A lyrical biography of a Cuban slave who escaped to become a celebrated poet.
Born into the household of a wealthy slave owner in Cuba in 1797, Juan Francisco Manzano spent his early years by the side of a woman who made him call her Mama, even though he had a mama of his own. Denied an education, young Juan still showed an exceptional talent for poetry. His verses reflect the beauty of his world, but they also expose its hideous cruelty. Powerful, haunting poems and breathtaking illustrations create a portrait of a life in which even the pain of slavery could not extinguish the capacity for hope.
"The Poet Slave of Cuba" is the winner of the 2008 Pura Belpre Medal for Narrative and a 2007 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year. Latino Interest.

Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off is the best-known and most critically acclaimed of Liz Lochhead's plays. Dramatising the religious and political history of Scotland from a particularly female point of view, it remains popular with audiences and with the author herself, who sees the work as "a metaphor for the Scots today". Margery Palmer McCulloch's SCOTNOTE study guide provides a background to the history and to the dramatic presentation, as well as giving an overview of the modern context of Lochhead's play, for senior school pupils and students at all levels.

Coleridge's theories, insights and practical criticism underlie nearly all subsequent criticism in English. It was not only that he turned decisively away from eighteenth century views (clearly and usefully surveyed in the first chapter). His powerfully general theories of the imagination and of poetic language and structure provided permanent insights. He saw the plays as organic structures of poetic effects, the product of conscious artistry. These served Shakespeare's deep human insight, both psychological and moral. Dr Badawi provides a lucid analysis of the elements of Coleridge's criticism of Shakespeare, demonstrating the relationship with his criticism generally, and bringing out its originality, its validity and its influence on our concepts of poetic language, dramatic form and our response to the whole medium.

In a fresh examination of Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience, poems which often seem strangely contradictory, Dr Gillham suggests that Blake is not stating his own thoughts and feelings but presenting 'dramatic' statements; he projects himself into other points of view, thus exploring possible states of being and feeling in which spiritual energy expresses itself. Certain eighteenth-century theories of the mind are examines, explaining the mind in terms of self-interest. Blake included this view in his vision of 'Experience'. The poems suggest, and explore the possibility that such a view, while true of the mind in one state, is not true of it in another. This other state, 'Innocence', is more outgoing, more responsible and more self-aware. The two states lead to quite different moral, religious and political beliefs, though they can use the same terms in doing so. Dr Gillham shows that poems seemingly in conflict can be seen from a consistent point of view.

Focusing on the core assessment objectives for GCSE English Literature 9-1, The Quotation Bank takes 25 of the most important quotations from the text and provides detailed material for each quotation, covering interpretations, literary techniques and detailed analysis. Also included is a sample answer, detailed essay plans, revision activities and a comprehensive glossary of relevant literary terminology, all in a clear and practical format to enable effective revision and ultimate exam confidence.

This is not a random collection of essays, but a book on a single theme. Written by separate hands, mainly by literary critics at Cambridge, it was planned as a whole and executed with a common purpose: to produce the first literary study of the English moralists of the seventeenth century to the beginning of the twentieth. The authors share two convictions: they believe that the study of literature demands an understanding of whatever moral philosophy is embodied in it; and they believe that philosophical writings are capable of being tested by the techniques of literary criticism. In this book, such works as Bacon's Advancement of Learning, Hobbes's Leviathan, and Hume's Enquiries are viewed as whole works, not as repositories of philosophical propositions, nor as episodes in the history of English thought.

The X-Kit Achieve! Literature series offers a unique series of visually attractive, high-quality exam preparation tools. The series has been written by top South African educationalists. The books cover all the knowledge and skills tested in the final English Home Language and First Additional Language literature exams for the FET phase. Plot, theme, character, style, symbolism and imagery are all discussed in detail, and thoroughly taught and tested. Study and exam preparation techniques are covered and exam questions provided. Answers are also provided for all the questions to allow learners to monitor their own understanding. This study guide aims to provide you with sufficient support for doing really well in your Grade 12 English examination. This study guide will provide: All the background information needed for a full understanding of Cry, the Beloved Country.; Summaries, including a precis of the whole play, plus details of acts and scenes.; Important quotes for use in exams.; An analysis of the play that will help you understand the plot and develop insight and appreciation.; Pointers about the characters for quick and easy revision.; A summary of the key themes.; Comprehensive exam preparation assistance, including test-yourself questions, sample contextual questions and full answers; and A glossary explaining literature terminology. About the author, Alan Paton: Born in Pietermaritzburg in 1903, Alan Paton attended Pietermaritzburg College and then studied science at the University of Natal. He graduated in 1922 and obtained his teaching certificate in 1923. In 1925, he went to teach at a school in Ixopo attended by black children. In 1928, he took a post at Pietermaritzburg College, a prestigious, whites-only boys' school, where he taught for seven years. He started writing poetry and novels, but was critical of his novel-writing efforts and destroyed these early stories. In 1935, he became principal of Diepkloof Reformatory. Here, he instituted a number of reforms and the reformatory succeeded in rehabilitating juvenile criminals into society. He felt that with greater freedom in the way the reformatory was run, the boys would be better adapted to life outside the reformatory when released. At the start of the Second World War, Paton wanted to join the army, but was asked to stay on at the reformatory instead. After the war, while travelling to study prisons and reform schools elsewhere in the world, Paton had the idea for his novel Cry, the Beloved Country, which he wrote most of while travelling abroad. Paton was convinced that young urban black people drifted into crime because of a lack of opportunities to make a living and as a result of broken families and tribes around the country. This lack of stability of home and culture left the young without an anchor, and the unfair laws of the time inhibited them from finding an honest way to make a living. In creating his characters for Cry, the Beloved Country, Paton drew on three major schools of thought at that time: There was a desire by white people to keep the black people in their place.; There was an opposite desire among black activists to demand equality more and more violently; and There was the attitude of "brotherly love" as embodied by the Christian churches predominant at that time. As a devout Christian, Paton seemed to conclude in his novel that having an attitude of brotherly love offers the only hope for the future, but this idea was fiercely opposed. Although Paton wrote this novel in 1946, the themes and issues he explores are still interesting and relevant now. This eBook is in ePDF format, which enables you to: View the entire book offline on desktop or tablet.; Search for and highlight text; and Add and edit personal notes directly in your eBook.

