Words Aptly Spoken: British Literature

The Classical Conversations curriculum was designed to incorporate a classical model of education with a biblical worldview. By harnessing the classical stages of learning – grammar, dialectic, and rhetoric – this innovative curriculum ideally suits children’s natural learning style. In the grammar stage, children devour facts. In the dialectic stage, children ask many questions as they sort and evaluate these facts. In the rhetoric stage, teenagers synthesize their knowledge and apply it.

From beginning to end, Classical Conversations is founded on the Bible as the inerrant Word of God. Students are taught that all subjects are not only interconnected but that God is the author and creator of each subject. Each subject informs us more about the true nature of God, and a better understanding of God informs us about each subject that is taught. Classical education combined with a biblical worldview makes Classical Conversations a wonderful tool to mirror the three learning stages in the Bible: knowledge, understanding, and wisdom.

Building upon students' growing understanding of the types and structure of literature from previous books in the Words Aptly Spoken series, this study of British literature expounds on the devices and conventions commonly found in great literature. Does an author convey content through exposition, description, dialogue, or all three? What type of language is used? How do colloquial expressions enhance or detract from the story? In what tense is the story written: past, present, or future? Who is telling the story: first, second, or third person? What is the mood or tone of the writing? Finally, what was the author's purpose in writing this particular piece—what events influenced him or her, and what influence did the book have on the people who read it?

Three genres of literature: poetry, drama, and prose are highlighted and discussed in this collection of classic British literature, from Beowulf to The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis to contemporary mysteries by Ellis Peters. All twenty selections appear in the chronological order as they are studied in Challenge II.

This study guide is used for all of the British literature covered in class. Includes thought and review questions.