possible answer: They show loyalty through Launcelot’s attempt to sue for peace instead of initiating a battle against his liege and through Arthur’s wish to reconcile with him. Sir Lyonel3 spoke next: “My lord, I would recommend that we remain within the walls of our city until the invaders are weakened by cold and hunger, and then let us sally forth4 and destroy them.” Next, King Bagdemagus: “Sir Launcelot, I understand that it is out of courtesy that you permit the king to ravage your lands, but where will this courtesy end? If you remain within the city, soon everything will be destroyed.” Then Sir Galyhud: “Sir, you command knights of royal blood; you cannot expect them to remain meekly within the city walls. I pray you, let us encounter the enemy on the open field, and they will soon repent of their expedition.” b And to this the seven knights of West Britain all muttered their assent. Then Sir Launcelot spoke: “My lords, I am reluctant to shed Christian blood in a war against my own liege;5 and yet I do know that these lands have already suffered depredation 6 in the wars between King Claudas and my father and uncle, King Ban and King Bors. Therefore I will next send a messenger to King Arthur and sue7 for peace, for peace is always preferable to war.” Accordingly a young noblewoman accompanied by a dwarf was sent to King Arthur. They were received by the gentle knight Sir Lucas the Butler. “My lady, you bring a message from Sir Launcelot?” he asked. “My lord, I do. It is for the king.” “Alas! King Arthur would readily be reconciled to Sir Launcelot, but Sir Gawain forbids it; and it is a shame, because Sir Launcelot is certainly the greatest knight living.” The young noblewoman was brought before the king, and when he had heard Sir Launcelot’s entreaties for peace he wept, and would readily have accepted them had not Sir Gawain spoken up: “My liege, if we retreat now we will become a laughingstock, in this land and in our own. Surely our honor demands that we pursue this war to its proper conclusion.” “Sir Gawain, I will do as you advise, although reluctantly, for Sir Launcelot’s terms are generous and he is still dear to me. I beg you make a reply to him on my behalf.” c Sir Gawain addressed the young noblewoman: “Tell Sir Launcelot that we will not bandy words with him, and it is too late now to sue for peace. Further that I, Sir Gawain, shall not cease to strive against him until one of us is killed.” The young noblewoman was escorted back to Sir Launcelot, and when she had delivered Sir Gawain’s message they both wept. Then Sir Bors spoke: b SUMMARIZE Summarize in one sentence the advice Launcelot receives from his counselors in lines 9–19. c CONFLICT What internal conflict does Arthur reveal in lines 34–42? How does it motivate his decision? 3. Sir Lyonel (lFPEn-El): another of Launcelot’s cousins. 4. sally forth: rush out suddenly in an attack. 5. liege (lCj): a lord or ruler to whom one owes loyalty and service. 6. depredation (dDpQrG-dAPshEn) n. destruction caused by robbery or looting 7. sue: appeal; beg. T E X T A N A LY S I S c RL 3 RL 5 conflict Possible answer: Arthur’s internal conflict is that he wants peace with his greatest knight, Sir Launcelot, but that his favorite nephew, Sir Gawain, another great knight, presses him to make war, which motivates his decision. Extend the Discussion How would you advise Arthur to settle this conflict? What arguments would you use to persuade him? 250 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s42-Morte.indd 250 for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Vocabulary Support Use New Word Analysis to teach these words: encounter (line 18), pursue (line 38), challenge (line 57), recover (line 111), period (line 139), despite (line 167), available (line 198). Analyze Viewpoints Note Gawain’s declaration “Surely our honor demands that we pursue this war to its proper conclusion” (lines 38–39). Invite students to discuss the merits and limitations of Gawain’s view, including modern instances in which such a view has been debated. To extend the activity, have students discuss King Bagdemagus’s comment about courtesy in dealing with one’s enemy (lines 14–16). BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency New Word Analysis p. E8 250 unit 11/22/10 differentiated instruction 12:22:43 NA_L12PE-u01 PM 1 NA_L12TE-u01s16-lemorte.indd 250 1/3/11 8:32:47 AM 2/10 50 60 70 80 “My lord, we beseech you, do not look so dismayed! You have many trustworthy knights behind you; lead us onto the field and we will put an end to this quarrel.” “My lords, I do not doubt you, but I pray you, be ruled by me: I will not lead you against our liege until we ourselves are endangered; only then can we honorably sally forth and defeat him.” Sir Launcelot’s nobles submitted; but the next day it was seen that King Arthur had laid siege to the city of Benwick. Then Sir Gawain rode before the city walls and shouted a challenge: “My lord Sir Launcelot: have you no knight who will dare to ride forth and break spears with me? It is I, Sir Gawain.” Sir Bors accepted the challenge. He rode out of the castle gate, they encountered, and he was wounded and flung from his horse. His comrades helped him back to the castle, and then Sir Lyonel offered to joust. He too was overthrown and helped back to the castle. Thereafter, every day for six months Sir Gawain rode before the city and overthrew whoever accepted his challenge. Meanwhile, as a result of skirmishes, numbers on both sides were beginning to dwindle. Then one day Sir Gawain challenged Sir Launcelot: “My lord Sir Launcelot: traitor to the king and to me, come forth if you dare and meet your mortal foe, instead of lurking like a coward in your castle!” Sir Launcelot heard the challenge, and one of his kinsmen spoke to him: “My lord, you must accept the challenge, or be shamed forever.” “Alas, that I should have to fight Sir Gawain!” said Sir Launcelot. “But now I am obliged to.” Sir Launcelot gave orders for his most powerful courser8 to be harnessed, and when he had armed, rode to the tower and addressed King Arthur: “My lord King Arthur, it is with a heavy heart that I set forth to do battle with one of your own blood; but now it is incumbent upon my honor to do so. For six months I have suffered your majesty to lay my lands waste and to besiege me in my own city. My courtesy is repaid with insults, so deadly and shameful that now I must by force of arms seek redress.” “Have done, Sir Launcelot, and let us to battle!” shouted Sir Gawain. Sir Launcelot rode from the city at the head of his entire army. King Arthur was astonished at his strength and realized that Sir Launcelot had not been boasting when he claimed to have acted with forbearance9. “Alas, that I should ever have come to war with him!” he said to himself. It was agreed that the two combatants should fight to the death, with interference from none. Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawain then drew apart and tiered discussion prompts Use these prompts to help students grasp the context of Gawain’s challenge to Launcelot in lines 64–80: Connect What feelings might arise during a disagreement with a friend? Students’ responses should show understanding of the anguish or mixed feelings that such a conflict might arouse. RL 4 Language Coach Interpret Gawain and Launcelot are both knights of the Round Table. In calling Launcelot a traitor (line 68) and his “mortal foe” (line 69), is Gawain exaggerating, or is he telling the truth? Explain. Possible answer: Gawain may be exaggerating Launcelot’s treason and their enmity in order to provoke Launcelot into fighting him, but he is telling the truth: Either man may be killed in the duel, and Launcelot did betray Arthur by running away with Gwynevere. Etymology A word’s etymology, or origin, can help you understand its connotations. In line 61, encountered means “met in battle.” It comes from the Old French encontre (“against”). How does the etymology help you understand the more current meaning of encountered? incumbent (Gn-kOmPbEnt) adj. required as a duty or an obligation Synthesize Gawain does not challenge Launcelot until six months after Arthur’s forces first laid siege to the city. Why does Gawain make the challenge at this point? Possible answers: Gawain makes the challenge because Launcelot is the only remaining opponent whom Gawain has not beaten; Gawain makes the challenge at this point because he has grown impatient for a conclusion to the siege and to the series of challenges. redress (rG-drDsP) n. repayment for a wrong or an injury VOCABULARY own the word L4 8. courser: a horse trained for battle. 9. forbearance (fôr-bârPEns) n. self-control; patient restraint le morte d’arthur 12:22:43 NA_L12PE-u01s42-Morte.indd PM 251 251 11/22/10 for struggling readers Comprehension Support To help students engage with the text, invite them to sketch key scenes, using the Draw It strategy. To help students focus on the main points of this scene and the selection as a whole, use the What’s Most Important strategy. BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT Draw It p. A2 What’s Most Important p. D4 for english language learners Language Coach RL 4 Etymology Answer: The etymology connects to the current meaning of encountered, “to meet or face an enemy or adversary.” Ask students to use a dictionary to research the etymology of the word challenged on line 67. Using the etymology of the word to help them understand its meaning, have them write sentences using the word challenged. 12:22:44 PM • incumbent: Read the definition of incumbent to students and remind them that in this instance, incumbent is used an adjective. When used as a noun, incumbent means a person who currently holds an office. Have students write a pair of sentences, one with incumbent used as an adjective, the other with it used as a noun. Possible answers: adjective: It was incumbent upon the children to care for their aging parents. noun: It is very difficult for a newcomer to unseat the incumbent in a congressional election. • redress: Tell students that common synonyms for redress are “restitution” and “compensation.” le morte d’arthur NA_L12TE-u01s16-lemorte.indd 251 251 1/3/11 8:32:51 AM 90 100 READING SKILL d summarize RL 2 Possible answer: The two knights fight for three hours in the morning, and because Gawain seems strong, Launcelot fights defensively. Once Gawain weakens, Launcelot presses the attack. Launcelot’s tactic is to make his strongest attack while Gawain is weak. IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Have them summarize lines 97–109, supplying one sentence of summary for each paragraph. Remind students to record their summaries on the chart introduced on page 247. Extend the Discussion In what ways does the information about Gawain’s secret affect the reader’s view of his character? 