History Alive Activity

Three people in medieval robes stand in a horizontal line. They're all looking at something off to the side. — Photo of Kenneth La’Ron Hamilton, Brandon Miller, and Anthony Baldasare by Michael Brosilow.

Take a look at the actual historical timeline surrounding the events in The Lion in Winter; then, choose another point in the history of the real-life figures to craft a monologue, scene, or story! This activity, which combines the history of the Plantagenet and creative writing, is suitable for learners of all ages.

History Alive Activity

Activity Preparation
- Supplies:
  - Plantagenet family timeline (see below)
  - Writing materials (paper or digital)

This activity will take anywhere between 20 — 60 minutes.

Learning Sequence
1. Examine the timeline of the Plantagenet family (see below). Notice the timing and type of events that lead up to the events of The Lion in Winter, and also what happens after the conclusion of the play. Note that this timeline does not by any means include every important event in any single figure’s life.
2. Consider the following questions:
  - What surprises you about the outcome for this family?
  - Do the real historical events following the play change how you view or feel about the play?
  - Why do you think playwright James Goldman chose to center the action in 1183 as opposed to another moment in this timeline?
3. Select a moment on the timeline that intrigues you and that you’d like to further explore through some creative writing. After you select the event, consider which characters will be involved — both according to historical record and according to your own creative whims. Then, decide what kind of product you will create: a scene, a monologue, a short story, or something else of your choice.
4. As you write, think about what kind of style, characterization, and tone you would like to establish. You may choose to borrow elements from James Goldman’s writing, from Court Theatre’s production, or you may choose to go in your own direction.

A timeline graphic is titled “A Brief Timeline of the Plantangenet Family.” On the left are years. Next to each listed year is a description of the events that occurred. 1152: Eleanor of Aquitaine's marriage to Louis VII of France annulled. 1152: Henry of Anjou (future Henry II of England) marries Eleanor of Aquitaine. 1155, 1157, 1158, 1167: Birth of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine’s sons: Henry the Young King, Richard I, Geoffrey, and John. 1173: Future Richard I of England and his brothers Henry and Geoffrey engage the support of Louis VII, king of France, and rebel against the Henry II of England. 1174 - 1189: Eleanor is imprisoned by Henry II following the revolt of her sons which she may have encouraged. 1183: Henry the Young King, son and heir to Henry II of England, dies of dysentery. 1186: Geoffrey dies in an accident at a medieval tournament. 1188 - 1189: Future Richard I of England, his brother future King John of England and Philip II of France rebel against Henry II of England; Henry II is obliged to declare his son Richard as his heir. 1189: Death by natural causes of Henry II of England. Richard I of England is crowned in Westminster Abbey. 1199: Richard I dies after a battle wound turns gangrenous. John is crowned King of England.

This activity aligns with the following standards:
- Illinois Arts Learning Standards
  - Anchor Standard 1: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.
  - Anchor Standard 2: Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
  - Anchor Standard 11: Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
- Common Core State Standards
  - CCSS.ELA.W.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.
  - CCSS.ELA.W.10 Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences.

Posted on October 26, 2023 in Learning Guides, Productions