Guy Fawkes Night

Do you know who Guy Fawkes was?
What was the Gunpowder Plot?

mastermind
plot
blow up
treason

Do you know the meaning of the following words?

gunpowder
plot
conspiracy
to hatch

Watch the clip and find out what happened in 1605.

Discuss the following questions

1 What do you think the bonfires, fireworks, and effigies symbolize?
2 How do you think these symbols reflect people’s feelings about Guy Fawkes and the plot?
3 How are symbols and traditions used today to commemorate or protest?

Design a modern-day “symbol” or tradition that could represent a current social or political issue. Present your idea to the class and explain your choices.

Research a comparable celebration in another country (e.g., Bastille Day in France, Fourth of July in the U.S., Cinco de Mayo in Mexico). Compare it to Guy Fawkes Day.

Discuss the questions
1 How is Guy Fawkes Day similar to other commemorative events worldwide
2 What purpose do such celebrations serve for national identity and memory?
3 Why do you think some historical events are remembered in this way while others are not?

Discuss the following questions.
1 How does "V for Vendetta" reinterpret the story of Guy Fawkes?
2 Why do you think modern media use Fawkes as a symbol for rebellion?
3 Why do some historical events become national holidays, while others are forgotten?
4 How does Guy Fawkes Day compare to other events remembered for conflict or rebellion?
5 What does Guy Fawkes Day mean to people today? Has its meaning changed over time?
6 Why do you think the Guy Fawkes mask became a symbol for modern protest movements?