110 120 galloped furiously together, and so great was their strength that their horses crashed to the ground and both riders were overthrown. A terrible sword fight commenced, and each felt the might of the other as fresh wounds were inflicted with every blow. For three hours they fought with scarcely a pause, and the blood seeped out from their armor and trickled to the ground. Sir Launcelot found to his dismay that Sir Gawain, instead of weakening, seemed to increase in strength as they proceeded, and he began to fear that he was battling not with a knight but with a fiend incarnate.10 He decided to fight defensively and to conserve his strength. It was a secret known only to King Arthur and to Sir Gawain himself that his strength increased for three hours in the morning, reaching its zenith11 at noon, and waning again. This was due to an enchantment that had been cast over him by a hermit12 when he was still a youth. Often in the past, as now, he had taken advantage of this. Thus when the hour of noon had passed, Sir Launcelot felt Sir Gawain’s strength return to normal, and knew that he could defeat him. “Sir Gawain, I have endured many hard blows from you these last three hours, but now beware, for I see that you have weakened, and it is I who am the stronger.” Thereupon Sir Launcelot redoubled his blows, and with one, catching Sir Gawain sidelong on the helmet, sent him reeling to the ground. Then he courteously stood back. d “Sir Launcelot, I still defy you!” said Sir Gawain from the ground. “Why do you not kill me now? for I warn you that if ever I recover I shall challenge you again.” “Sir Gawain, by the grace of God I shall endure you again,” Sir Launcelot replied, and then turned to the king: “My liege, your expedition can find no honorable conclusion at these walls, so I pray you withdraw and spare your noble knights. Remember me with kindness and be guided, as ever, by the love of God.” “Alas!” said the king, “Sir Launcelot scruples13 to fight against me or those of my blood, and once more I am beholden to him.” Sir Launcelot withdrew to the city and Sir Gawain was taken to his pavilion, where his wounds were dressed. King Arthur was doubly grieved, by his quarrel with Sir Launcelot and by the seriousness of Sir Gawain’s wounds. For three weeks, while Sir Gawain was recovering, the siege was relaxed and both sides skirmished only halfheartedly. But once recovered, Sir Gawain rode up to the castle walls and challenged Sir Launcelot again: “Sir Launcelot, traitor! Come forth, it is Sir Gawain who challenges you.” d SUMMARIZE Describe the battle between Launcelot and Gawain. What tactic does Launcelot use to overcome Gawain’s secret advantage? 10. fiend incarnate: devil in human form. revisit the big question 11. zenith: highest point; peak. 12. hermit: a person living in solitude for religious reasons. What is your ultimate LOYALTY? 13. scruples: hesitates for reasons of principle. 252 Discuss How does Launcelot display loyalty to King Arthur during the fight scene in lines 110–117? Possible answer: Launcelot displays loyalty by refusing to kill Gawain (Arthur’s nephew) when he has the chance to do so and by urging Arthur to withdraw from the fight, with his blessing. unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s42-Morte.indd 252 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for advanced learners/ap Evaluate Author’s Choices Ask students to imagine that Gawain has no magical fighting power. Discuss these questions: • How would the fight scene be different? Possible answer: The fight might be more one-sided in favor of Launcelot; Gawain might be put out of commission quickly. 12:22:45 NA_L12PE-u01 PM Gawain a magical power increases the suspense about the outcome of the fight. • Is this narrative strategy effective, or does it seem like a trick on the author’s part? Explain. Possible answer: The strategy is effective because supernatural or magical elements are characteristic of medieval romance. • Why did the author supply Gawain with a magical power? Possible answer: Giving 252 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s16-lemorte.indd 252 1/3/11 8:32:54 AM 2/10 130 140 150 “Sir Gawain, why these insults? I have the measure of your strength and you can do me but little harm.” “Come forth, traitor, and this time I shall make good my revenge!” Sir Gawain shouted. “Sir Gawain, I have once spared your life; should you not beware of meddling with me again?” Sir Launcelot armed and rode out to meet him. They jousted and Sir Gawain broke his spear and was flung from his horse. He leaped up immediately, and putting his shield before him, called on Sir Launcelot to fight on foot. “The issue14 of a mare has failed me; but I am the issue of a king and a queen and I shall not fail!” he exclaimed. As before, Sir Launcelot felt Sir Gawain’s strength increase until noon, during which period he defended himself, and then weaken again. “Sir Gawain, you are a proved knight, and with the increase of your strength until noon you must have overcome many of your opponents, but now your strength has gone, and once more you are at my mercy.” Sir Launcelot struck out lustily and by chance reopened the wound he had made before. Sir Gawain fell to the ground in a faint, but when he came to he said weakly: “Sir Launcelot, I still defy you. Make an end of me, or I shall fight you again!” “Sir Gawain, while you stand on your two feet I will not gainsay15 you; but I will never strike a knight who has fallen. God defend me from such dishonor!” e Sir Launcelot walked away and Sir Gawain continued to call after him: “Traitor! Until one of us is dead I shall never give in!” For a month Sir Gawain lay recovering from his wounds, and the siege remained; but then, as Sir Gawain was preparing to fight Sir Launcelot once more, King Arthur received news which caused him to strike camp and lead his army on a forced march to the coast, and thence to embark for Britain. VOCABULARY own the word usurp: Read the paragraph with usurp aloud to students. Then have them list the steps that Sir Modred took in order to usurp the throne. Possible answer: wrote false letters announcing the king’s death, called a parliament, read the letters, persuaded nobility to elect him king T E X T A N A L Y S I S : Review e e MEDIEVAL ROMANCE In what ways does Launcelot exemplify the ideals of chivalry in lines 138–148? 160 medieval romance Possible answer: Launcelot exemplifies the ideals of chivalry by being courageous in battle and courteous to his opponent, and by not taking unfair advantage of his defeated opponent—in short, by acting like an honorable knight. he ay of estiny During the absence of King Arthur from Britain, Sir Modred, already vested with sovereign powers,16 had decided to usurp the throne. Accordingly, he had false letters written—announcing the death of King Arthur in battle—and delivered to himself. Then, calling a parliament, he ordered the letters to be read and persuaded the nobility to elect him king. The coronation took place at Canterbury and was celebrated with a fifteen-day feast. Sir Modred then settled in Camelot and made overtures to Queen Gwynevere to marry him. The queen seemingly acquiesced, but as soon as she had won his confidence, begged leave to make a journey to London in order to prepare her L4 IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Urge them to review the historical essay, focusing on Chivalry and Courtly Love in the Ideas of the Age section. Have them state traits of chivalry that are described in that passage. Then have students match the traits against Launcelot’s behavior in lines 138–148 and decide which ones apply to him. usurp (yL-sûrpP) v. to seize unlawfully by force 14. issue: offspring. 15. gainsay: deny. 16. vested with sovereign powers: given the authority of a king. le morte d’arthur 12:22:45 NA_L12PE-u01s42-Morte.indd PM 253 253 11/22/10 12:22:45 PM for struggling readers for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Comprehension Support: Text Structure Point out that line 154 is not the end of the selection. Have students reread lines 151–154 and speculate about what might make Arthur suddenly abandon Benwick and return to England. Then ask students to preview the next section by reading its title. Invite students to predict what might happen in this section. Culture: Clarify Direct students’ attention to the clause Sir Launcelot struck out in line 143. Point out that struck out is a term in baseball. Emphasize that struck out is not used in that sense here; in this case, it means “struck or hit with his sword.” Evaluate Sir Thomas Malory surely did not intend Gawain’s repeated assertions of defiance against the stronger Launcelot to be interpreted as comic. Do they seem unintentionally comic today, and why? Accept reasonable responses, such as that these scenes seem long and windy in comparison to scenes from today’s fast-paced action films and television shows. le morte d’arthur NA_L12TE-u01s16-lemorte.indd 253 253 1/3/11 8:32:58 AM READING SKILL f summarize RL 2 Possible answer: Sir Modred usurps the throne by spreading the lie that King Arthur is dead. He is officially crowned, he settles in Camelot, and he attempts to woo Queen Gwynevere. She pretends to consent but then, with the support of some nobles, hides from Modred in the Tower of London. 170 180 T E X T A N A LY S I S g Model the Skill: RL 3 RL 5 conflict Read aloud lines 170–178. Identify, with students, the outside forces that are causing strife for Sir Modred and the Archbishop. Possible answer: The external conflict is that the Archbishop of Canterbury threatens to excommunicate Sir Modred, who in turn threatens to behead the Archbishop. 190 Extend the Discussion What difference does the Archbishop’s opposition make? READING SKILL h summarize RL 2 200 trousseau.17 Sir Modred consented, and the queen rode straight to the Tower which, with the aid of her loyal nobles, she manned and provisioned for her defense. f Sir Modred, outraged, at once marched against her, and laid siege to the Tower, but despite his large army, siege engines, and guns, was unable to effect a breach. He then tried to entice the queen from the Tower, first by guile and then by threats, but she would listen to neither. Finally the Archbishop of Canterbury came forward to protest: “Sir Modred, do you not fear God’s displeasure? First you have falsely made yourself king; now you, who were begotten by King Arthur on his aunt,18 try to marry your father’s wife! If you do not revoke your evil deeds I shall curse you with bell, book, and candle.”19 “Fie on you! Do your worst!” Sir Modred replied. “Sir Modred, I warn you take heed! or the wrath of the Lord will descend upon you.” “Away, false priest, or I shall behead you!” g The Archbishop withdrew, and after excommunicating Sir Modred, abandoned his office and fled to Glastonbury. There he took up his abode as a simple hermit, and by fasting and prayer sought divine intercession20 in the troubled affairs of his country. Sir Modred tried to assassinate the Archbishop, but was too late. He continued to assail the queen with entreaties and threats, both of which failed, and then the news reached him that King Arthur was returning with his army from France in order to seek revenge. Sir Modred now appealed to the barony to support him, and it has to be told that they came forward in large numbers to do so. Why? it will be asked. Was not King Arthur, the noblest sovereign Christendom had seen, now leading his armies in a righteous cause? The answer lies in the people of Britain, who, then as now, were fickle. Those who so readily transferred their allegiance to Sir Modred did so with the excuse that whereas King Arthur’s reign had led them into war and strife, Sir Modred promised them peace and festivity. h Hence it was with an army of a hundred thousand that Sir Modred marched to Dover to battle against his own father, and to withhold from him his rightful crown. As King Arthur with his fleet drew into the harbor, Sir Modred and his army launched forth in every available craft, and a bloody battle ensued in the ships and on the beach. If King Arthur’s army were the smaller, their courage was the higher, confident as they were of the righteousness of their cause. Without stint21 they battled through the burning ships, the screaming wounded, and the corpses Possible answer: Sir Modred now looked to the land-owning nobles for help. Many of them helped him because they were fickle and because they believed Modred’s promises of peace and good times. Extend the Discussion In what other times and places have people supported a ruler for reasons that they have regretted later? VOCABULARY SUMMARIZE Reread lines 155–165 and summarize the events that open this section of the selection. guile (gFl) n. clever trickery; deceit g CONFLICT Describe the external conflict in lines 166–178. What motivates Mordred’s behavior? Analyze Visuals William Morris was a designer and artist who was heavily influenced by medieval arts and crafts. What details in this image suggest Gwynevere’s emotional state? h SUMMARIZE Summarize lines 187–193. Why do many people in Britain support Modred? 