Attempted Revolution in England 1605

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Attempted Revolution in England 1605

Remember, Remember, the 5th of November: The Tale of Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot

 

Lesson Length: 90 minutes

Introduction:

As the bonfires light up and fireworks fill the skies every 5th of November, we are reminded of a famous historical tale that has become synonymous with this date. The story of Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot is well-known in British history and has inspired popular culture over the years. In this English lesson, we delve into the history behind Guy Fawkes and how he came to be associated with this explosive event.

DISCUSS THE NEW VOCABULARY:

GRAMMAR SECTION:  Identify the verb tense used in the following sentence: “The story of Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot is well-known in British history.”

SECTION ONE:  A Brief Background

Guy Fawkes was born in York, England in 1570. He grew up in a Protestant household but later converted to Catholicism after his mother remarried a staunch Catholic. It was during these years that Fawkes developed strong views against Protestant rule and felt sympathy for the plight of English Catholics.

DISCUSS THE NEW VOCABULARY:

GRAMMAR SECTION:  Can you identify the appropriate use of passive voice in the previous paragraph?

SECTION TWO: The Gunpowder Plot

As England moved into the early-17th century, tensions between Catholics and Protestants were at an all-time high. However, it was the ascension of King James I – a Protestant monarch – to the throne that triggered a group of disaffected Catholics to hatch an audacious plot.

The plan was simple yet daring; they would blow up the Houses of Parliament during its State Opening on November 5th, 1605, killing King James I and his government in one fell swoop. This would pave the way for a Catholic uprising to take over England.

DISCUSS THE NEW VOCABULARY:

GRAMMAR SECTION:  Identify the correct form of the passive voice in the following sentence from the provided paragraph: “This would pave the way for a Catholic uprising to take over England.”

LISTENING SECTION:  Listen to the video and answer the questions below.

QUESTIONS:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Where is he and what does his uncle do for a job?
               2. When was Guy Fawkes a prisoner in The Tower of London? What is The Tower of London?
               3. What happens in England on the 5th November?
               4. What was Guy Fawkes imprisoned and then executed for?
               5. Guy Fawkes was tortured to get information from him. What does the word “tortured” mean?
               6. What was Guy Fawkes’s aim, and why?

SECTION THREE: Guy Fawkes’ Role

Fawkes, having gained military experience from serving in the Spanish army, was recruited by ringleader Robert Catesby as he was skilled in handling explosives. Fawkes’ role in the plot was to guard 36 barrels of gunpowder hidden beneath a cellar within Parliament while awaiting instructions from Catesby.

DISCUSS THE NEW VOCABULARY:

GRAMMAR SECTION:  Identify the correct form of the past participle in the following sentence: “Fawkes, having gained military experience from serving in the Spanish army, was recruited by ringleader Robert Catesby as he was skilled in handling explosives.”

LISTENING EXERCISE TWO:

This is a video of what happens in England on every November 5th in Lewes in the south of England.

 

SECTION FOUR: The Discovery and Conclusion

The plot unraveled after an anonymous letter tipped off authorities about the planned attack. On the fateful night of November 4th, Fawkes was discovered in the cellar with a lit slow match. He was subsequently arrested and tortured until he revealed the names of his fellow conspirators. The members of the group were hunted down and eventually executed.

DISCUSS THE NEW VOCABULARY:

GRAMMAR SECTION:  In the following sentence, identify and correct any instances of passive voice: “The plot unraveled after an anonymous letter tipped off authorities about the planned attack.”

SECTION FIVE: Legacy and Celebration

Although the plot failed, Guy Fawkes has endured as a symbol of resistance against unfair governance. Every 5th of November in Britain, people celebrate Guy Fawkes Day or Bonfire Night by starting bonfires, setting off fireworks, and burning an effigy of Fawkes called “the guy.”

DISCUSS THE NEW VOCABULARY:

GRAMMAR SECTION:  Identify and correct the punctuation error(s) in the following sentence: “Every 5th of November in Britain, people celebrate Guy Fawkes Day or Bonfire Night by starting bonfires, setting off fireworks, and burning an effigy of Fawkes called “the guy.””

SECTION SIX: Final Thoughts

The Guy Fawkes story reminds us of the significance of dissent and dialogue in a democratic society. While his methods can’t be condoned, his actions have provided a lasting symbol for fighting tyranny since that failed attempt in 1605. So, as you watch the bonfires burn and fireworks crackle this Bonfire Night, remember the tale behind it – that of Guy Fawkes and the 5th of November.

DISCUSS THE NEW VOCABULARY:

GRAMMAR SECTION:  In the given paragraph above, identify the appropriate use of the subjunctive mood and explain its significance in conveying the author’s message.

WRITING EXERCISE:

Write a 150-word argumentative paragraph discussing the pros and cons of celebrating the 5th of November, also known as Guy Fawkes Night, in modern society. Consider the historical context of the event, the cultural significance, and the potential impact on contemporary society while expressing your viewpoint. Ensure that your paragraph is well-structured with a clear topic sentence, supporting arguments with evidence, and a strong concluding sentence.