1.
A Great Fray at Wakefield
Understanding 16th century fighting
and dramatic reading

2.
Read for literary elements
• Setting: where does the action take place?

3.
Read for literary elements
Who are the
main
characters?
What are
their
relationships
or
connections?

4.
Read for literary elements
• Plot
– Exposition: what information opens the story?
– Rising action: what actions lead to the main conflict?
– Central conflict: what is the central issue to be
resolved?
– Climax: at what point does the story turn towards
resolution?
– Falling action: what actions lead the reader to the
conclusion?
– Resolution: what conclusion ends the story?

5.
Infer
• Find three or more clues about fighting in this
time period
• What do the clues suggest about 16th century
fighting?

6.
Example analysis
Early in the story, Tobit stands his ground on
behalf of Wakefield, saying, “Down with your
staves I say, or else you must have a bout or two
with me at these weapons.” The Kendall and
Halifax men disagree with his ideas, but are
“more than willing to give Tobit his due.”
Fighting was often about defending honor or
territory. One could partake in a fight simply on
the basis of an ideological disagreement.

7.
Example analysis | Hamburger style
Early in the story, Tobit stands his ground on
behalf of Wakefield, saying, “Down with your
staves I say, or else you must have a bout or two
with me at these weapons.” The Kendall and
Halifax men disagree with his ideas, but are
“more than willing to give Tobit his due.”
Fighting was often about defending honor or
territory. One could partake in a fight simply on
the basis of an ideological disagreement.

8.
Example analysis
The men fight without animosity, despite the destruction
and possible death involved. The Halifax and Kendall men
initially lose their honor when they lose the right to carry
their staves through Wakefield. As the story recounts, the
men agree to fight, then, “away they went together,
where they did liquor there insides as well as they had
their outsides basted.” Men of ‘opposite’ sides will drink
together even after agreeing to duel. Before they duel,
the ‘enemies’ are welcomed with more alcohol: “George
was wondrous glad, bidding them welcome with a dozen
or two of Ale.” The fights are for “sport”, “prize” and
honor. However, the men involved do not take the
challenges personally, so much as a duty to their
community; they must defend and entertain.

9.
Example analysis | Hamburger style
The men fight without animosity, despite the destruction
and possible death involved. The Halifax and Kendall men
initially lose their honor when they lose the right to carry
their staves through Wakefield. As the story recounts, the
men agree to fight, then, “away they went together,
where they did liquor there insides as well as they had
their outsides basted.” Men of ‘opposite’ sides will drink
together even after agreeing to duel. Before they duel,
the ‘enemies’ are welcomed with more alcohol: “George
was wondrous glad, bidding them welcome with a dozen
or two of Ale.” The fights are for “sport”, “prize” and
honor. However, the men involved do not take the
challenges personally, so much as a duty to their
community; they must defend and entertain.