Sir Gawain---which version?

[mo2]

Which translation of Sir Gawain is the easiest to read?  Which is the best? 

[...................]

My kids loved Tolkien's

[mo2]

My kids loved Tolkien's

Thanks.  There isn't a bookstore locally so it's hard for me to compare.  :)

[Lori D.]

While DSs and I really enjoyed the Tolkien version, when I used Tolkien's translation of Sir Gawain last year in my high school Lit. & Comp. class, virtually all of the students were very lost in the Medieval language and culture -- to the point where I had to give them a brief 1-2 sentence summary of what actually *happened* in each stanza.

 

So if you're not working from an edition with lots of footnotes, or with a study guide to help with a lot of the language and Medieval details, you may not want the Tolkien translation, which does stay close to the original.

 

Here's a pretty modern prose layout translation by Jessie Weston that is quite readable.

Here's a pretty straight-forward poetic translation by James Winny.

And another fairly straight-forward poetic translation by Paul Deane.

The layout of this translation helps you see the "bob and wheel" type of form.

 

One idea is to do an abridged version, or at least view a short video version first just to have the basic plot in mind, before moving on to a verse translation, and then tackling what it's all about.

 

- here's a

 of the basic storyline

- here's a 30-min animated version, divided into six 5-minute segments

(be sure to click "deny" when it asks to store info on your hard drive -- you may have to click "deny" twice, and then click on the arrow in the bottom left corner to get each video segment to play)

 

episode 1 (4:17) = At the court of King Arthur =http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/schoolradio/subjects/english/gawain/episodes/episode_1 

episode 2 (3:57) = The Green Knight's challenge =http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/schoolradio/subjects/english/gawain/episodes/episode_2 

episode 3 (5:06) = At the castle of Sir Bercilak =http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/schoolradio/subjects/english/gawain/episodes/episode_3

episode 4 (4:47) = The exchange of gifts =http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/schoolradio/subjects/english/gawain/episodes/episode_4 

episode 5 (6:21) = At the Green Chapel = http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/schoolradio/subjects/english/gawain/episodes/episode_5 

episode 6 (3:52) = Gawain returns to the Camelot =http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/schoolradio/subjects/english/gawain/episodes/episode_6

 

Edited March 17, 2017 by Lori D.

[historymatters]

Tolkien 's

[mo2]

While DSs and I really enjoyed the Tolkien version, when I used Tolkien's translation of Sir Gawain last year in my high school Lit. & Comp. class, virtually all of the students were very lost in the Medieval language and culture -- to the point where I had to give them a brief 1-2 sentence summary of what actually *happened* in each stanza.

 

So if you're not working from an edition with lots of footnotes, or with a study guide to help with a lot of the language and Medieval details, you may not want the Tolkien translation, which does still close to the original.

 

Here's a pretty modern prose layout translation by Jessie Weston that is quite readable.

Here's a pretty straight-forward poetic translation by James Winny.

And another fairly straight-forward poetic translation by Paul Deane.

The layout of this translation helps you see the "bob and wheel" type of form.

 

One idea is to do an abridged version, or at least view a short video version first just to have the basic plot in mind, before moving on to a verse translation, and then tackling what it's all about.

 

- here's a 6-min video animated version of the basic storyline

- here's a 30-min animated version, divided into six 5-minute segments

(be sure to click "deny" when it asks to store info on your hard drive -- you may have to click "deny" twice, and then click on the arrow in the bottom left corner to get each video segment to play)

 

episode 1 (4:17) = At the court of King Arthur =http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/schoolradio/subjects/english/gawain/episodes/episode_1 

episode 2 (3:57) = The Green Knight's challenge =http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/schoolradio/subjects/english/gawain/episodes/episode_2 

episode 3 (5:06) = At the castle of Sir Bercilak =http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/schoolradio/subjects/english/gawain/episodes/episode_3

episode 4 (4:47) = The exchange of gifts =http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/schoolradio/subjects/english/gawain/episodes/episode_4 

episode 5 (6:21) = At the Green Chapel = http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/schoolradio/subjects/english/gawain/episodes/episode_5 

episode 6 (3:52) = Gawain returns to the Camelot =http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/schoolradio/subjects/english/gawain/episodes/episode_6

Thank you for all this.  I have been trying to find a sample of Tolkien's translation so I can get a feel for it, but no such luck (yet, anyway).  I probably want a modern translation for this particular child, but I wouldn't mind if it was still in poetic form.   I will definitely spend some time checking out these links!