This third volume of Q. D. Leavis's essays brings together pieces on hitherto unexplored aspects of Victorian literature. Most of these date from towards the end of her life and are previously unpublished. There are also essays and reviews which appeared originally in Scrutiny. Mrs Leavis focuses on the novel of religious controversy, the Anglo-Irish novel, women writers of the nineteenth century, and certain aspects of George Eliot's work. She examines these, and other relevant writing, from literary, historical and sociological points of view. The volume affords valuable new insights into nineteenth-century literature, and affirms Mrs Leavis's standing as a pioneering and penetrating critic.

John Wilders - literary advisor to the BBC TV Shakespeare series - brings thorough scholarship and a practical understanding of performance needs to this new edition. Clarity, accessibility and rigour are the hallmarks of an edition which will provide invaluable guidance for all its readers. "This edition has a very helpful introduction and good clear text, as well as the exceptionally excellent and detailed notes." Dr Michael Herbert, St Andrews University ' a useful treatment of a complex play' Barry Gaines, University of New Mexico, Shakespeare Quarterly

Focusing on the core assessment objectives for GCSE English Literature 9-1, The Quotation Bank takes 25 of the most important quotations from the text and provides detailed material for each quotation, covering interpretations, literary techniques and detailed analysis. Also included is a sample answer, detailed essay plans, revision activities and a comprehensive glossary of relevant literary terminology, all in a clear and practical format to enable effective revision and ultimate exam confidence.

IN

Drawing on a series of recently conducted classroom workshops and live interviews with the authors, this inspiring book examines five popular children's authors: Philip Pullman, J.K. Rowling, Michael Morpurgo, Anthony Browne, Jacqueline Wilson and the genre of comic books. Four genres are explored in detail: the picture book, written narrative, film narrative and comic books. Teaching Children's Literature provides detailed literary knowledge about the chosen authors and genres alongside clear, structured guidelines and creative ideas to help teachers, student teachers and classroom assistants make some immensely popular children's books come alive in the classroom. This accessible and inspiring text for teachers, parents, student teachers and students of children's literature: includes a variety of discussion, drama, writing and drawing activities, with ideas for Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning which can be used to plan a unit of work or series of interrelated lessons for pupils aged between seven and fourteen years provides detailed, literary knowledge about the authors, their works, language, plot and characterisation, including exclusive transcripts of interviews with three contemporary children's book authors shows teachers how pupils can be encouraged to become more critical and knowledgeable about screen, picture and comic narratives as well as written narratives demonstrates how reading stories can help connect pupils and teachers to a broader pedagogy in ways which promote deeper thinking, learning and engagement. This lively, informative and practical book will enable teachers, students and classroom assistants to plan inspiring and enjoyable lessons which will encourage them to teach children's literature in an entirely different and inventive way.

This audio guide offers a completely new approach to learning and revision. You can learn about how to approach your poetry exam while walking to school, or as the soundtrack to your favourite computer game. The guide includes a 20 page booklet comparing the language, form and structure of the set poems. Comparisons include carefully chosen quotes and key terminology. Total Running Time: 1 hour 15 Minutes. A code for printable PDF revision bullet points is also included. Track listing: 1. The Poison Tree, 2. The Destruction of Sennacherib, 3. The Prelude: Stealing the Boat, 4. The Man He Killed, 5. Cousin Kate, 6. Half-caste, 7. Exposure, 8. The Charge of the Light Brigade, 9. Catrin, 10. War Photographer, 11. Belfast Confetti, 12. The Class Game, 13. Poppies, 14. No Problem, 15. What Were They Like?, 16. How to compare unseen poetry, 17. Glossary of Key Terms.

