Schlitz, Laura Amy. (2007). Good Masters! Sweet
Ladies!: Voices From a Medieval Village. Massachusetts: Candlewick
Press.
This children’s play written by Laura Schlitz is
a collection of 22 monologues that provide young readers a chance to experience
the medieval times. This is accomplished by reciting and bringing to life
fictional characters from that era. Through distinctive stories that connect
and relate to one another, Schlitz takes readers through the typical village
life of these characters. Set in 1255, readers can experience the smell,
language, beliefs and customs these characters had back then. Through the
narration of these young villagers we get a glimpse into their lives and learn
about their sorrows, the splendid life of a few, and the poverty of many. We
come to the realization that not all children had the same fortune. Some
children lived great lives, while others suffered tremendously. Various
villagers speak and talk about their own lives including the plowboy, Will, who
speaks about his grueling days plowing the Lord’s fields and having little to
eat. Throughout these monologues and
dialogues, Schlitz’ use of writing is easy to understand because she lightly
uses language from that time. In addition she provides excellent insight into
this hopeless time with additional information about the three-field system and
the Crusades.
Lesson Ideas:
http://www.candlewick.com/book_files/0763615781.btg.1.pdf
http://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=8246&a=1
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