Category Archives: Writing/Progymnasmata

19th Century Fables As well-known as de La Fontaine is in France, Ivan Krylov (d. 1844) is in Russia.  He based many of his fables on those of de La Fontaine, but also found much inspiration in society.  You will also read fables from the second half of the 19th century by Charles Yriarte (d.Continue reading “Progymnasmata for the High School Student – Year One, Week Seven”

English Fables Fables continued into the Early Modern Era to provide compelling sources for retelling for contemporary readers.     Day 1 – Roger L’Estrange Robert L’Estrange published a collection of fables by Aesop and by others, which he translated into English, including those by Laurentius Abstemius, an Italian, who published his fables in Latin in theContinue reading “Progymnasmata for the High School Student – Year One, Week Six”

Reynard the Fox This week, we return to Europe.  We will focus on one character who emerged from medieval fables to become the hero in his own “beast” epic.  We will then trace his legacy through to the early 20th Century. Day 1 – Roman de Renart In the 12th century, Marie de France toldContinue reading “Progymnasmata for the High School Student – Year One, Week Five”