17. trousseau (trLPsI): clothes and linens that a bride brings to her marriage. 18. begotten . . . aunt: Modred is the son of Arthur and Queen Margawse, the sister of Arthur’s mother, Queen Igraine. 19. I shall curse you with bell, book, and candle: The archbishop is threatening to excommunicate Modred— that is, to deny him participation in the rites of the church. In the medieval ritual of excommunication, a bell was rung, a book was shut, and a candle was extinguished. 20. divine intercession: assistance from God. 21. stint: holding back. 254 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s42-Morte.indd Guinevere (1858), William Morris. Watercolor and drawing on paper, 1,264 mm × 552 mm. Tate Gallery, London. 254 11/22/10 differentiated instruction own the word 12:22:46 NA_L12PE-u01 PM L4 for advanced learners/ap guile: Remind students that the connotation of guile includes the idea of treachery and betrayal. Have them explain what they think Modred might have said to the queen as he used guile to entice her to leave the Tower. Possible answers: He might have said that he would reward her, protect her, and ensure her safety. 254 unit f Analyze Theme [small-group option] Point out that the conflict between Modred and the Archbishop of Canterbury can be seen in thematic terms as a conflict between worldly power and religious power. Ask small groups of students to discuss which side seems more powerful and why. As groups discuss the theme, point out that Modred seems to win the confrontation, but that his win may be a pyrrhic victory (a victory in which the winner actually loses more than the victory is worth). Ask groups to discuss whether, in some sense, the Archbishop is the true winner of the confrontation, and Modred the loser. Invite representatives to share each group’s ideas with the class. 1 NA_L12TE-u01s16-lemorte.indd 254 1/3/11 8:33:01 AM 2/10 Analyze Visuals Possible answer: Guinevere’s downcast gaze and thoughtful expression, as well as the painting’s subdued color palette, convey a somber air. About the Art This watercolor portrait of Queen Guinevere (spelled “Gwynevere” in Malory’s tale) was painted by English artist William Morris (1834–1896) around 1858. Morris also created the oil painting of Guinevere that illustrates Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (page 234). As in the oil painting, this watercolor image shows the queen as a beautiful but pensive woman. revisit the big question What is your ultimate LOYALTY? Discuss In lines 161–174, what irony might readers detect in Queen Gwynevere’s show of loyalty to King Arthur, which is supported by the Archbishop? Possible answer: Readers might note that Gwynevere was disloyal to Arthur by loving Launcelot (indeed, she was nearly executed for her sin) and that it therefore seems ironic that she would refuse Modred, especially given that Arthur is believed to be dead. It also may be ironic that the Archbishop ignores Gwynevere’s past disloyalty. le morte d’arthur 12:22:46 NA_L12PE-u01s42-Morte.indd PM 255 255 11/22/10 for struggling readers • breach (line 167), “opening” Vocabulary Support • revoke (line 173), “to give up” • coronation (line 159), “ceremony at which a king or queen is crowned” • abode (line 180), “dwelling place” • overtures (line 161), “offers (specifically, offers to begin a relationship)” • acquiesced (line 162), “agreed” 12:22:47 PM • assail (line 184), “to attack (especially verbally)” • entreaties (line 184), “powerful requests” • barony (line 187), “land-owning nobles” • provisioned (line 165), “supplied” • effect (line 167), “to cause to happen” le morte d’arthur NA_L12TE-u01s16-lemorte.indd 255 255 1/3/11 8:33:08 AM tiered discussion prompts Use these prompts to help students explore Gawain’s change of heart in lines 210–234: Restate What two things does Gawain ask Launcelot to do? Answer: Gawain asks Launcelot to visit his tomb and pray there, and to join Arthur against Modred. Analyze What is responsible for Gawain’s change of heart toward Launcelot? Possible answer: Gawain’s change of heart may come from the realization that he was wrong to doubt Launcelot’s character or from the understanding that his personal animosity toward Launcelot is less important than the need to help King Arthur. Evaluate In this scene, Gawain makes a deathbed repentance. How trustworthy might this repentance be? Explain. Possible answers: Gawain’s repentance is trustworthy; the nearness of death makes him see the truth. Gawain’s repentance is untrustworthy because it may be motivated by fear. 210 220 230 READING SKILL i summarize RL 2 Possible answer: Sir Launcelot, I, Sir Gawain, will die at noon today from the wounds that you gave me. My death is my own fault, caused by my spiteful wish for revenge. Please visit my tomb and pray for me. In addition, please come and help King Arthur, for Modred has usurped the throne and is fighting against him. 240 floating on the bloodstained waters. Once ashore they put Sir Modred’s entire army to flight. The battle over, King Arthur began a search for his casualties, and on peering into one of the ships found Sir Gawain, mortally wounded. Sir Gawain fainted when King Arthur lifted him in his arms; and when he came to, the king spoke: “Alas! dear nephew, that you lie here thus, mortally wounded! What joy is now left to me on this earth? You must know it was you and Sir Launcelot I loved above all others, and it seems that I have lost you both.” “My good uncle, it was my pride and my stubbornness that brought all this about, for had I not urged you to war with Sir Launcelot your subjects would not now be in revolt. Alas, that Sir Launcelot is not here, for he would soon drive them out! And it is at Sir Launcelot’s hands that I suffer my own death: the wound which he dealt me has reopened. I would not wish it otherwise, because is he not the greatest and gentlest of knights? “I know that by noon I shall be dead, and I repent bitterly that I may not be reconciled to Sir Launcelot; therefore I pray you, good uncle, give me pen, paper, and ink so that I may write to him.” A priest was summoned and Sir Gawain confessed; then a clerk brought ink, pen, and paper, and Sir Gawain wrote to Sir Launcelot as follows: “Sir Launcelot, flower of the knighthood: I, Sir Gawain, son of King Lot of Orkney and of King Arthur’s sister, send you my greetings! “I am about to die; the cause of my death is the wound I received from you outside the city of Benwick; and I would make it known that my death was of my own seeking, that I was moved by the spirit of revenge and spite to provoke you to battle. “Therefore, Sir Launcelot, I beseech you to visit my tomb and offer what prayers you will on my behalf; and for myself, I am content to die at the hands of the noblest knight living. “One more request: that you hasten with your armies across the sea and give succor22 to our noble king. Sir Modred, his bastard son, has usurped the throne and now holds against him with an army of a hundred thousand. He would have won the queen, too, but she fled to the Tower of London and there charged her loyal supporters with her defense. “Today is the tenth of May, and at noon I shall give up the ghost; this letter is written partly with my blood. This morning we fought our way ashore, against the armies of Sir Modred, and that is how my wound came to be reopened. We won the day, but my lord King Arthur needs you, and I too, that on my tomb you may bestow your blessing.” i Sir Gawain fainted when he had finished, and the king wept. When he came to he was given extreme unction,23 and died, as he had anticipated, at the hour of noon. The king buried him in the chapel at Dover Castle, and there many came to see him, and all noticed the wound on his head which he had received from Sir Launcelot. i SUMMARIZE Reread lines 221–239. Briefly summarize Gawain’s letter to Sir Launcelot. 22. succor (sOkPEr) n. aid in a time of need; relief 23. extreme unction: a ritual in which a priest anoints and prays for a dying person. 256 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s42-Morte.indd 256 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners Idioms [mixed-readiness pairs] Help students use context clues to determine the meanings of these idioms in the story: • give in (line 150), “to surrender” • put . . . to flight (lines 202–203), “caused the opposing forces to retreat” 12:22:53 NA_L12PE-u01 PM • brought . . . about (lines 210–211), “made this happen” • give up the ghost (line 235), “die” • won the day (lines 237–238), “triumphed” • give battle to (lines 267–268), “to fight against” • came to (line 206), “returned to consciousness” 256 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s16-lemorte.indd 256 1/3/11 8:33:11 AM 2/10 250 260 270 280 Then the news reached Arthur that Sir Modred offered him battle on the field at Baron Down. Arthur hastened there with his army, they fought, and Sir Modred fled once more, this time to Canterbury. When King Arthur had begun the search for his wounded and dead, many volunteers from all parts of the country came to fight under his flag, convinced now of the rightness of his cause. Arthur marched westward, and Sir Modred once more offered him battle. It was assigned for the Monday following Trinity Sunday, on Salisbury Down. Sir Modred levied fresh troops from East Anglia and the places about London, and fresh volunteers came forward to help Arthur. Then, on the night of Trinity Sunday, Arthur was vouchsafed24 a strange dream: He was appareled in gold cloth and seated in a chair which stood on a pivoted scaffold. Below him, many fathoms deep, was a dark well, and in the water swam serpents, dragons, and wild beasts. Suddenly the scaffold tilted and Arthur was flung into the water, where all the creatures struggled toward him and began tearing him limb from limb. Arthur cried out in his sleep and his squires hastened to waken him. Later, as he lay