“An Encounter with King George III” – by Fanny Burney
Name:
Date:
Period:
Having read “An Encounter with King George III” respond to the questions/statements. Be sure
to use texted based evidence to support your responses.
1. What does the opening of Burney‟s account (lines 1-9) suggest about the life of England‟s
royalty at this time?
2. What adjectives would you use to describe the architectural and landscaping styles shown
in the photograph on page 709? How does the photograph and your chosen adjectives
reflect what the people of this time desired/expected in life?
Re-read lines 95-128 and respond to 3-5.
3. Under what circumstances might you or someone you know “open your hear” to
someone? What level of trust is needed for you (or someone) to do so?
4. The king tells Burney, “I am your friend!” (line 104). In what sense does the king‟s candor
support this statement? (look up “candor” if you don‟t know what it means)
5. Why might Burney have some reason to be concerned by what the king says to her?
(Although his is being „nice‟ is he being „himself‟?)
6. Based on Burney‟s characterization of King George III, list adjectives & explanations/quotes,
for King George. (use entire reading)
Adjective & Support
Adjective & Support
Adjective & Support
Adjective & Support
King
George
III
Adjective & Support
7. Examine the portrait of George III on page 712. How does this image compare with the
impression you get from him in Burney‟s diary?
8. In lines 149-150, what does the king‟s outcry suggest about the disadvantages of royalty?
9. In lines 164-171, what does the reaction of the king‟s doctors to “his earnestness and
volubility” suggest about behavior expected of royalty?
10. Would you have interacted with the king in the same way as Burney did? Why? Refer to
relevant details in Burney‟s diary to support your response.