Cross-comparison, the technique of focusing on two different texts with the same themes, motifs, events, etc., is employed in an exercise that asks groups to examine two different translations of “The Ruin,” a poem, written in Old English, included in the Exeter Book of Anglo-Saxon poetry. The idea here is to observe the choices translators make and to consider how reading multiple interpretations can lead to a better understanding of a text.

Additional Tags

anglo-saxon poetry, Exeter Book, Cross-comparison of literature, english language arts

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Pros

• Packet includes a side-by-side template of the two translations
• Discussion questions and writing activities are also included in the richly detailed plan

Cons

• Consider replacing the lecture with research questions and asking learners to capture images of ruins

Common Core

RL.11-12.4 RL.11-12.7