[Nancy in NH]

Tolkien's is a favorite around here.

[JumpedIntoTheDeepEndFirst]

I won't vouch for the commentary since I haven't read through it throughly but here is an online excerpt...

 

http://www.heritagecollegeready.org/ourpages/auto/2013/9/30/51224870/SIR%20GAWAIN%20AND%20THE%20GREEN%20KNIGHT%20TEXTBOOK.pdf

 

In searching for an online copy it seems that translation and transliteration are often grouped together.

 

Way back in the day I used Tolkien as a student and I passed that version on to my kids.

[historymatters]

I really liked the resource provided by Jumpedinto...

 

Perhaps, this would be helpful, too:

 

http://www.bookrags.com/studyguide-sir-gawain-and-the-green-knight-pea/#gsc.tab=0

 

Tolkien's version is so readable. BTW, Don't forget to look up the allusions within it!

[mo2]

Sounds like I need to get the Tolkien version and give it a read-through.  :) 

 

Has anyone read Simon Armitage's translation? 

[historymatters]

No, but I watched his "documentary" on the BBC he made about Gawain's Journey. It was interesting. Hope the link comes thru below:

 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://m.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3D74glI1lg1CQ&ved=0ahUKEwiXzonyoNzSAhVp3IMKHb3jCXwQwqsBCBwwAA&usg=AFQjCNFtr4PXYZcmw2Si9OjrOayr70wtaQ

[Lori D.]

http://www.heritagecollegeready.org/ourpages/auto/2013/9/30/51224870/SIR%20GAWAIN%20AND%20THE%20GREEN%20KNIGHT%20TEXTBOOK.pdf

 

Just to clarify: this is a cool resource, and I did use some it with my class. Just be aware that this is NOT the Tolkien translation, but instead, this is the John Gardner translation. (See just below the title of the first page of this document.) And, this is only excerpts from the original -- about 400 lines out of the original's 2500+ lines, in 101 stanzas.

 

 

More resource ideas:

- Luminarium website -- background info/introduction; articles/essays; resource links 

- Cotton Nero manuscript -- the oldest surviving edition of the work -- has several cool illustrations!

 

 

Since there don't appear to be any samples anywhere of Tolkien's translation, I typed up 3 of the stanzas -- beginning, middle, almost the end -- so you can get a sense of the alliteration and rhythm and language he uses. BEST of luck in deciding what to go with! Warmest regards, Lori D.

 

 

1.

When the siege and the assault had ceased at Troy,

and the fortress fell in flame to firebrands and ashes,

the traitor who the contrivance of treason there fashioned

was tried for his treachery, the most true upon earth—

it was Aeneas the noble and his renowned kindred

who then laid under them lands, and lords became

of well-nigh all the wealth in the Western Isles.

When royal Romulus to Rome his road had taken, in great pomp and pride he peopled it first,

and named it with his own name that yet now it bears;

Tirius went to Tuscany and towns founded,

Langaberde in Lombardy uplifted halls,

and far over the French flood Felix Brutus

on many a broad bank and brae Britain established 

              full fair

         where strange things, strife and sadness,

         at whiles in the land did fare,

         and each other grief and gladness

         oft fast have followed there.

 

50.

"Upon my word," said Gawain, "that is well, I guess;

though I am not now he of whom you are speaking—

to attain to such honour as here you tell of

I am a knight unworthy, as well indeed I know—

by God, I would be glad, if good to you seemed

whatever I could say, or in service could offer

to the pleasure of your excellence—it would be pure delight."

In good faith, Sir Gawain," said the gracious lady,

"the prowess and the excellence that all others approve,

if I scorned or decried them, it were scant courtesy.

But there are ladies in number who liever would now

have thee in their hold, sir, as I have thee here,

pleasantly to play with in polished converse,

their solace to seek and their sorrows to soothe,

than great part of the goods or gold that they own.

But I thank Him who on high of Heaven is Lord

that I have there wholly in my hand what all desire,

              by grace."