between waking and sleeping, he thought he saw Sir Gawain, and with him a host of beautiful noblewomen. Arthur spoke: “My sister’s son! I thought you had died; but now I see you live, and I thank the lord Jesu! I pray you, tell me, who are these ladies?” “My lord, these are the ladies I championed25 in righteous quarrels when I was on earth. Our lord God has vouchsafed that we visit you and plead with you not to give battle to Sir Modred tomorrow, for if you do, not only will you yourself be killed, but all your noble followers too. We beg you to be warned, and to make a treaty with Sir Modred, calling a truce for a month, and granting him whatever terms he may demand. In a month Sir Launcelot will be here, and he will defeat Sir Modred.” Thereupon Sir Gawain and the ladies vanished, and King Arthur once more summoned his squires and his counselors and told them his vision. Sir Lucas and Sir Bedivere were commissioned to make a treaty with Sir Modred. They were to be accompanied by two bishops and to grant, within reason, whatever terms he demanded. The ambassadors found Sir Modred in command of an army of a hundred thousand and unwilling to listen to overtures of peace. However, the ambassadors eventually prevailed on him, and in return for the truce granted him suzerainty 26 of Cornwall and Kent, and succession to the British throne when King Arthur died. The treaty was to be signed by King Arthur and Sir Modred the next day. They were to meet between the two armies, and each was to be accompanied by no more than fourteen knights. Both King Arthur and Sir Modred suspected the other of treachery, and gave orders for their armies to attack at the sight of a naked sword. When they met at the appointed place the treaty was signed and both drank a glass of wine. revisit the big question What is your ultimate Language Coach LOYALTY? Roots and Affixes Two examples of suffixes (affixes at the end of a word) are –ness (“state of”) and –eous (“full of”). Each suffix appears on this page, in lines 250 and 266. What is the base word in both cases? What does each word mean? Discuss To what, if anything, does Modred show loyalty? Explain. Possible answer: Modred is loyal only to his own survival and his dream of achieving power. He is not loyal to any person other than himself or to any principle, such as the ideal of chivalry. Instead, he offers Arthur one battle after another, seemingly confident of his ultimate success, despite the fact that Arthur’s support is growing. 24. vouchsafed: granted. 25. championed: defended or fought for. 26. suzerainty (sLPzEr-En-tC): the position of feudal lord. le morte d’arthur 12:22:53 NA_L12PE-u01s42-Morte.indd PM 257 257 11/22/10 for english language learners Language Coach Roots and Affixes Answer: Base word is right. Line 250: “state of being right”; Line 266: “morally right or justifiable” Have students list other words that contain the suffixes –ness and –eous and try to determine their definitions. 12:22:53 PM for advanced learners/ap Compare Interpretations Invite students to interpret Arthur’s dream (lines 255–260) and subsequent vision (lines 262–271). Their interpretations may use a variety of perspectives, such as analyzing Arthur’s character, predicting the narrative, or finding themes and symbols. Encourage as many interpretations as possible. Prompt discussion by asking these questions: • What is the significance of the well, of Arthur’s fall into it, and of the creatures that tear him apart? • Why does the vision include ladies whom Gawain has championed? • Why is Gawain an appropriate messenger of important news for Arthur? • By including the dream and the vision, what is Malory telling the reader? le morte d’arthur NA_L12TE-u01s16-lemorte.indd 257 257 1/3/11 8:33:14 AM 290 READING SKILL j summarize RL 2 Possible answer: Although Modred at first rejects a truce, Arthur’s ambassadors persuade him. Modred and Arthur meet, but both leaders suspect treachery and order their armies to attack at the first sight of a blade. When a soldier draws his sword to kill a snake, both armies mistakenly charge into battle. The breaking of the treaty is the result of a misunderstanding. 300 T E X T A N A LY S I S k RL 3 RL 5 conflict Possible answer: Despite Sir Belvedere’s advice to “allow this fateful day to pass,” Arthur is motivated by revenge against “the traitor Sir Modred.” He says he wishes he had died instead of his “noble knights.” 310 320 Then, by chance, one of the soldiers was bitten in the foot by an adder27 which had lain concealed in the brush. The soldier unthinkingly drew his sword to kill it, and at once, as the sword flashed in the light, the alarums28 were given, trumpets sounded, and both armies galloped into the attack. j “Alas for this fateful day!” exclaimed King Arthur, as both he and Sir Modred hastily mounted and galloped back to their armies. There followed one of those rare and heartless battles in which both armies fought until they were destroyed. King Arthur, with his customary valor, led squadron after squadron of cavalry into the attack, and Sir Modred encountered him unflinchingly. As the number of dead and wounded mounted on both sides, the active combatants continued dauntless until nightfall, when four men alone survived. King Arthur wept with dismay to see his beloved followers fallen; then, struggling toward him, unhorsed and badly wounded, he saw Sir Lucas the Butler and his brother, Sir Bedivere.29 “Alas!” said the king, “that the day should come when I see all my noble knights destroyed! I would prefer that I myself had fallen. But what has become of the traitor Sir Modred, whose evil ambition was responsible for this carnage?” Looking about him King Arthur then noticed Sir Modred leaning with his sword on a heap of the dead. “Sir Lucas, I pray you give me my spear, for I have seen Sir Modred.” “Sire, I entreat you, remember your vision—how Sir Gawain appeared with a heaven-sent message to dissuade you from fighting Sir Modred. Allow this fateful day to pass; it is ours, for we three hold the field, while the enemy is broken.” “My lords, I care nothing for my life now! And while Sir Modred is at large I must kill him: there may not be another chance.” k “God speed you, then!” said Sir Bedivere. When Sir Modred saw King Arthur advance with his spear, he rushed to meet him with drawn sword. Arthur caught Sir Modred below the shield and drove his spear through his body; Sir Modred, knowing that the wound was mortal, thrust himself up to the handle of the spear, and then, brandishing his sword in both hands, struck Arthur on the side of the helmet, cutting through it and into the skull beneath; then he crashed to the ground, gruesome and dead. King Arthur fainted many times as Sir Lucas and Sir Bedivere struggled with him to a small chapel nearby, where they managed to ease his wounds a little. When Arthur came to, he thought he heard cries coming from the battlefield. “Sir Lucas, I pray you, find out who cries on the battlefield,” he said. Wounded as he was, Sir Lucas hobbled painfully to the field, and there in the moonlight saw the camp followers stealing gold and jewels from the dead, and murdering the wounded. He returned to the king and reported to him what he had seen, and then added: j SUMMARIZE Summarize lines 277– 290. What leads to the breaking of the treaty between King Arthur and Modred? k CONFLICT What motivates Arthur’s decision to fight Modred despite Sir Bedivere’s advice? 27. adder: a poisonous snake. 28. alarums: calls to arms. 29. Sir Lucas . . . Bedivere: brothers who are members of King Arthur’s court. 258 differentiated instruction unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s42-Morte.indd 258 for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Vocabulary: Prefixes [mixed-readiness pairs] Point out these words with the common prefix un-: unwilling (line 278), unthinkingly (line 288), unflinchingly (line 295), unhorsed (line 299). Have pairs find definitions in the dictionary. Discuss how the repeated use of the prefix reinforces the gloomy tone of this battle scene. Analyze After students have read the selection, ask them to write three paragraphs in which they explore the roles that chance and choice play in Le Morte d’Arthur. Encourage students to use a Two-Column Chart (like this one, which notes some details from this part of the tale) as a prewriting tool. 11/22/10 “Chance” Events “Choice” Events •• A snake bites a soldier. •• Modred agrees to a truce. 12:22:54 NA_L12PE-u01 PM BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Two-Column Chart p. A25 258 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12TE-u01s16-lemorte.indd 258 1/3/11 8:33:17 AM 2/10 Analyze Visuals Possible answer: The raw, violent lines; the dark palette; the grim clouds; the carrion birds; the facelessness of the combatants; and the amassed bodies of the dead all contribute to the ferocity of this scene. Arthur Versus Modred, Arthur Rackham. Illustration from The Romance of King Arthur. 330 “My lord, it surely would be better to move you to the nearest town?” “My wounds forbid it. But alas for the good Sir Launcelot! How sadly I have missed him today! And now I must die—as Sir Gawain warned me I would— repenting our quarrel with my last breath.” Sir Lucas and Sir Bedivere made one further attempt to lift the king. He fainted as they did so. Then Sir Lucas fainted as part of his intestines broke through a wound in the stomach. When the king came to, he saw Sir Lucas lying dead with foam at his mouth. “Sweet Jesu, give him succor!” he said. “This noble knight has died trying to save my life—alas that this was so!” Analyze Visuals What elements of this image help convey the ferocity of the battle between Arthur and Modred? le morte d’arthur 12:22:54 NA_L12PE-u01s42-Morte.indd PM 259 Analyze Theme [small-group option] Invite groups of students to discuss the themes that they find in the final battle. In particular, ask groups to create a statement about what the story suggests about the nature of war. Point out these details: • The war is all but over when it is reignited by accident. • Although grieved by the carnage, Arthur spurs himself to further violence at the sight of his enemy. NA_L12TE-u01s16-lemorte.indd 259 1/8/11 for advanced learners/ap 259 About the Art London-born Arthur Rackham (1867–1939) has been called the most important illustrator of the early 20th century. His work enriches many classic collections of fairy tales, fables, and fantasy. Rackham’s style, which featured elves, fairies, and idyllic mountain forests, usually was known for its nonthreatening qualities of joy, wonder, innocence, and good humor. However, this depiction of the final clash between Arthur and Modred is anything but innocent, joyous, or good-humored. Dead bodies litter the scene; dark birds fly overhead, perhaps looking for carrion; a monochromatic dark brown dominates the setting. Rackham created the illustration in 1917, at the height of World War I, when merciless battles between massive armies were devastating Europe. If guns and uniforms replaced the swords and armor, this picture could just as well illustrate World War I—an event that ended the relative innocence of the world, much as the events in Malory’s narrative brought the idyllic Camelot to an end. 12:24:07 PM • Arthur loses his life by ignoring sound advice. • The leaders of the two armies kill each other in an act of mutual destruction. • Arthur’s mortal enemy is the illegitimate child that he has fathered. Have groups exchange thematic statements and discuss the statements that they receive. le morte d’arthur 259 1/13/11 11:05:40 AM 340 tiered discussion prompts Use these prompts to help students explore Sir Bedivere’s lie in lines 338–359: Recall How does Arthur know that Sir Bedivere has disobeyed him? Possible answer: Sir Bedivere tells Arthur that he sees only wind and the waves at the lake. Arthur’s response makes it clear that if Sir Bedivere had thrown Excalibur into the lake, he would have had something different to report to Arthur. 