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King Arthur And The Lady Of Shalott

Decent Essays

The first week at Harlaxton focuses on the ideas of freedom and captivity, or (to put it less delicately) life and death. Arthurian legend, and British history, are discussed in back-to-back classes featuring Sir Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur, and Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s The Idylls of the King, The Lady of Shalott and The Charge of the Light Brigade. After a quick overview of British history —so that students will have a basic understanding of the time periods in which the stories are based— the class focuses on student lead discussions on the prominent themes. Comparing the two versions of King Arthur, and the challenges he must overcome, along with the decision the Lady of Shalott makes in regard to her own life, allows the students to begin drafting ideas on their new surroundings. …show more content…

The first excursion into England is the bus ride from Grantham to Lincoln. And, while bus rides are not very interesting or glamorous, they are efficient and, at least in England, pretty exciting. The drive into Lincoln is the first real look most of the students have of England. There are no landing nerves, no luggage, no awkward “hi my name is or it’s nice to meet you” moments. At this point everyone knows each other, or at least each other’s name, and everyone’s excited to go on this first look at a piece of British history. And Lincoln is flush with history. From the Newport Arch -the remnants of a Roman bridge- to the Lincoln Castle and Cathedral, all of the attractions on this first trip takes you back into English

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