         She was an urgent wooer,

         that lady fair of face;

         the knight with speeches pure

         replied in every case.

 

100.

Wild ways in the world Wawain [Gawain] now rideth

on Gringolet: by the grace of God he still lived.

Oft in house he was harboured and lay oft in the open,

oft vanquished his foe in adventures as he fared

which I intend not this time in my tale to recount.

The hurt was healed that he had in his neck,

and the bright-hued belt he bore now about it

obliquely like a baldric bound at his side,

under his left arm with a knot that lace was fastened

to betoken he had been detected in the taint of a fault;

and so at last he came to the Court again safely.

Delight there was awakened, when the lords were aware

that good Gawain had returned: glad news they thought it.

The king kissed the knight, and the queen also,

and then in turn many a true knight that attended to greet him.

About his quest they enquire, and he recounts all the marvels,

declares all the hardships and care that he had,

what chanced at the Chapel, what cheer made the knight,

the love of the lady, and the lace at the last.

The notch in his neck naked he showed them

that he had for his dishonesty from the hands of the knight

              in blame.

         It was torment to tell the truth:

         in his face the blood did flame;

         he groaned for grief and ruth

         when he showed it, to his shame.

Edited March 17, 2017 by Lori D.

[historymatters]

Just to clarify: this is a cool resource, and I did use some it with my class. Just be aware that this is NOT the Tolkien translation, but instead, this is the John Gardner translation. (See just below the title of the first page of this document.) And, this is only excerpts from the original -- about 400 lines out of the original's 2500+ lines, in 101 stanzas.

 

 

More resource ideas:

- Luminarium website -- background info/introduction; articles/essays; resource links

- Cotton Nero manuscript -- the oldest surviving edition of the work -- has several cool illustrations!

 

 

Since there don't appear to be any samples anywhere of Tolkien's translation, I typed up 3 of the stanzas -- beginning, middle, almost the end -- so you can get a sense of the alliteration and rhythm and language he uses. BEST of luck in deciding what to go with! Warmest regards, Lori D.

 

 

1.

When the siege and the assault had ceased at Troy,

and the fortress fell in flame to firebrands and ashes,

the traitor who the contrivance of treason there fashioned

was tried for his treachery, the most true upon earth—

it was Aeneas the noble and his renowned kindred

who then laid under them lands, and lords became

of well-nigh all the wealth in the Western Isles.

When royal Romulus to Rome his road had taken, in great pomp and pride he peopled it first,

and named it with his own name that yet now it bears;

Tirius went to Tuscany and towns founded,

Langaberde in Lombardy uplifted halls,

and far over the French flood Felix Brutus

on many a broad bank and brae Britain established

full fair

where strange things, strife and sadness,

at whiles in the land did fare,

and each other grief and gladness

oft fast have followed there.

 

50.

"Upon my word," said Gawain, "that is well, I guess;

though I am not now he of whom you are speaking—

to attain to such honour as here you tell of

I am a knight unworthy, as well indeed I know—

by God, I would be glad, if good to you seemed

whatever I could say, or in service could offer

to the pleasure of your excellence—it would be pure delight."

In good faith, Sir Gawain," said the gracious lady,

"the prowess and the excellence that all others approve,

if I scorned or decried them, it were scant courtesy.

But there are ladies in number who liever would now

have thee in their hold, sir, as I have thee here,

pleasantly to play with in polished converse,

their solace to seek and their sorrows to soothe,

than great part of the goods or gold that they own.

But I thank Him who on high of Heaven is Lord

that I have there wholly in my hand what all desire,

by grace."

She was an urgent wooer,

that lady fair of face;

the knight with speeches pure

replied in every case.

 

100.

Wild ways in the world Wawain [Gawain] now rideth

on Gringolet: by the grace of God he still lived.

Oft in house he was harboured and lay oft in the open,

oft vanquished his foe in adventures as he fared

which I intend not this time in my tale to recount.

The hurt was healed that he had in his neck,

and the bright-hued belt he bore now about it

obliquely like a baldric bound at his side,

under his left arm with a knot that lace was fastened

to betoken he had been detected in the taint of a fault;

and so at last he came to the Court again safely.

Delight there was awakened, when the lords were aware

that good Gawain had returned: glad news they thought it.