350 Interpret What does his disobedience reveal about Sir Bedivere’s character traits? Possible answer: It reveals dishonesty, weakness, and fallibility. Synthesize Construct a selfish motive why Sir Bedivere lies to King Arthur; then construct an unselfish motive. Which motive appears more credible? Possible answer: Selfish: Bedivere wants to keep the sword for himself. Unselfish: Bedivere believes that his wounded king has lost his reason; therefore, Bedivere wants to preserve the sword. Students’ opinions of the credibility of these motives will vary. T E X T A N A LY S I S l RL 3 RL 5 conflict Possible answer: Sir Bedivere’s internal conflict is that he cannot bring himself to discard Arthur’s magnificent sword. He ultimately resolves the conflict by being a dutiful knight and obeying his king. 360 370 Sir Bedivere wept for his brother. “Sir Bedivere, weep no more,” said King Arthur, “for you can save neither your brother nor me; and I would ask you to take my sword Excalibur30 to the shore of the lake and throw it in the water. Then return to me and tell me what you have seen.” “My lord, as you command, it shall be done.” Sir Bedivere took the sword, but when he came to the water’s edge, it appeared so beautiful that he could not bring himself to throw it in, so instead he hid it by a tree, and then returned to the king. “Sir Bedivere, what did you see?” “My lord, I saw nothing but the wind upon the waves.” “Then you did not obey me; I pray you, go swiftly again, and this time fulfill my command.” Sir Bedivere went and returned again, but this time too he had failed to fulfill the king’s command. “Sir Bedivere, what did you see?” “My lord, nothing but the lapping of the waves.” “Sir Bedivere, twice you have betrayed me! And for the sake only of my sword: it is unworthy of you! Now I pray you, do as I command, for I have not long to live.” This time Sir Bedivere wrapped the girdle around the sheath and hurled it as far as he could into the water. A hand appeared from below the surface, took the sword, waved it thrice, and disappeared again. Sir Bedivere returned to the king and told him what he had seen. l “Sir Bedivere, I pray you now help me hence, or I fear it will be too late.” Sir Bedivere carried the king to the water’s edge, and there found a barge in which sat many beautiful ladies with their queen. All were wearing black hoods, and when they saw the king, they raised their voices in a piteous lament. “I pray you, set me in the barge,” said the king. Sir Bedivere did so, and one of the ladies laid the king’s head in her lap; then the queen spoke to him: “My dear brother, you have stayed too long: I fear that the wound on your head is already cold.” Thereupon they rowed away from the land and Sir Bedivere wept to see them go. “My lord King Arthur, you have deserted me! I am alone now, and among enemies.” “Sir Bedivere, take what comfort you may, for my time is passed, and now I must be taken to Avalon31 for my wound to be healed. If you hear of me no more, I beg you pray for my soul.” The barge slowly crossed the water and out of sight while the ladies wept. Sir Bedivere walked alone into the forest and there remained for the night. In the morning he saw beyond the trees of a copse32 a small hermitage. He entered and found a hermit kneeling down by a fresh tomb. The hermit was L CONFLICT What internal conflict does Sir Bedivere experience in lines 343–360? How does he ultimately resolve it? 30. Excalibur (Dk-skBlPE-bEr): Arthur’s remarkable sword, which originally came from the Lady of the Lake. 31. Avalon: an island paradise of Celtic legend, where heroes are taken after death. 32. copse (kJps): a grove of small trees. IF STUDENTS NEED HELP . . . Direct their attention to lines 343–344 and discuss why Bedivere hesitates at the edge of the lake. 260 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s42-Morte.indd 260 11/22/10 differentiated instruction for advanced learners/ap Analyze and Evaluate [paired option] Remind students that medieval romance features larger-than-life or idealized characters; exotic settings; the supernatural; hidden or mistaken identity; and heroes motivated by love, faith, honor, or a desire for adventure. In contrast, realism shows people and situations more as they might be in real life. Ask pairs of students to review the scenes of the final battle and its aftermath and to make these determinations: 260 unit 12:23:02 NA_L12PE-u01 PM • which elements of these scenes are romantic • which elements are realistic • whether any generalizations can be made comparing Malory’s treatment of the battle with his treatment of its aftermath • whether the mixture of realism and romance is effective Work with student pairs to choose a format for sharing their determinations. 1 NA_L12TE-u01s16-lemorte.indd 260 1/3/11 8:33:28 AM 2/10 380 390 400 weeping as he prayed, and then Sir Bedivere recognized him as the Archbishop of Canterbury, who had been banished by Sir Modred. “Father, I pray you, tell me, whose tomb is this?” “My son, I do not know. At midnight the body was brought here by a company of ladies. We buried it, they lit a hundred candles for the service, and rewarded me with a thousand bezants.”33 “Father, King Arthur lies buried in this tomb.” Sir Bedivere fainted when he had spoken, and when he came to he begged the Archbishop to allow him to remain at the hermitage and end his days in fasting and prayer. “Father, I wish only to be near to my true liege.” “My son, you are welcome; and do I not recognize you as Sir Bedivere the Bold, brother to Sir Lucas the Butler?” Thus the Archbishop and Sir Bedivere remained at the hermitage, wearing the habits of hermits and devoting themselves to the tomb with fasting and prayers of contrition.34 Such was the death of King Arthur as written down by Sir Bedivere. By some it is told that there were three queens on the barge: Queen Morgan le Fay, the Queen of North Galys, and the Queen of the Waste Lands; and others include the name of Nyneve, the Lady of the Lake who had served King Arthur well in the past, and had married the good knight Sir Pelleas. In many parts of Britain it is believed that King Arthur did not die and that he will return to us and win fresh glory and the Holy Cross of our Lord Jesu Christ; but for myself I do not believe this, and would leave him buried peacefully in his tomb at Glastonbury, where the Archbishop of Canterbury and Sir Bedivere humbled themselves, and with prayers and fasting honored his memory. And inscribed on his tomb, men say, is this legend: revisit the big question What is your ultimate LOYALTY? Discuss In lines 370–371, Sir Bedivere complains that King Arthur has deserted him— that Arthur has lost his loyalty to Bedivere. Is the complaint accurate? Why or why not? Possible answers: Yes; Arthur should take Bedivere with him, no matter what. No; Arthur knows that he is dying and he can do nothing more for Bedivere. selection wrap–up READ WITH A PURPOSE How might the outcome of the story been different if the characters had chosen, at various times throughout the story, not to go into battle? Possible answer: Sir Gawain, Sir Lucas, and King Arthur would not have been killed. HIC IACET ARTHURUS, REX QUONDAM REXQUE FUTURUS.35 CRITIQUE • Ask students how well the story of King Arthur and his knights holds up after more than 500 years. Have students explain their views. • After completing the After Reading questions on page 263, have students revisit their responses and tell whether they have changed their opinions. INDEPENDENT READING Students may also enjoy reading Sun Dancing by Geoffrey Moorhouse. 33. bezants (bDzPEnts): gold coins. 34. contrition (kEn-trGshPEn): sincere regret for wrongdoing. 35. Hic iacet Arthurus, rex quondam rexque futurus (hGk yäPkDt är-tLPrMs rAks kwônPdäm rAkPskwD fM-tLPrMs) Latin: Here lies Arthur, the once and future king. le morte d’arthur 12:23:02 NA_L12PE-u01s42-Morte.indd PM 261 261 11/22/10 for struggling readers for advanced learners/ap Comprehension Support [small-group option] To help students review the story as a whole, have them work in small groups to complete a Story Map. Analyze and Evaluate The ending of “The Day of Destiny” implies that Arthur someday will return to lead England to greatness— although the narrator explicitly says that he does not believe it. Invite students to use these questions to discuss the function and effect of this prophecy: BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT—Transparency Story Map p. D14 12:23:03 PM • What is there about King Arthur that makes him appropriate as the subject of such a prophecy? • Malory obviously wanted to include the prophecy; why, then, did he add a statement of disbelief? Does that statement make the ending less effective, or more so? • What does the prophecy contribute to the ending? What would the ending be like without it? le morte d’arthur NA_L12TE-u01s16-lemorte.indd 261 261 1/3/11 8:33:32 AM Reading for Information William Caxton, the first English printer, had a significant impact on the literature of his day. In his preface to the first edition of Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur (1485), Caxton describes his anticipated audience and reveals his purpose in publishing the work. connect This selection provides additional information on the publishing history of Le Morte d’Arthur. You can also use it as a minilesson on reading for information. p r et o ft hae c e reading for information first edition Point out that the preface to Le Morte d’Arthur is a brief prose introduction and that it was written by the printer, not the author. Then ask of le morte d’arthur wi l l am c caxton axton • What information do the terms preface and first edition provide? Possible answer: Preface indicates that this is a short text that allows readers to preview a longer text. First edition indicates that William Caxton wrote this preface when he first printed Le Morte d’Arthur, hundreds of years ago. I have, after the simple cunning that God hath sent to me, under the favor and correction of all noble lords and gentlemen, enprised to enprint a book of the noble histories of the said King Arthur and of certain of his knights, after a copy unto me delivered, which copy Sir Thomas Malory did take out of certain books of French and reduced it into English. And I, according to my copy, have done set it in enprint to the intent that noble men may see and learn the noble acts of chivalry, the gentle and virtuous deeds that some knights used in tho[se] days, by which they came to honor, and how they that were vicious were punished and oft put to shame and rebuke; humbly beseeching all noble lords and ladies with all other estates, of what estate or degree they been of, that shall see and read in this said book and work, that they take the good and honest acts in their remembrance, and to follow the same; wherein they shall find many joyous and pleasant histories and noble and renowned acts of humanity, gentleness, and chivalries. For herein may be seen noble chivalry, courtesy, humanity, friendliness, hardiness, love, friendship, cowardice, murder, hate, virtue and sin. Do after the good and leave the evil, and it shall bring you to good fame. • What useful information does the preface give in helping readers preview Le Morte d’Arthur? Possible answer: The preface gives readers insight into the writing of the book and tells a little about what is in the book. tiered discussion prompts Use these prompts to help students gain further insight into Le Morte d’Arthur. Connect From reading the preface, what image of Le Morte d’Arthur comes to mind? Accept all reasonable answers, such as that an image of old-fashioned chivalry comes to mind. Analyze According to Caxton, who is the audience for this book? Why would such an audience identify especially well with Le Morte d’Arthur? Possible answer: Caxton says that the book is for “all noble lords and ladies.” This audience would identify well with the story, because most of its characters are noble in rank and strive to uphold noble virtues. 