book cover image retrieved from http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/313397/the-inquisitors-tale-by-adam-gidwitz-interior-decorations-by-hatem-aly/9780525426165/
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Book ReviewThis piece of historical fiction will entertain and enlighten students interested in fantasy and the middle ages. The Inquisitor's Tale, written by Adam Gidwitz and illustrated by Hatem Aly is a series of moral tales following the adventures of Jeanne, William and Jacob, who are from vastly different backgrounds but connected by a cause, a dog, and their own magical powers. The three protagonists meet Louis IX of France, magical monks and a cast of diverse and hilarious characters who impart powerful (sometimes serious sometimes humorous) lessons. Gidwitz' inclusion of historical events like the Inquisition are phrased in modern language that presents relevant themes of friendship and tolerance. The narrative includes rich allusion to classic tales by Chaucer and Arthurian Legend, as well as artistic elements such as illuminated manuscript. Advanced readers may be turned off by the young protagonists, easy reader language in the book, or childish cover and illustrations; however, the historical connections, literary themes and moral dilemmas will challenge more sophisticated audiences. I highly recommend The Inquisitor's Tale.
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Teaching IdeasBased on Virginia SOL objectives
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English Language Arts Grade 10
Reading/Fiction: 1. SOL 10.3 e 10.3e Identify literary and classical allusions and figurative language in text. There are many uses of rhetorical devices in this literature. Teachers could create a web quest so students can research medieval symbolism and historical allusion before reading. Some examples to include: Biblical allusion of the number 3, number symbolism in the middle ages, Talmudic Wisdom, Allegorical characters, frame stories, didactic literature, religious corruption, chivalry. While reading students should note symbolism and allusion in a writer's journal. Once students have finished reading the book, they could be divided in groups to orally present specific examples of symbolism and allusion using quotes from the text in a Prezi. 2. 10.4b 10.4b Make predictions, draw inferences and connect prior knowledge to support reading comprehension. For homework before reading the novel, have students read Federigo's Falcon, a short story from Giovanni Boccaccio's The Decameron. This story is didactic and teaches moral lessons (it also has a surprise ending). As students read they must keep a brief reader's journal chronicling their reactions and predictions as they read. At the end they should make a list of lessons the text contained. When they come back into class the next day, have them read the beginning of The Inquisitor's Tale (about the Holy Dog and snake)- in a graded discussion, have students connect their reactions and lessons from both. World History
3. WHI.9 The student will demonstrate knowledge of Western Europe during the Middle Ages from about 500 to 1000 A.D. (C.E.) in terms of its impact on Western civilization by a) sequencing events related to the spread and influence of Christianity and the Catholic Church throughout Europe Create an incomplete timeline of European religious history in the Middle Ages using a long piece of twine stretched across the front of the room. With a clothespin, clip dates on the line for the class indicating and discussing various points from 500-1500 A.D Cut paper strips containing major people, places and things that could be added to the timeline and pass them out (along with clothespins) to small groups in class. Include Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and Muslim people, dates and events to connect historical timelines and The Inquisitor's Tale. Divide class into groups and have groups research each and write significant information on the back of strips and pin them to the timeline with a brief discussion. Keep timeline up as you read the novel and discuss connections (maybe even make a novel timeline too.) Perhaps the strip topics can eventually be developed into research papers. Art
4. Art History and Cultural Context* collaborative activity with English and Art teacher. AIII.11 The student will research and analyze artists, art styles, and cultures that inspire personal works of art. The English teacher should discuss the Medieval concept of a frame story before reading The Inquisitor's Tale. Talk about how Medieval culture valued framed art and clear lines separating (not just with picture frames) one image inside of or a part of another. Have a discussion about the images contained in the margins of the book: their purpose/effect. Art and English teacher: After reading The Inquisitor's Tale students should look at examples of "framed" Medieval art such as: The Garden of Earthly Delights by Bosch or a stained glass window from Notre Dame, or The Bayeux Tapestry. The teacher should generate discussion illustrating how each piece is framed in the same way as The Inquisitor's Tale. They should discuss feudalism here, and how strict/clear societal lines were important in the Medieval culture. Then, the art teacher can help students select and draw significant scenes from The Inquisitor's Tale to be hung chronologically in the room or down the hall. Students should make sure illustrations are framed in a way inspired by Medieval framed art. Students should write an artist's statement explaining the scene, inspiration art piece, and their work. Music 5. Music theory/Literacy MCAD.2 The student will develop aural skills by 4) recognizing monophonic, homophonic and polyphonic textures. Medieval music (like the music the protagonists would have heard in taverns or monasteries) evolves with the religious culture as a result of secularism. Listen to medieval music of the church (Monophonic Gregorian chants, Polyphonic Masses, polyphonic chants) and discuss religious/historical reasons for the evolution. Listen then to estampie music of the middle ages and have students note the contrasts. Talk about secular vs. liturgical music and connect these styles to the varying changing ideas in the book. |