The king kissed the knight, and the queen also,

and then in turn many a true knight that attended to greet him.

About his quest they enquire, and he recounts all the marvels,

declares all the hardships and care that he had,

what chanced at the Chapel, what cheer made the knight,

the love of the lady, and the lace at the last.

The notch in his neck naked he showed them

that he had for his dishonesty from the hands of the knight

in blame.

It was torment to tell the truth:

in his face the blood did flame;

he groaned for grief and ruth

when he showed it, to his shame.

 

Aah...just rolls off the tongue.

[JumpedIntoTheDeepEndFirst]

Just to clarify: this is a cool resource, and I did use some it with my class. Just be aware that this is NOT the Tolkien translation, but instead, this is the John Gardner translation. (See just below the title of the first page of this document.) And, this is only excerpts from the original -- about 400 lines out of the original's 2500+ lines, in 101 stanzas.

 

Well shoot-I missed the top line but found something else that made me think it was Tolkien.  Thanks for the fix.

[Lori D.]

Well shoot-I missed the top line but found something else that made me think it was Tolkien.  Thanks for the fix.

 

Yes, that's understandable, as the left-hand sidebar on that first page, right up near the top of the document says something like, "Did you know? JRR Tolkien was the first to translate Sir Gawain" -- which leads you to believe that what you see in the document is Tolkien's translation. I did the same thing at first when I was using the document last year. ;)

 

 

Just so you can compare with the John Gardner (that document opens with stanza #9), here's the Tolkien version of stanza #9:

 

 

9.

Very gay was this great man guised all in green,

and the hair of his head with his horse's accorded;

fair flapping locks enfolding his shoulders,

a big beard like a bush over his breast hanging

that with the handsome hair from his head falling

was sharp shorn to an edge just short of his elbows,

so that half his arms under it were hid, as it were

in a king's capadoce that encloses his neck.

The mane of that mighty horse was of much the same sort,

well curled and all combed, with many curious knots

woven in with gold wire about the wonderous green,

ever a strand of the hair and a string of the gold; 

the tail and the top-lock were twined all to match

and both bound with a band of a brilliant green:

with dear jewels bedight to the dock's ending,

and twisted then on top was a tight-knitted knot

on which many burnished bells of bright gold jingled.

Such a mount on middle-earth, or man to ride him,

was never beheld in that hall with eyes ere that time;

                   for there

           his glance was as lightning bright,

           so did all that saw him swear;

           no man would have the ight,

           they thought, his blows to bear.

 

 

 

Here's the original language for that stanza:

 

To þe gome he watz ful gayn.

Wel gay watz þis gome gered in grene,

And þe here of his hed of his hors swete.

Fayre fannand fax vmbefoldes his schulderes;

A much berd as a busk ouer his brest henges,

Þat wyth his hiÈlich here þat of his hed reches

Watz euesed al vmbetorne abof his elbowes,

Þat half his armes þer-vnder were halched in þe wyse

Of a kyngez capados þat closes his swyre;

Þe mane of þat mayn hors much to hit lyke,

Wel cresped and cemmed, wyth knottes ful mony

Folden in wyth fildore aboute þe fayre grene,

Ay a herle of þe here, an oþer of golde;

Þe tayl and his toppyng twynnen of a sute,

And bounden boþe wyth a bande of a bryÈt grene,

Dubbed wyth ful dere stonez, as þe dok lasted,

Syþen þrawen wyth a þwong a þwarle knot alofte,

Þer mony bellez ful bryÈt of brende golde rungen.

Such a fole vpon folde, ne freke þat hym rydes,

Watz neuer sene in þat sale wyth syÈt er þat tyme,

with yÈe.

He loked as layt so lyÈt,

So sayd al þat hym syÈe;

Hit semed as no mon myÈt

Vnder his dynttez dryÈe.

 

Edited March 17, 2017 by Lori D.

[Lori D.]

PS -- I also keep forgetting to link this fun past thread that is a discussion about Sir Gawain -- it might open up some interesting bunny trails to explore as you read. :)

 

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight -- input needed please

[mo2]

 

Yes, that's understandable, as the left-hand sidebar on that first page, right up near the top of the document says something like, "Did you know? JRR Tolkien was the first to translate Sir Gawain" -- which leads you to believe that what you see in the document is Tolkien's translation. I did the same thing at first when I was using the document last year. ;)

 

 

Just so you can compare with the John Gardner (that document opens with stanza #9), here's the Tolkien version of stanza #9:

 

 

9.