262 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12PE-u01s42-c1LeMorte.indd 262 11/22/10 12:21:37 NA_L12PE-u01s4 PM Evaluate Is the preface an effective promotional tool for Malory’s book? Defend your view. Possible answers: Yes; the preface entices with mention of the story’s good qualities. No; it does not provide enough specifics to interest readers. 262 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12TE-u01s16-lemorte.indd 262 1/3/11 8:33:35 AM 2/10 After Reading Practice and Apply Comprehension 1. Recall What prevents Arthur from accepting Launcelot’s peace offers? 2. Recall Why does Arthur call off the siege of Benwick and return to Britain? 3. Clarify What happens when Arthur fights Modred? Text Analysis 4. Summarize Review the chart you created as you read. Then summarize the ways in which Gawain’s hostility toward Launcelot contributes to Arthur’s downfall. For preliminary support of post-reading questions, use these copy masters: RL 2 Provide an objective summary of the text. RL 3 Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story. RL 5 Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure specific parts of a text contribute to its overall structure and meaning. RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Masters Reading Check p. 260 Conflict p. 253 Question Support p. 261 Additional selection questions are provided for teachers on page 247. 5. Analyze Conflict To what extent are Arthur’s internal and external conflicts with Launcelot similar to his conflicts with Modred? In what ways are they different? answers 6. Examine Medieval Romance Review the Text Analysis instruction on page 229. Le Morte d’Arthur is one of the most influential medieval romances. What characteristics of medieval romance appear in this work? 7. Compare and Contrast Characters Make a Venn diagram like the one shown to help you compare and contrast Gawain’s and Sir Gawain Launcelot’s character traits. Which knight’s failure to exemplify the ideals of chivalry is greater? Support your answer with evidence from the text. 1. Gawain’s opposition prevents Arthur from accepting Launcelot’s peace offers. 2. Arthur returns because Modred has usurped his throne. Sir Launcelot 3. Arthur stabs Modred and kills him, but before he dies, Modred stabs Arthur in the skull, killing him. 8. Evaluate Texts In his preface on page 262, William Caxton explains that he has published Le Morte d’Arthur to provide a model for good behavior. How well does this selection from Malory’s romance fulfill Caxton’s purpose? Possible answers: 4. 9. Critical Interpretations One critic has suggested that when “confronted by a need to make a decision in a moment of crisis,” Arthur “invariably chooses the wrong course of action” because he is unable or unwilling to see the situation as it really is. Think about the various conflicts, both internal and external, that Arthur struggles with in the selection, and consider the important decisions he makes. Do you agree or disagree that he “invariably chooses the wrong course of action”? Cite evidence from the text to support your opinion. 5. loyalty? le morte d’arthur 12:21:37 NA_L12PE-u01s42-arMorte.indd PM 263 11/22/10 What is your ultimate LOYALTY? Ask students what they think it means to be loyal to someone, such as a friend. Discuss with them which acts of disloyalty would, in their opinions, not be forgivable. common core focus Conflict The conflicts are similar in that both Launcelot and Modred are formidable opponents who are accused of treason; they are different in that Launcelot is chivalrous, whereas Modred is treacherous. 6. Gawain’s first battle: Launcelot exemplifies chivalry; Gawain’s strength is supernatural. Final battle: Both characters are larger than life. Excalibur: The hand that emerges from the lake to grab the sword is supernatural. Should Arthur have forgiven Launcelot for his disloyalty? Why or why not? Can loyalty, once lost, ever be restored? Explain your response. 9. Arthur 263 makes a correct choice in negotiating with Modred after his dream. However, he makes a fatally wrong choice in attacking Modred on the battlefield instead of abiding Gawain’s advice. common core focus Summarize Gawain’s hostility toward Launcelot prolongs the siege in France, allowing Modred to seize the throne. It also deprives Arthur of his two best knights, because Gawain dies of his wounds and Launcelot does not follow Arthur to England. Text Criticism What is your ultimate RL 2, RL 3, RL 5 12:21:47 PM 7. Gawain: vengeful, boastful, hot-headed. Launcelot: reluctant to fight, forgiving. Both: brave, loyal to Arthur. Gawain fails to exemplify chivalry more than Launcelot does, as Gawain has less self-control and courtesy. 8. This selection fulfills Caxton’s purpose in that Launcelot’s chivalrousness and his refusal to give in to anger are a model of dealing effectively with an extreme dilemma. le morte d’arthur NA_L12TE-u01s16-lemorte.indd 263 263 1/3/11 8:33:42 AM Vocabulary in Context answers Vocabulary in Context vocabulary practice word list Choose the vocabulary word that best completes each sentence. Use the context clues in the sentence to help you decide. dominion vocabulary practice 1. incumbent 2. dominion guile 1. It is _____ on you to work hard if you want to succeed. incumbent 4. redress 2. The queen had _____ over six new colonies. redress 5. guile 3. The king’s nephew tried to _____ power for himself. usurp 4. He demanded that someone offer _____ for his grievances. 3. usurp 5. Clever but dishonest, she often used _____ to trick others. RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master academic vocabulary in speaking Vocabulary Practice p. 258 • concept academic vocabulary in speaking Students’ discussions should draw parallels between the internal conflicts of Gawain and Arthur, and should include the correct use of at least two Academic Vocabulary words. • culture • parallel • section • structure How do the internal conflicts of Gawain and Arthur parallel each other? Which of them changes most dramatically in response to his internal conflict and why? Discuss these questions with a partner, using at least two additional Academic Vocabulary words in your discussion. vocabulary strategy: multiple-meaning words vocabulary strategy: multiple–meaning words L 4, L 4d Suggest that students follow these steps to find the applicable meaning: • Read the entire sentence to get a sense of its overall meaning. Incumbent has more than one possible meaning. To determine which meaning applies in a particular instance, consider the context, or surroundings. For instance, in the sentence “It is incumbent on my honor to do so,” the context suggests that incumbent means “required as a duty or obligation.” PRACTICE In the passage below, use context to determine the likely meaning of each boldfaced word. Then explain which context clues in the paragraph helped you determine the correct meaning of the word. • Look for words and phrases that provide clues to the meaning of the sentence. L 4 Determine or clarify the meaning of multiple-meaning words. L 4d Verify the preliminary determination of the meaning of a word by checking the inferred meaning in context. required as a a duty or an obligation The legend of Arthur has captured the imagination incumbent of writers since at least 1136, with the appearance of Geoffrey of Monmouth’s History of the Kings of lying or leaning the holder of a Britain. From this text, later writers would adopt on something job or an office some of the essential elements of Arthurian lore: Merlin, Excalibur, and Arthur’s final repose at Avalon. Interactive A few decades later, the French poet Chrétien de Troyes introduced the Vocabulary character of Launcelot to the growing body of Arthurian literature. Le Morte Go to thinkcentral.com. d’Arthur (1469), one of the earliest books printed in English, would eventually KEYWORD: HML12-264 become the ultimate source for writers of Arthurian literature. • Substitute each possible meaning; then decide which one best reflects the meanings of the key words and phrases. Possible answers: to take into one’s own family; any of the four substances that constitute physical matter; to rest; the physical structure of a human being; final. RESOURCE MANAGER—Copy Master Vocabulary Strategy p. 259 264 unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods Interactive Vocabulary Keywords direct students to a WordSharp tutorial on thinkcentral.com or to other types of vocabulary practice and review. Assess and Reteach Assess DIAGNOSTIC AND SELECTION TESTS Selection Tests A, B/C pp. 77–78, 79–80 Interactive Selection Test on thinkcentral.com Reteach NA_L12PE-u01s42-arMorte.indd 264 12/15/10 differentiated instruction for english language learners for advanced learners/ap Task Support: Vocabulary Strategy Point out that in the Practice for the Vocabulary Strategy, the words sovereign, barge, and legend are similar in form and meaning to the Spanish words soberana, barcaza (or barco), and leyenda. Urge students to substitute the Spanish words for the English words and to use the Spanish words to help determine the likely meaning. Multiple-Meaning Words Have students compose additional sentences for the five words in the Practice activity, using the alternate meanings. For an added challenge, ask students to create a sentence that uses each word twice (or three times, in the case of legend), once for each meaning. Invite students to share and compare their sentences. 