This collation of 25 poems introduce Robert Frost to young people. The selections are arranged by the seasons and Sorensen's handsome watercolour illustrations capture the feel of the New England landscape without in any way trying to provide literal images for the poetry. There's an excellent biographical essay and, at the bottom of each page, Schmidt provides a brief note on some of the possible ways to read the lines...These nature poems show that poetry holds feelings and ideas that everyone can understand.

Understanding English is a series of topic-based study books for children in Key Stage 2, providing rigorous practice of key subject areas. Each topic contains a concise summary of the information required by the National Curriculum, making the series ideal for use as preparation for the Key Stage 2 tests. Each book is a stand-alone resource, so children can either work through them in order or focus on individual aspects of the subject. Together, the eight books support the whole of the Key Stage 2 English curriculum, providing a solid foundation for success in English. Fiction meets the National Curriculum requirements for Key Stage 2 English, and covers the following areas: genre, dialogue, structure, themes, conventions, traditional tales, fables, play scripts, story openings, modern fiction, language for effect, and book recommendations. This book describes the features that make for a captivating story, including the use of character, suspense, setting and plot. Key features of Understanding English include: an 'Explanation' to introduce each topic; activities to consolidate and revise knowledge and skills; thought-provoking facts to foster a love of learning beyond the National Curriculum; 'Now you try' activities to develop children's understanding of English outside the classroom.

Understanding English is a series of topic-based study books for children in Key Stage 2, providing rigorous practice of key subject areas. Each topic contains a concise summary of the information required by the National Curriculum, making the series ideal for use as preparation for the Key Stage 2 tests. Each book is a stand-alone resource, so children can either work through them in order or focus on individual aspects of the subject. Together, the eight books support the whole of the Key Stage 2 English curriculum, providing a solid foundation for success in English. Poetry meets the National Curriculum requirements for Key Stage 2 English, and covers the following areas: learning poetry by heart, performing poetry, writing poetry, reading poetry aloud, similes, metaphors, poetic language, personification, haiku, free verse, nonsense poetry and shape poems. This book looks closely at the features that make poetry so special, such as rhyme, rhythm, sound effects and imagery. Key features of Understanding English include: an 'Explanation' to introduce each topic; activities to consolidate and revise knowledge and skills; thought-provoking facts to foster a love of learning beyond the National Curriculum; 'Now you try' activities to develop children's understanding of English outside the classroom.

Golden Prose in the Age of Augustus is an anthology containing fresh, accurate and readable translations of the seven great prose writers from the Augustan period and covering a broad range of prose writing. Includes an introduction, maps, chronology, glossary, bibliography and notes.

Essentials of Young Adult Literature, 3/e gives readers an engaging and succinct yet comprehensive overview of young adult literature. Using a genre approach and an emphasis on immersion in literature, it prepares tomorrow's teachers to integrate literature into middle and high school curricula. This book focuses on reading young adult books, not just talking about them. It presents short chapters that include extensive recommended booklists organized by genre and topic, and relates young adult literature to current issues such as standards, the literary canon, censorship, close reading, critical literacy, and resistant readers.

A new look at Shakespeare's play in accordance with the work of the Shakespeare and Schools Project, the National Curriculum for English, developments at GCSE and A-level, and the probable development of English and Drama throughout the 1990s. Cambridge School Shakespeare considers the play as theatre and the text as script, enabling pupils to inhabit the imaginative world of the play in an accessible, meaningful and creative way. Cambridge School Shakespeare approaches the plays in a way that encourags students to participate actively in examining the plays, to work in groups as well as individually, to treat the play as a script to be re-created, and to explore the theatrical/dramatic qualities of the text. The editorial comments cater for pupils of all ages and abilities, providing clear, helpful guidelines for school study. The format of the plays is also designed to help all teachers, whether experienced or inexperienced. - Shakespeare at GCSE and A-level - students in secondary schools, sixth-form colleges and their teachers, students of drama and theatre.

The London theatres arguably were the central cultural institutions in England during the Romantic period, and certainly were arenas in which key issues of the time were contested. While existing anthologies of Romantic drama have focused almost exclusively on "closet dramas" rarely performed on stage, The Broadview Anthology of Romantic Drama instead provides a broad sampling of works representative of the full range of the drama of the period. It includes the dramatic work of canonical Romantic poets (Samuel Coleridge's Remorse, Percy Shelley's The Cenci, and Lord Byron's Sardanapalus) and important plays by women dramatists (Hannah Cowley's A Bold Stroke for a Husband, Elizabeth Inchbald's Every One Has His Fault, and Joanna Baillie's Orra). It also provides a selection of popular theatrical genres-from melodrama and pantomime to hippodrama and parody-most popular in the period, featuring plays by George Colman the Younger, Thomas John Dibdin, and Matthew Gregory Lewis. In short, this is the most wide-ranging and comprehensive anthology of Romantic drama ever published. The introduction by the editors provides an informative overview of the drama and stage practices of the Romantic Period. The anthology also provides copious supplementary materials, including an Appendix of reviews and contemporary essays on the theater, a Glossary of Actors and Actresses, and a guide to further reading. Each of the ten plays has been fully edited and annotated.