Otto of the Silver Hand by John Najem

Setting

jonathan_najem — 2017-05-21 13:27:47 UTC

Otto of the Silver hand takes place in Medieval Germany.

jonathan_najem — 2017-05-21 13:31:08 UTC

The Story begins centered around Baron Conrad and his Wife, Baroness Mathilda, who both live in Drachenhausen, or Dragon' House in German. The Baroness Is pregnant with their son, who will be named Otto. Picture of Drachenhausen (Pyle 3.)

The Baron leaves to shear.

jonathan_najem — 2017-05-21 13:39:17 UTC

Baron Conrad leaves Drachenhausen to collect tax money from the towns people. The Baroness pleads for him to remain at home. "For my sake," she pleaded, and the tears filled her blue eyes as she looked up at him, "do not go at this time."(Pyle 11.)

The Baron returns

jonathan_najem — 2017-05-21 13:45:33 UTC

Baroness Mathilda waited anxiously for her husbands return. Conrad's men brought what appeared to be his dead body. The baroness fainted believing her husband was killed.

Otto was born

jonathan_najem — 2017-05-21 13:49:27 UTC

When Baron Conrad finally awakens from his daze he discovers Mathilda died from shock, and she named their son, Otto before she passed away.

Otto's upbringing

jonathan_najem — 2017-05-21 13:51:19 UTC

Baron Conrad leaves Otto in the care of a monastery.

Otto meets his father.

jonathan_najem — 2017-05-21 14:14:52 UTC

When he is a young man, Baron Conrad comes to meet his son. The Baron argues that Otto should be "a man" believing that he was softened by his years at the monastery. Otto discovers that his father is a robber baron. Otto is ashamed at first. "Oh father! oh father! Is it true that thou hast killed a man with thine own hands"(Pyle 52.)

Otto is taken!

jonathan_najem — 2017-05-21 14:21:41 UTC

Baron Conrad is beckoned to an Imperial council. He leaves reluctantly. A rival Baron, Baron Henry attacks Drachenhausen and takes Otto, imprisons him and cuts his hand off.

jonathan_najem — 2017-05-21 14:41:48 UTC

Otto suffers in Baron Henry's prison, however he meets Baron Henry's Daughter, Pauline.

Otto is saved

jonathan_najem — 2017-05-21 14:43:54 UTC

Baron Conrad and his ally Hans attack Trutz-Drachen where Baron Henry holds Otto. Baron Conrad challenges Baron Henry. Both of the Barons fall.

Otto meets the Emperor

jonathan_najem — 2017-05-21 14:47:54 UTC

Otto meets Emperor Rudolph after he is saved by Hans. The Emperor promises to right the wrongs done to Otto. Picture (Pyle 131.)

Epilogue

jonathan_najem — 2017-05-21 14:55:30 UTC

Otto was a favorite of the Emperor and they held a partnership through peace and war. Despite the quarrel between their fathers, Otto eventually marries Pauline. Picture (Pyle 134.)

Connections.

jonathan_najem — 2017-05-21 14:57:51 UTC

The story shows some real life customs, namely Chivalry. Baron Henry, despite being the antagonist of the story still practices Chivalry when he cuts Otto's hand off instead of killing him. Today Chivalry still exist in practices like holding the door open for others or the renown "ladies first" policy. In addition Otto is peace loving which is opposite of his fathers archetype. This displays a theme of a father trying to make his son follow in his foot steps, but the apple falls far from the tree. The story also displays the theme of revenge when Conrad slays Henry for taking his son.

Documentary on Chivalry

jonathan_najem — 2017-05-21 15:18:11 UTC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7j0V1AHvBU

Study Guide about the book

jonathan_najem — 2017-05-21 15:23:21 UTC

http://www.bookrags.com/shortguide-otto-of-the-silver-hand/#gsc.tab=0

Observations on Medieval language

jonathan_najem — 2017-05-21 15:57:53 UTC

(audio is turned in with assignment on google classroom)