7:31:33 NA_L12PE-u01 PM Level Up Online Tutorials on thinkcentral.com 264 unit 1 NA_L12TE-u01s16-lemorte.indd 264 1/3/11 8:33:48 AM 15/10 Wrap-Up: Medieval Romance The Legacy of Medieval Romance Firmly embedded in the tradition of Arthurian romance is the code of chivalry prescribed for all knights. Along with the traits of bravery, courtesy, and personal honor, this code of conduct required that men behave gallantly toward women. It is this treatment of women that, even today, is most often associated with mention of the chivalric code. Writing to Persuade Re-examine the selections on pages 230–261 for examples of chivalric behavior, but look for more than just gallantry toward women. Find examples of knights displaying the other ideals of chivalry you’ve learned about: loyalty, modesty, faith, honor, bravery, and courtesy. Use these examples to write an essay persuading a contemporary audience—your peers, parents, and teachers—that chivalry is or is not an outmoded virtue in the 21st century. Consider • which details from the selections will provide you with the best support for your argument • what language will best persuade your audience • how to organize your writing to prove your argument clearly and logically Extension SPEAKING & LISTENING Divide into teams to debate this statement: Chivalry is dead. You may use your persuasive essays as a jumping-off point, but with your team members find additional examples from today’s world to prove that chivalry is alive and well or has withered and died in the face of our modern sensibilities and values. W 1 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts. W 1a Create an organization that logically sequences claim(s), reasons, and evidence. W 9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis. SL 1a Come to discussions having read and researched material under study. The Holy Grail Appears to the Knights of the Round Table (1450). W 1 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts. W 1a Create an organization that logically sequences claim(s), reasons, and evidence. W 9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis. SL 1a Come to discussions having read and researched material under study. Wrap-Up: Medieval Romance This Wrap-Up provides students with an opportunity to revisit the idea of chivalry, a concept at the heart of medieval romance. Introduce the feature by asking students to discuss their impressions of chivalry and any examples of chivalry in modern life that occur to them. Writing to Persuade • Remind students that writing to persuade means presenting an opinion and evidence to support it. Suggest that the listing of chivalric ideals in the prompt can guide students as they search for evidence. Also direct their attention to the instruction about medieval romance before the selection from Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and to the coverage of chivalry and medieval romance in the Historical Essay at the beginning of the unit. • Point out that whichever view students take, they should keep in mind possible arguments for the other view as they write. wrap-up 7:31:33 NA_L12PE-u01s60-wu4.indd PM 265 265 11/22/10 for struggling writers Writing Support Remind students to choose an organizational pattern for their essays before beginning to draft. Review the major types of organizational patterns, such as chronological order, spatial order, and order of importance. Discuss why each type of order would or would not be a good choice for organizing a persuasive essay on the topic of chivalry in the 21st century; elicit that order of importance might be an effective organizational plan. Extension • Ideally, students should prepare the debate in small groups of mixed profi12:22:00 PM ciency, divided according to which sides the members took in their essays. • Tell students to read their essays aloud within the group while listeners take notes. Reviewing these notes will help students grasp the arguments for and against their side. • Remind students to anticipate the other side’s arguments and to prepare rebuttals. • Urge students to practice before conducting the debate. wr ap–up NA_L12TE-u01s16-lemorte.indd 265 265 1/3/11 8:33:55 AM Focus and Motivate Media Study Legends in Film: King Arthur Film Clips on Media Smart dvd-rom How do movies media shape portray RL 7 Analyze multiple interpretations of a story, evaluating how each version interprets the source text. W 1 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics. W 7 Conduct short projects to answer a question. W 10 Write routinely over shorter time frames for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences. perceptions legends ? ? A legend is an unverified story passed down from earlier times. Legends often change over time as storytellers embellish some details and diminish others to appeal to different audiences or achieve different purposes. In addition, each society may impose its own values on a legendary figure. In examining two very different film versions of King Arthur, one of the Western world’s oldest legends, you’ll see how the era in which the films were created determined how the legendary king was portrayed. RL 7 Analyze multiple interpretations of a story, evaluating how each version interprets the source text. summaries Both film clips show the first meeting between King Arthur and Guinevere. Camelot Arthur falls comically from a tree branch into the snow near Guinevere. They engage in light, flirtatious banter. The set is stylized and deliberately artificial. Background A Tale of Two Arthurs Some historians believe the Arthurian legend is based on the exploits of a real 5th- or 6th-century British military leader who defended Britain against invading Anglo-Saxons. In the 15th century, Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur combined various versions of the legend to include supernatural elements, love stories, and detailed adventures of the Knights of the Round Table. Malory’s interpretation of the Arthurian legend is the most widely read English language version in history. Nearly 500 years after Malory’s version, in December of 1960, Alan Jay Lerner King Arthur Guinevere, in a coach, sharply questions Arthur, on horseback, about his political allegiance—to Rome or to Britain. The gritty scene is shot outdoors, on location, and muted blue tones dominate. How do movies portray LEGENDS? Have students name a familiar legend. Then ask students to imagine that they are planning a movie version of the legend and that they must decide whether to make the movie optimistic or pessimistic. Discuss how they would make that decision. and Frederick Loewe debuted Camelot, their musical retelling of the Arthurian legend. The tenor of the time was upbeat: the United States was a world superpower and had experienced eight years of unprecedented economic growth. Lerner and Loewe’s Arthur reflects that time. Eschewing the brutal battle tales and death-defying adventures of Arthur and his brave knights, the musical focuses on the love triangle between Arthur, Guinevere, and Sir Lancelot. The first clip you’ll view is from the film version of Camelot, which was released in 1967. The second clip you’ll view is from King Arthur, the 2004 film version of the Arthurian legend. It reflects its time as well. Filmed in the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States and during the U.S. war in Iraq, King Arthur reflects the earliest known sources of Arthur’s history, presenting him as a valiant but brutal defender of the failing Roman Empire and the British people under its rule. You’ll view a clip from each film. As you analyze these very different interpretations of the King Arthur legend, consider the time in which each film was made and how it mayy have ve impacted iimp mpaact acte the filmmakers’ makers’ choices. choi oice ces. s. background The 2004 King Arthur strives for a realistic portrayal of the history and politics of the period when the Roman Empire was near collapse. Arthur and his knights are hardened veterans of the Roman army. Guinevere is not the standard “love interest” of romanticized legend; she is a partisan anti-Roman fighter; Arthur rescues her from a Roman prison, and they fight side by side against the Saxons. The magical aspects of the legend are suppressed. 266 unit NA_L12TE-u01-ms.indd 1 266 266 Media Study Resources NA_L12PE-u01s54-msArthur.indd 266 11/22/10 12:23:16 NA_L12PE-u01 PM See resources on the Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM and on thinkcentral.com. RESOURCE MANAGER UNIT 1 TECHNOLOGY Plan and Teach, pp. 263–266 Summary, pp. 267†*, 268‡* Viewing Guide, p. 269 Close Viewing, p. 270 Media Activity, p. 271 Produce Your Own Media, p. 272 Teacher One Stop DVD-ROM Student One Stop DVD-ROM MediaSmart DVD-ROM MediaScope on thinkcentral.com * Resources for Differentiation † Also in Spanish ‡ In Haitian Creole and Vietnamese 1/13/11 11:51:28 AM 2/10 Teach Media Literacy: Legends Over Time Filmmakers adapting an old tale may go beyond a simple retelling. They can weave their own interpretations and beliefs into a film through mise en scène, a term that refers to the staging of a scene’s action and the way in which it is photographed. The elements of mise en scène include setting, props, lighting, composition, facial expressions, body language, costumes, and makeup. Filmmakers carefully choose and combine each detail to form their overall vision. As you watch a legend adapted to film, think about how the filmmakers used mise en scène to reflect the issues of their time. Media Literacy Discuss the term mise en scène, pointing out its many elements. Then ask students to imagine that they are shooting a movie about King Arthur. Have them imagine showing him two ways: positively and negatively. Brainstorm choices that students would make about mise en scène that would express these different interpretations. Use the chart on this page to focus on choices for these elements: from King Arthur from Camelot • Setting and Props Have students imagine King Arthur on a stage set, with fake trees and sparkling snow. Then have them imagine him on a rugged, windy plain under a dark sky. Discuss the feeling evoked in each case. • Lighting Direct attention to the two still images of King Arthur on this page. Ask students to describe the lighting in each shot and to compare and contrast the moods evoked by the two images. analyzing mise en scène optimistic times pessimistic times Notice how the setting and props establish the world of the film. An upbeat time may be reflected in lavish studio sets. Less innocent times call for films shot on grim, realistic locations. Lighting helps create mood and guide the audience’s attention. To reflect a positive time, soft lighting may bathe a scene in a tranquil glow. The shadows and glares of harder, direct lighting can create a harsh mood of bleak reality. Notice the composition—camera angles and movement, and the placement of characters and objects within the frame. Characters moving closer together within the frame can convey a growing feeling of good will. Choppy cuts and distance between two characters in an argument can imply conflict and create a disjointed feeling. Watch the actors’ facial expressions and body language. In an era of idealism, an actor may portray a legendary hero as friendly and unguarded, even playful. In more cynical times, a hero might be more closed-off, displaying the tense posture and set jaw of grim determination. Consider the actors’ costumes and makeup. Idealized characters of traditional legends may display a surprising ability to remain clean and neat. On the other hand, heroes in cynical times may be dirty and rumpled under the best of circumstances. media study 12:23:16 NA_L12PE-u01s54-msArthur.indd PM 267 media study: teaching options Teaching Option 1: The Basics (1–2 Days) 1. Begin the Media Study using the material provided on pages 266–267. 