Year 8 History

THE BLACK DEATH

COMPARE THESE TWO IMAGES

• In groups, discuss the differences between these two images. Each member of the group should write down at least 5 observations that the group makes. These observations could be about: living conditions during the Black Death, hygiene, environment, clothing, religion, medical knowledge or anything else of interest to you.

• What emotions do you feel while looking at these images?• Can you think of some contributing factors which may have caused the

Black Death and the spread of the disease? • The death toll of the Black Death in Asia, Europe and Africa was huge.

What do you think some of the immediate and long-term effects of the number of casualties caused by the Black Death?

• If the Black Death happened in today’s society which of the two images would closely reflect how we would respond to it and why?

• How do you perceive the role of God and religion in these two images? • In groups, discuss this quote by Piers Plowman: “God is deaf now-a-

days and deigneth not hear us, And prayers have no power the Plague to stay.” Relating back to the two images, record your groups 3-5 most interesting ideas below.

QUESTIONS