The Anglo-Saxon Age 449-1066

If I had to choose my favorite literary period, it would have to be the Anglo-Saxon Age. The poetry and language (Old English) of the Anglo-Saxons is impressive in its strength and beautiful in its starkness. You won't find any mushy love poetry here, but you will find works of courage, faith, and profound loss. You can learn more about Anglo-Saxon manuscripts, coins, Old English, or the Sutton Hoo ship burial. You can also compare translations of Beowulf, or you can read about the Vikings.

The Middle Ages 1066-1485

The term "Middle Ages" conjures up images of knights in shining armor saving damsels in distress from evil villains. The reality was less romantic but more interesting. If you'd like to get in a medieval mood, look at some medieval art and architecture or British castles. While you're at it, learn about medieval art, musical instruments, and technology, or listen to some Gregorian chants. For a good article on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, see Ian Johnston's "On Sir Gawain and the Green Knight."

The Renaissance 1485-1625

The Renaissance was indeed, as you can imagine, a rebirth--not necessarily of "learning" in general, as there had been plenty of learning during the Middle Ages, but of classical texts in their original languages. England's most famous Renaissance literary figure was, of course, William Shakespeare, whose works utilize themes and characters that ring true today. You can learn more about Renaissance life (games, food, fashion, religion, etc.) or, more specifically, architecture, arms and armor, and dance or, if you are a fan of "the Scottish play," view paintings relating to the work.

The Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries

The seventeenth and eighteenth centuries were turbulent. England was shaken by the execution of King Charles I, the dictatorship of Oliver Cromwell, and the restoration of King Charles II to the throne. Out of this tumultuous time came a focus on the intellect and interest in politics and artifice. You can explore the art, literature, and philosophy of the Enlightenment or learn about capital punishment, marriage, and food of this period. If you are a fan of Jonathan Swift, look at Arthur Rackham's illustrations of Gulliver's Travels.

The Romantic Period 1789-1832

The Romantic Period was not about flowers and candy. It was about nature, emotion, childhood innocence, and the value of common people--in short, a reaction against the Enlightenment. Wordswoth and Coleridge's Lyrical Ballads initiated ideas of poets and poetry that many people share today. If you are interested in art, look at William Blake's art or William Pogany's and Gustav Dore's illustrations of Coleridge's Rime of the Ancient Mariner.

The Victorian Age 1833-1901

The Victorian Age is known for progress, decorum and reform on one side and prudery and repression on the other. However you look at it, the age that brought us Darwin, Marx, and Freud was an exciting one. You can get a feel for this age by viewing photographs from the period, or you can learn everything you wanted to know about Jack the Ripper. If you like the Lady of Shalott prints in our classroom, you can view more examples of Pre-Raphaelite paintings.

The Twentieth Century

The twentieth century was a tumultuous one for England. Alongside two world wars came all sorts of scientific advancement, and the voices of men and women of England and its former colonies were heard in unprecedented numbers. You can learn more about World War I and the great engineering accomplishments of the century and see if you agree or disagree with Time Magazine's list of the 100 Most Important People of the Century. Are you confused about the difference between Art Nouveau and Art Deco, or between modernism and post-modernism? Brush up on modern art movements.

Other Sites of Interest

If you'd like some grammar practice, try Purdue University's Online Writing Lab. The College Board's site has information about the new SAT, SAT registration, and planning and paying for college, and Fastweb can help you search for scholarships. If you are interested in intellectual freedom issues such as censorship and bookbanning, visit the American Library Association. Last but not least, if you are eighteen and would like to register to vote, go to MTV's Rock the Vote.

About Me

I was born in Brooklyn, NY and grew up there and on Long Island. After earning my B.A. and Ph.D. in English from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, I moved to Georgia and hopped around Gwinnett until settling in Lawrenceville. Before teaching Language Arts at Parkview, I taught at Georgia Perimeter College and Kennesaw State University. I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughter, reading, doing yoga, and playing with my seven pets. I am very happy to be starting my seventh year at Parkview, and I am looking forward to a wonderful and meaningful year for all of us.