2. Show the Introduction on MediaSmart. Then show the First Viewing. As they watch, have students use the Viewing Guide on page 268, along with the corresponding copy master on page 269 of the Resource Manager. Discuss their responses. 3. Return to the pupil book for the extension activities on page 269. NA_L12TE-u01-ms.indd 267 267 11/22/10 Teaching Option 2: In-Depth Study (2–3 Days) 1. Begin the Media Study using pages 266–267. 2. Show the Introduction and First Viewing from MediaSmart. Then continue on MediaSmart with the Media Lessons, using the teacher notes available in the Resources section. 3. Show the Guided Analysis presentation. Have students record their observations on the Student Viewing Guide available in the Resources section from MediaSmart. 4. Return to the pupil book, page 269. • Composition Ask students to imagine two versions of a scene in which a man and a woman meet. The first version consists mostly of two-shots, showing both characters in one frame. The other version features alternating close-ups of the characters. Elicit that the first version would be appropriate for depicting romance, whereas the second version would be more appropriate for depicting conflict. • Facial Expressions and Body Language Have students compare and contrast the facial expressions of the two King Arthurs shown on this page. • Costumes and Makeup Discuss how students would costume and make up an actor 12:23:34 PM to portray a warrior. Then ask them how they would costume and make up the same character as a romantic lead. media study 267 1/3/11 8:15:37 AM Practice and Apply viewing guide Viewing Guide for Media 1. As students prepare to view the clips, point out that Camelot is a musical, whereas King Arthur is an action film. Discuss ways in which film treatments of the same subject might differ between the two genres. For example, a musical version could be expected to have a lighter mood than an action film. Focus the discussion on the elements of mise en scène: setting, props, lighting, composition, facial expressions, body language, costumes, and makeup. Ask students how each element might contribute to creating the different moods of the two genres. Smart dvd-rom • • • • Film 1: Camelot Director: Joshua Logan Genre: Musical Running Time: 2 minutes • • • • Film 2: King Arthur Director: Antoine Fuqua Genre: Action Running Time: 2 minutes King Arthur in Film To critically analyze these clips, you may need to view them more than once. Both scenes depict Arthur and Guinevere’s first meeting. Notice how the directors stage the scenes and how the actors portray their characters. Look for ways you think the Camelot clip might reflect the hopeful idealism of the 1960s and how the King Arthur clip might reflect a post-9/11 United States at war in 2004. Consider the following questions to help you examine the clips. now view FIRST VIEWING: Comprehension 1. Recall In Camelot, what does Guinevere ask Arthur to do for her before she learns his identity? 2. Recall In King Arthur, how does Guinevere describe the impression she has of Arthur based on his reputation? 2. Recommend that students ask themselves these questions as they view the clips: CLOSE VIEWING: Media Literacy • Is this an optimistic scene or a pessimistic scene? How can I tell? 3. Compare Performances Guinevere is prominent in both of these clips. Compare the two actresses’ portrayals of the queen-to-be. Describe the portrayals and cite details that create your impression of each. Consider • Which movie was made first? How would I be able to guess the answer if I did not know it already? • facial expressions • body language • costumes and makeup • Which version do I prefer, and why? 4. Make Judgments Consider your own perceptions of how a king should RESOURCE MANAGER— Copy Masters act—especially a legendary king like Arthur. Of the two very different portrayals in these clips, which Arthur seems more like a truly legendary Viewing Guide p. 269 Close Viewing p. 270 Media Activity p. 271 king? Cite examples from the clips to support your answer. 5. Analyze Film Technique Think about each element of mise en scène in the scenes you viewed. For each clip, describe the decisions the director Use this resource with the Viewing Guide: made and the effect they had on the look and mood of the scene. MediaSmart DVD MediaSmart DVD on thinkcentral.com answers FIRST VIEWING: Comprehension 1. Guinevere asks Arthur to run away with her to travel the world and be her protector. 2. Guinevere describes Arthur as a great king and leader, the sort of man who becomes a legend. 268 more like a rough268 soldier. The Camelot version seems almost buffoonish by comparison, as when he falls from the branch. Students’ opinions about which Arthur is more like a truly legendary king will vary. NA_L12PE-u01s54-msArthur.indd CLOSE VIEWING: Media Literacy Possible answers: 3. Camelot: Guinevere trades witty lines with King Arthur and seems coolly confident. Her stylized costume and perfect makeup indicate glamour and refinement. King Arthur: Guinevere seems earthy and rather untamed. She challenges Arthur and questions his motives. Her clothing, hair, and makeup suggest a rebellious nature. 4. The Arthur of Camelot looks neat and speaks poetically; in King Arthur he seems 268 distance and defensive body language. The handheld camerawork lends an edginess to the scene. 11/22/10 12:23:49 NA_L12PE-u01 PM 5. Camelot: The setting, lighting, costumes, and makeup create a fairytale quality. The composition emphasizes the characters’ budding romance by bringing them close together. King Arthur: The natural setting and clouded lighting give the scene a gritty, somber feel. The composition shows the tension between Arthur and Guinevere through physical unit 1: the anglo-saxon and medieval periods NA_L12TE-u01-ms.indd 268 1/3/11 8:15:49 AM 2/10 Media Study Assess and Reteach Write or Discuss Analyze Historical Context Think about the eras in which these films were released. The musical that the film Camelot was based on came out in 1960, a time when many Americans were optimistic about the future. King Arthur was released in 2004, three years after the United States had been attacked by terrorists and during the U.S. war in Iraq. Write a paragraph describing whether you think these films reflect their times. Cite evidence from the clips to explain your answer. Consider • • • • RL 7 Analyze multiple interpretations of a story, evaluating how each version interprets the source text. W 1 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics. W 7 Conduct short research projects to answer a question. W 10 Write routinely over shorter time frames for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences. Write or Discuss Analyze Historical Context Students’ paragraphs should discuss ways in which the mise en scène of each film contributes to the look and feel of an optimistic or pessimistic era. For example, the artificiality of the set in Camelot contrasts markedly with the outdoor location of King Arthur, reflecting a difference in the attitudes and styles of the eras in which the films were made. the look of the films the way the characters are portrayed your knowledge of the eras in which the movies were released how the audiences of the day might have reacted to or interpreted the films Create a Film Treatment Create a Film Treatment A film treatment is a brief written description of a proposed film. It covers the basic plot lines and conflicts, the characters, and even location ideas. The purpose of a treatment is twofold: to interest financial backers, directors, and actors, and to provide those same people with a fully conceived and visualized sense of what the movie will be. Choose a famous myth or legend on which to base a movie treatment. What message do you want to convey with your interpretation? What might the story offer today’s society? How do you want audiences to perceive this legend? Your treatment should be as detailed as possible about the story you’re going to tell, as well as how you’re going to tell it. Media Tools Create a Film Treatment Go to thinkcentral.com. KEYWORD: HML12-269 Rubric: Create a Film Treatment A strong film treatment should have • a detailed presentation of major plot elements, characters, and conflicts • information on elements of mise en scène • examples of important dialogue from the proposed film HERE’S HOW Keep the following in mind as you write your treatment: • • • • • information about the message of the film in relation to society Include details of the major plot lines. Describe the events in a detailed manner so readers can visualize them. Include information on costuming, setting, lighting, and composition. Include some representative dialogue from a key moment in the film. • discussion of the intended effect of the film upon audiences Further Exploration RESOURCE MANAGER— Copy Master Produce Your Own Media p. 272 Many More Arthurs There have been many different film adaptations of the Arthurian legend, some that treat the legend respectfully and others that poke fun at the ancient story. While many movies concentrate on the romantic entanglements between King Arthur, Guinevere, and Sir Lancelot, others highlight the adventures of the Knights of the Round Table. Research some of the adaptations that have been filmed over the years, and choose a few that were made at different time periods. Watch them in a small group. Analyze the films to see how Arthur and the other main characters are presented. Are they heroic? comical? romantic? tragic? Present your findings to the class. Further Exploration media study Many More Arthurs Suggest that students search in printed and online video guides for titles and descriptions of films about or based on the Arthurian legend. After students have presented their findings, have them collaborate on a master list of films that includes plot synopses, brief analyses of mise en scène, and recommendations. 269 media study wrap–up reteach Have students summarize what they have learned about the techniques that filmmakers can use to portray legends. In particular, have students point out ways in which a filmmaker can reflect societal attitudes and build messages into movies. Urge students to refer to specific elements of mise en scène to explain their knowledge. To emphasize for students how language choice can affect an audience’s interpretation, have them write two paragraphs explaining how to do a common chore, such as mowing the lawn or cleaning windows. Tell them to use a formal, important tone in one paragraph and an informal, relaxed tone in the other, while including the same general instructions in each. 12:23:49 NA_L12PE-u01s54-msArthur.indd PM 269 RL 7, W 1, W 7, W 10 12/15/10 7:31:40 PM Media Tools Media study keywords point to MediaScope, a Web site that helps students strengthen media analysis and production skills. media study

Beowulf Complete Text

Related documents

Products

Support

Beowulf Complete Text

Related documents

Add this document to collection(s)

Add this document to saved

Suggest us how to improve StudyLib