Alfred Learns To Read

Even as a child, King Alfred couldn’t resist a challenge.

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Introduction

Alfred the Great was King of Wessex in southern England, from 871 to 899. By reclaiming the Midlands and East Anglia from pagan Danish invaders, he took a giant step towards the formation of a Kingdom of England, and ensured it would be a civilised, enlightened, Christian land.

by Charles Dickens 1812-1870

AT twelve years old, Alfred had not been taught to read; although, of the sons of King Ethelwulf, he, the youngest, was the favourite.

But he had — as most men who grow up to be great and good are generally found to have had — an excellent mother.

One day, this lady, whose name was Osburga, happened, as she was sitting among her sons, to read a book of Saxon poetry.

The art of printing was not known until long and long after that period, and the book, which was written, was what is called ‘illuminated,’ with beautiful bright letters, richly painted.

The brothers admiring it very much, their mother said, ‘I will give it to that one of you four princes who first learns to read.’

Alfred sought out a tutor that very day, applied himself to learn with great diligence, and soon won the book. He was proud of it, all his life.

by Charles Dickens 1812-1870

Slightly abridged from ‘A Child’s History of England’ by Charles Dickens.

Précis

Back in the 9th century, twelve-year-old prince Alfred admired the volume of poetry his mother Queen Osburga was reading. She then promised all her four sons that whichever was the first to learn his letters would keep the book, and Alfred won the prize. 44 words

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.

Why was Dickens surprised that the twelve-year-old Alfred had not been taught to read?

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.

King Ethelwulf had four sons. His favourite was Alfred. He did not teach his sons to read.