January 10

 

Welcome back everyone!  It was great to see each of you today.  We're off and running with The Once and Future King.  I believe it will be a breath of fresh air after our wade through epic poetry last semester.  But don't underestimate this entertaining and lighthearted novel.  There are plenty of meaty ideas to explore.  I am looking forward to more discussion.  

So far we have met Kay and the Wart. What do you notice about each?  What sort of character traits emerge as we read about their youth at Sir Ector's castle?  Which of the two boys do you consider to be the most noble, and why?

In addition to White's novel, we'll read slowly through Dante's Inferno.  I plan to stretch it out over the entire semester so that we can truly savor this influential classic. 

Speaking of Dante’s influence, I’d like to introduce you all to another early English poet – Geoffrey Chaucer.  I’m planning a class trip to see CYT’s Canterbury Tales next weekend.  Click on the link to see the details and description. 

Assignment for next week

·      Read chapters 13-16 in Once and Future King

·      Highlight flow of thought in yellow.  If your highlighter is bleeding through the pages, you have the option of underlining.  You may use stars for blue.

·      Find at least 2 blues to share with the class

·      Mark any anachronisms you notice

·      Write a title for each chapter