A Great Fray at Wakefield

Understanding 16th century fighting and dramatic reading

Read for literary elements

• Setting: where does the action take place?

Read for literary elements

Who are the main

characters? What are

their relationships

or connections?

Read for literary elements

• Plot– Exposition: what information opens the story?– Rising action: what actions lead to the main conflict?– Central conflict: what is the central issue to be

resolved?– Climax: at what point does the story turn towards

resolution?– Falling action: what actions lead the reader to the

conclusion?– Resolution: what conclusion ends the story?

Infer

• Find three or more clues about fighting in this time period

• What do the clues suggest about 16th century fighting?

Example analysis

Early in the story, Tobit stands his ground on behalf of Wakefield, saying, “Down with your staves I say, or else you must have a bout or two with me at these weapons.” The Kendall and Halifax men disagree with his ideas, but are “more than willing to give Tobit his due.” Fighting was often about defending honor or territory. One could partake in a fight simply on the basis of an ideological disagreement.

Example analysis | Hamburger style

Early in the story, Tobit stands his ground on behalf of Wakefield, saying, “Down with your staves I say, or else you must have a bout or two with me at these weapons.” The Kendall and Halifax men disagree with his ideas, but are “more than willing to give Tobit his due.” Fighting was often about defending honor or territory. One could partake in a fight simply on the basis of an ideological disagreement.

Example analysisThe men fight without animosity, despite the destruction and possible death involved. The Halifax and Kendall men initially lose their honor when they lose the right to carry their staves through Wakefield. As the story recounts, the men agree to fight, then, “away they went together, where they did liquor there insides as well as they had their outsides basted.” Men of ‘opposite’ sides will drink together even after agreeing to duel. Before they duel, the ‘enemies’ are welcomed with more alcohol: “George was wondrous glad, bidding them welcome with a dozen or two of Ale.” The fights are for “sport”, “prize” and honor. However, the men involved do not take the challenges personally, so much as a duty to their community; they must defend and entertain.

Example analysis | Hamburger style

The men fight without animosity, despite the destruction and possible death involved. The Halifax and Kendall men initially lose their honor when they lose the right to carry their staves through Wakefield. As the story recounts, the men agree to fight, then, “away they went together, where they did liquor there insides as well as they had their outsides basted.” Men of ‘opposite’ sides will drink together even after agreeing to duel. Before they duel, the ‘enemies’ are welcomed with more alcohol: “George was wondrous glad, bidding them welcome with a dozen or two of Ale.” The fights are for “sport”, “prize” and honor. However, the men involved do not take the challenges personally, so much as a duty to their community; they must defend and entertain.