Very gay was this great man guised all in green,

and the hair of his head with his horse's accorded;

fair flapping locks enfolding his shoulders,

a big beard like a bush over his breast hanging

that with the handsome hair from his head falling

was sharp shorn to an edge just short of his elbows,

so that half his arms under it were hid, as it were

in a king's capadoce that encloses his neck.

The mane of that mighty horse was of much the same sort,

well curled and all combed, with many curious knots

woven in with gold wire about the wonderous green,

ever a strand of the hair and a string of the gold; 

the tail and the top-lock were twined all to match

and both bound with a band of a brilliant green:

with dear jewels bedight to the dock's ending,

and twisted then on top was a tight-knitted knot

on which many burnished bells of bright gold jingled.

Such a mount on middle-earth, or man to ride him,

was never beheld in that hall with eyes ere that time;

                   for there

           his glance was as lightning bright,

           so did all that saw him swear;

           no man would have the ight,

           they thought, his blows to bear.

 

 

 

Here's the original language for that stanza:

 

To þe gome he watz ful gayn.

Wel gay watz þis gome gered in grene,

And þe here of his hed of his hors swete.

Fayre fannand fax vmbefoldes his schulderes;

A much berd as a busk ouer his brest henges,

Þat wyth his hiÈlich here þat of his hed reches

Watz euesed al vmbetorne abof his elbowes,

Þat half his armes þer-vnder were halched in þe wyse

Of a kyngez capados þat closes his swyre;

Þe mane of þat mayn hors much to hit lyke,

Wel cresped and cemmed, wyth knottes ful mony

Folden in wyth fildore aboute þe fayre grene,

Ay a herle of þe here, an oþer of golde;

Þe tayl and his toppyng twynnen of a sute,

And bounden boþe wyth a bande of a bryÈt grene,

Dubbed wyth ful dere stonez, as þe dok lasted,

Syþen þrawen wyth a þwong a þwarle knot alofte,

Þer mony bellez ful bryÈt of brende golde rungen.

Such a fole vpon folde, ne freke þat hym rydes,

Watz neuer sene in þat sale wyth syÈt er þat tyme,

with yÈe.

He loked as layt so lyÈt,

So sayd al þat hym syÈe;

Hit semed as no mon myÈt

Vnder his dynttez dryÈe.

 

 

Yup, I definitely couldn't do the original.

 

PS -- I also keep forgetting to link this fun past thread that is a discussion about Sir Gawain -- it might open up some interesting bunny trails to explore as you read. :)

 

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight -- input needed please

 

Oh gosh.  There's so much there!

 

No, but I watched his "documentary" on the BBC he made about Gawain's Journey. It was interesting. Hope the link comes thru below:

 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://m.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3D74glI1lg1CQ&ved=0ahUKEwiXzonyoNzSAhVp3IMKHb3jCXwQwqsBCBwwAA&usg=AFQjCNFtr4PXYZcmw2Si9OjrOayr70wtaQ

 

Fun!  I bookmarked it to watch when we study Sir Gawain.

[mo2]

Just to clarify: this is a cool resource, and I did use some it with my class. Just be aware that this is NOT the Tolkien translation, but instead, this is the John Gardner translation. (See just below the title of the first page of this document.) And, this is only excerpts from the original -- about 400 lines out of the original's 2500+ lines, in 101 stanzas.

 

 

More resource ideas:

- Luminarium website -- background info/introduction; articles/essays; resource links 

- Cotton Nero manuscript -- the oldest surviving edition of the work -- has several cool illustrations!

 

 

Since there don't appear to be any samples anywhere of Tolkien's translation, I typed up 3 of the stanzas -- beginning, middle, almost the end -- so you can get a sense of the alliteration and rhythm and language he uses. BEST of luck in deciding what to go with! Warmest regards, Lori D.

 

 

1.

