1. Bell Ringer
Choose from the following vocabulary words and fill in the blanks.
Ignoble, confronted, oath, tumultuous, realm, coronation, inscription
Everyone who lived in the evil King’s _____feared him.
The haughty countess ignored the _____commoners who worked in the kitchen.
The knights swore an _____of loyalty to one another.
A gala ball was held at the palace following the queen’s _____.
The boy bravely _____ his fear of the bucking horse and leapt onto its back.
The _____ on the base of the statue revealed the hero’s name and accomplishments.
The quiet stream became a _____ torrent after the rains.

2. You need to take notes!!!!
Introduction to the archetypal hero’s journey

3. Here is a visual representation of the hero’s journey

5. Read The sword in the stone
You will be reading “The Sword in the Stone” beginning on page 755.
Be sure to start with the background information!!!!
You will be practicing the before, during and after reading strategy.
You will have questions to answer before, during and after your reading of the story.

6. Questions
Before Reading: Write what you know about the following terms. If you have no prior knowledge, state that beside the term.
King Arthur
Excalibur
Merlin
Sir Lancelot
Round table
During Reading
1. Paraphrase the inscription on the anvil in modern English. (page 756)
2. Why might a sword be used as a symbol of leadership?
3. What is the significance of Arthur freeing the sword from the stone without effort or forethought?
4. How is Sir Kay a foil to Arthur's heroic character traits? (foil-a character who highlights another character's personality by displaying contrasting traits)
5. According to Arthurian legend, whom do the nobles want as king?
6. What does the behavior of the nobles indicate about the society of the time?
7. In this retelling of the legend, how is the balance of power addressed?
After Reading
8. What heroic values does this story teach? Which of these values is still important today?
9. Why does the tale have special appeal to the commoners of Arthur's time?
10. Why do you think the story of Arthur has had lasting appeal? What does the story of Arthur provide for the reader?