Anglo Saxon and Medieval Period
Beowulf. Does that name sound familiar? Maybe you remember it from the animated movie with Angelina Jolie...But did you know that that movie was based upon an Old English poem from the eigth century? That's right--Beowulf is an epic poem, one that was passed from generation to generation by oral tradition (storytelling). In fact, if you read the epic, you'll find that the real Beowulf is much more interesting than his cartoon counterpart!
And let's talk about the Medieval period in England (1066-1485). What an interesting time in history! Kings, knights, damsels--and the Plague! A time that inspired great poems, like Canterbury Tales by Geoffry Chaucer. Look at some of the following websites for more info:
Medieval England
Anglo Saxon period in England
The English Renaissance
The English Renaissance (1485-1660) was a time of great accomplishments in art and culture. Growth in the monarchy, including the reigns of King Henry VIII (and his six wives) and Queen Elizabeth I, the "Virgin Queen." Elizabeth's reign was often called the "golden age" of England, and included the defeat of the Spanish Armada (navy), and contributions to literary history by William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe. For more infomation, please click on one of the following links:
Elizabethan era
William Shakespeare Macbeth
William Shakespeare was one of the most prolific playwrites in history. He flourished during the Elizabethan era, though not much about his private life is known. In fact, many people believe that William Shakespeare was merely an actor in the Globe theater and that the "true" Shakespeare is not known! A list of possible "Shakespeares' includes Christopher Marlowe (poet), Francis Bacon (essayist), several Dukes, and even--gasp!--Queen Elizabeth herself! Check out these sites for more information:
Much Ado About Shakespeare
Legends
Complete works of William Shakespeare
Absolute Shakespeare
| macbeth_essay_exam.doc |
| renaissance_study_guides.doc |
Elie Wiesel Night
Please view the following websites about Elie Wiesel and his book Night. Also, view the sites about the Holocaust, Memorials for the Holocaust, and the Day of Rememberance. USHMM also has pertinent information about other genocides, like Darfur and Bosnia.
Map of Concentration Camps
Biography
Holocaust
Holocaust Memorial
Map of Camps in Night
| night_study_guide.doc |
Mary Shelley Frankenstein
Plastic surgery. Genetics. Cloning. Modern day science, right? Wrong! Mary Shelley, a romantic period writer, thought of scientific achievements just like these when she wrote Frankenstein--in 1816, when she was only 19 years old! This dark and supernatural tale will give you the chills and keep you on the edge of your seat! Click on the links below to learn more:
Study Guide
20/20 The Bodies
| frankenstein_essay_outline.doc |
| frankenstein_comparison.doc |
Satire
What could a cartoon possibly say about our society? If it is "The Simpsons," it says a lot! Created by Matt Groening, "The Simpsons" is both a parody and a hyperbole. Click on the links below to find out more!
E Pluribus Wiggum Episode
Satire Wire
Poetry and Music Lyrics
Poetry and Music database
Lyric website
About.com Search Engine
This is a link to the about.com website. It will assist you in researching classical literature, authors, events, etc.
Assignment Specific Websites
Controversy Essay Website
Frankenstein Essay Website
| controversy.doc |
