Pre+reading+activities

The 1600s were a torrid, violent time. The period was marked both the dawn of modern medicine and the beginning of the Age of Enlightenment all over Europe. In England, these years also brought the [|Restoration] —a revolution in every aspect of life against English physicians charted the circulatory system, and the invention of the compound microscope and identification of bacteria were together about to begin unraveling the mystery of infectious disease. In 1662, [|King Charles established the Royal Society] in order to promote the study of natural science. The world was changing rapidly, and its central focus shifted from God to man. Women, who had always had a role in healing and medicine, were excluded from the study of medicine, yet continued to provide a range of paid healing services such as midwifery and wet nursing. The 1660s were a particularly savage time. England was ravaged by the Black Death in 1665 and London was razed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. Life was fragile. Death imminent.


 * 1. Discuss or brainstorm students prior knowledge of the time in which the book is set.**

To assist discussion, you could play some of the Horrible History videos – for example: the Plague song - [] English civil war - [] Oliver Cromwell - [] Monty Python on Oliver Cromwell - []

Questions to encourage discussion: The Plague – what it was, how many people died? What life was like in England in 1665? Who was Oliver Cromwell? Who were the Puritans and what did they believe in? What was the Restoration? Were their doctors or healers at this time? What was the role of science at this time? What was the relationship between God and men and women? Do you think that people are inherently good or evil? Should people act in the interests of themselves as individuals or for the good of their community? Looking at the cover of the book, what do you think it is about? Does it remind you of any other books you have read?

Set students the following research topics. Divide the class into pairs or small groups and assign one topic per pair/group. Ask them to research a list of questions and then to prepare a five minute Powerpoint/Prezi presentation or poster/glogster on the topic. Class members listen and write down the key points in their notebooks so you can check to make sure they have taken down the notes!
 * 2. Research and presentation activity**




 * The Plague of 1665 [[file:The Plague of 1665.pdf]] **

What was it? How many people died? How was it transmitted? What happened to people who got it? What did people do to try and prevent its spread?


 * Oliver Cromwell and Puritanism [[file:Oliver Cromwell and Puritanism –.pdf]] **

Who was Oliver Cromwell and what did he do? What was Puritanism? Why was it significant? What changed in English society as a result? Was Christmas celebrated and were theatres closed during this period?


 * The Restoration [[file:The Restoration.pdf]] **

What was it? What were the key events? What happened as a result? Why was it significant? What changed in English society as a result?


 * The role of women in medicine in England [[file:The role of women in medicine in England.pdf]] **

What kind of roles had women played in healing and medicine? Were women excluded from medical studies? What happened as a result?