The Arts of Fair Rowena

BUT Hengist had a beautiful daughter named Rowena; and when, at a feast, she filled a golden goblet to the brim with wine, and gave it to Vortigern, saying in a sweet voice, ‘Dear King, thy health!’ the King fell in love with her.

My opinion is, that the cunning Hengist meant him to do so, in order that the Saxons might have greater influence with him; and that the fair Rowena came to that feast, golden goblet and all, on purpose.

At any rate, they were married; and, long afterwards, whenever the King was angry with the Saxons, or jealous of their encroachments, Rowena would put her beautiful arms round his neck, and softly say, ‘Dear King, they are my people! Be favourable to them, as you loved that Saxon girl who gave you the golden goblet of wine at the feast!’

And, really, I don’t see how the King could help himself.

abridged

Abridged from ‘A Child’s History of England’ by Charles Dickens (1812-1870).
Précis
According to legend, Saxon warlord Hengist had a beautiful daughter named Rowena, whom he encouraged to use her charms on Vortigern. As planned, the King took Rowena as his Queen, and ever afterwards could easily be persuaded to let the Saxons have their own way, until they came to control the country.
Questions for Critics

1. What is the author aiming to achieve in writing this?

2. Note any words, devices or turns of phrase that strike you. How do they help the author communicate his ideas more effectively?

3. What impression does this passage make on you? How might you put that impression into words?

Based on The English Critic (1939) by NL Clay, drawing on The New Criticism: A Lecture Delivered at Columbia University, March 9, 1910, by J. E. Spingarn, Professor of Comparative Literature in Columbia University, USA.

Sevens

Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.

Who was Rowena?

Suggestion

A daughter of fifth-century Saxon warlord Hengist.

Jigsaws

Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.

Hengist’s daughter Rowena was beautiful. He hoped Vortigern would fall in love with her. Vortigern married Rowena.]>

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