A Work worth the Reading

This late 16th-century work examines questions of parenting and, specifically, "how to bestow their children in marriage, and to dispose their goods at their death." Its format as a dialogue between two speakers gives modern readers a sense that their issues were matters of some debate, both then and now.

A Work Worth the Reading by Gibbon, Charles, fl. 1589-1604. London : Imprinted by Thomas Orwin: and are to be solde by Henry Kyrkham, dwelling at the little north doore of S. Pauls Church, at the signe of the Blacke Boy, 1591. STC (2nd ed.) 11821.

Chris Blackburn / Ithaca High School, Ithaca, New York / English

I have students compare and contrast the arguments here to the arguments presented by Egeus, Theseus and Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream , to get them to analyze those arguments.

Ron Clark / Rocky Mountain High School, Fort Collins, Colorado / English

I have students compare the arguments here both to those of the characters in whatever play I'm reading and to those presented by modern parents. This helps them relate the play to their own lives.

Susan O'Connell / Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C. / middle school language arts

I compare modern attitudes toward children's obedience to those here in order to see in what ways (if any) King Lear's actions toward Cordelia seem fair.

Elisa Garcia / Cheyenne Traditional School, Scottsdale, AZ / Language Arts

Have students complete a vend diagram, comparing and contrasting each speaker's argument. Afterwards, have them write an essay explaining their view on marriage and courtship.

Heather Steigler / Marshall High School, Tyson's Corner, VA / English

Have students write a persuasive essay, using the arguments from the two speakers and evidence from the text. After students have completed their essays, have them present their arguments to the class and see if afterwards their opinions are swayed. This activity is great for Othello.

Shade Gomez / Ithica High School, Ithica, NY / English

Pose the following question to your students: Do parents today determine who their children marry or date? Then, have your students compare their thoughts on modern-day marriage and dating to these topics in one of Shakespeare's plays, such as Othello or The Winter's Tale.