Partner Titles |
1. Non-Fiction Article: "Kidding Not Kidding: a Medieval Sense of Humour"
This would be an excellent shorter piece illustrating various medieval humor. The Inquisitor's Tale is full of nuanced and bawdy humor, as are many medieval tales. This article gives short detailed (and funny) examples from different cultures. Reference: Mason, e. ( 2016, March 23). Kidding not kidding: a medieval sense of humour. Retrieved from http://www.historyextra.com/article/feature/kiddingnot-kidding-medieval-sense-humour 2. Classic Literature/Medieval narrative verse: The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer Reading a couple of the translated tales adds context to the literary style and didactic nature of the era. Because it is written in verse form, class could talk about rhymed couplet form and poetic styles. I would recommend "The Pardoner's Tale" as an example of a morality story that includes the symbols of three and allegorical characters seen in The Inquisitor's Tale. Reference: Chaucer, G. (1478). The Canterbury tales. Retrieved from http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/2383/pg2383-images.html 3. Classic Literature: The Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio This is another frame story without Chaucer's verse style. Individual tales are told in plague years by teens in Italy. Some of the tales are bawdy and reveal church corruption, slapstick humor and marital infidelity. I would recommend "Federigo's Falcon." Reference: Boccaccio, G. (1886). The decameron. Retrieved from http://www.gutenberg.org/files/23700/23700-h/23700-h.htm 4. Graphic Novel: Messenger:The Legend of Joan of Arc by Toni Lee Illustrated by Sam Hurt. This biography published in 2015 offers the visual learner a piece of historical context of a powerful young woman. Similar to the character Jeanne, Joan could be an allegorical connection in the novel. Reference: Lee, T., & Hurt, S. (2015). Messenger:the legend of Joan of Arc. Boston: Candlewick. Print. 5. Classic Literature from Gawain and the Green Knight: translated by John Gardner This part of Arthurian legend contains the magical supernatural we see in The Inquisitor's Tale. Because it also contains the symbolic threes throughout, there is a clear stylistic connection. Because Arthurian legend is so accessible,reading this short piece could be a homework activity. Reference: Armitage, S. (2007). Sir Gawain and the green knight: A new verse translation. New York: W.W. Norton. |
Further Exploration |
1. Creating a Medieval Banquet www.gingergarrett.com/downloads/EveningTudors.pdf
This is a great resource for creating a Medieval feast. It includes "proper"manners and simple recipes for putting on a banquet. The Inquisitor's Tale contains a lot of food detail that connects here. Reference: Garrett, G. An evening with the Tudors: how to create a medieval feast. Retrieved from http://www.gingergarrett.com/downloads/EveningTudors.pdf 2. The History of Witches This short video explains some of our modern beliefs/misconceptions about witches. Since each of the three main characters has magical powers/visions that could have been construed as witchcraft, this video has clear connection. This is a ridiculously entertaining and engaging talk about creativity, imagination, and literature. Reference: History of Halloween. History.com. Retrieved from http://www.history.com/topics/halloween/history-of-halloween/videos/bet-you-didnt-know-witches 3. TED Talk about Fantasy writing: For Teachers (or students) www.ted.com/talks/mac_barnett_why_a_good_book_is_a_secret_door This is a ridiculously entertaining and engaging talk about creativity, imagination, and literature. Mac Bernett discusses fantasy worlds and surrealism from the voice of a children's book author. (this is hilarious by the way) 4. Adam Gidwitz's website The author of The Inquisitor's Tale has an extensive website containing articles, interviews, podcasts and book trailers that classes would find interesting. There is also an audio version of the book here. 5. Medieval Numerology https://math.dartmouth.edu/~matc/math5.geometry/unit8/unit8.html This Dartmouth College information is clear and concise, and gives a nice intro into number symbolism in the middle ages. 6. Illuminated Manuscripts From the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, this resource contains lesson plans and brief history of Illuminated letters for teachers. There also are some printable images to use for teaching. 7. The Bayeux Tapestry Understanding the historical and artistic significance of this piece of embroidery (not really a tapestry) will help the teacher and students understand frame stories and visual storytelling. This museum website offers activities for teacher, lesson plans and background information. |
Reference List
Aly, H. & Gidwitz, A. (2016). Inquisitors tale: or, the three magical children and their holy dog. Dutton Books for Young Readers. [Kindle DX version]. Retrieved from Amazon.com.
Education, V. D. (n.d.). Standards of Learning. Retrieved July 07, 2017, from http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/
Education, V. D. (n.d.). Standards of Learning. Retrieved July 07, 2017, from http://www.doe.virginia.gov/testing/sol/standards_docs/