When the siege and the assault had ceased at Troy,

and the fortress fell in flame to firebrands and ashes,

the traitor who the contrivance of treason there fashioned

was tried for his treachery, the most true upon earth—

it was Aeneas the noble and his renowned kindred

who then laid under them lands, and lords became

of well-nigh all the wealth in the Western Isles.

When royal Romulus to Rome his road had taken, in great pomp and pride he peopled it first,

and named it with his own name that yet now it bears;

Tirius went to Tuscany and towns founded,

Langaberde in Lombardy uplifted halls,

and far over the French flood Felix Brutus

on many a broad bank and brae Britain established 

              full fair

         where strange things, strife and sadness,

         at whiles in the land did fare,

         and each other grief and gladness

         oft fast have followed there.

 

50.

"Upon my word," said Gawain, "that is well, I guess;

though I am not now he of whom you are speaking—

to attain to such honour as here you tell of

I am a knight unworthy, as well indeed I know—

by God, I would be glad, if good to you seemed

whatever I could say, or in service could offer

to the pleasure of your excellence—it would be pure delight."

In good faith, Sir Gawain," said the gracious lady,

"the prowess and the excellence that all others approve,

if I scorned or decried them, it were scant courtesy.

But there are ladies in number who liever would now

have thee in their hold, sir, as I have thee here,

pleasantly to play with in polished converse,

their solace to seek and their sorrows to soothe,

than great part of the goods or gold that they own.

But I thank Him who on high of Heaven is Lord

that I have there wholly in my hand what all desire,

              by grace."

         She was an urgent wooer,

         that lady fair of face;

         the knight with speeches pure

         replied in every case.

 

100.

Wild ways in the world Wawain [Gawain] now rideth

on Gringolet: by the grace of God he still lived.

Oft in house he was harboured and lay oft in the open,

oft vanquished his foe in adventures as he fared

which I intend not this time in my tale to recount.

The hurt was healed that he had in his neck,

and the bright-hued belt he bore now about it

obliquely like a baldric bound at his side,

under his left arm with a knot that lace was fastened

to betoken he had been detected in the taint of a fault;

and so at last he came to the Court again safely.

Delight there was awakened, when the lords were aware

that good Gawain had returned: glad news they thought it.

The king kissed the knight, and the queen also,

and then in turn many a true knight that attended to greet him.

About his quest they enquire, and he recounts all the marvels,

declares all the hardships and care that he had,

what chanced at the Chapel, what cheer made the knight,

the love of the lady, and the lace at the last.

The notch in his neck naked he showed them

that he had for his dishonesty from the hands of the knight

              in blame.

         It was torment to tell the truth:

         in his face the blood did flame;

         he groaned for grief and ruth

         when he showed it, to his shame.

 

THANK YOU for taking the time to type this up for me.  It might be a bit much for my child (who does not enjoy reading), but I think I may order it for myself.   Whatever translation I go with, I think getting an audio and having her read along with it might be a good idea.

[Lori D.]

Yup, I definitely couldn't do the original.

 

Oh goodness no! Unless you're a Middle-English scholar.  :laugh:  No, I just threw the original on there so you could compare how Tolkien and Gardner took different approaches to translating, and where/how each diverges a bit from the original. :)

 

 

Oh gosh.  There's so much there!

 

I know! The ladies on these boards are a wealth of info. And that thread is almost like a WTM book club discussion. ;)

 

 

No, but I watched his "documentary" on the BBC he made about Gawain's Journey. It was interesting. Hope the link comes thru below:

 

https://www.google.c...i9OjrOayr70wtaQ

 

 

historymatters, on 16 Mar 2017 - 5:16 PM, said:

Fun! I bookmarked it to watch when we study Sir Gawain.

 

I'll have to watch that documentary some time, too. Thanks for linking that, HistoryMatters! :)

Edited March 17, 2017 by Lori D.

[Penelope]

We found Tolkien's to be very readable. It is short enough could be one that is read together in order to ensure they are not missing too much.

 

But then, when I was in high school, we read the Canterbury Tales in the original. Painful!

[mo2]

We found Tolkien's to be very readable. It is short enough could be one that is read together in order to ensure they are not missing too much.

 

But then, when I was in high school, we read the Canterbury Tales in the original. Painful!

 

 

You and I must have gone to vastly different high schools.  We read very few classics.