1. Go over some of the qualities of the Renaissance/Elizabethan Period that we have just finished. Point out that the ability to appreciate and create art was prized during this time. A woman expected to be wooed with poetry and song—often wealthy men hired poets to create poetry for them. The arts were supreme. All of this came crashing to an end when the Puritans took over the English government. They were real fun suckers. As a reaction to the latest age, the enlightenment period of English literature and thought now begins.
2. Show Enlightenment PowerPoint.
3. Point out that the enlightenment was a time when wit was prized. People wrote a lot of satire and other works that showcased witty language. Instead of ornate flowery language, people wrote with puns and irony.
4. Read a poem from Science Poetry book by Lane Smith
5. Read selections of Pope’s “An Essay on Man” on p. 535—have students note the change in the purpose of man from the Renaissance times.
6. Read The Acorn and the Pumpkin and The Value of Knowledge on page 541. What do we learn about the great emphasis placed on reason, intellect, order, and simplicity in thought and actions? Much of the writing of these times was focused on the flaws in human nature, pointing out society’s weaknesses and giving moral instructions.
Homework Collected: None
Homework Given: Persuasive Research Paper: Research Portfolio Due: March 25, 2nd Draft Due: March 24, Final Paper Due: March 31, Reflection Paper Due: April 14
Handouts given out: None
To Read: “An Essay on Man” on p. 535, The Acorn and the Pumpkin and The Value of Knowledge on page 541.
