<p> Beowulf 1 - 8 (ln558) concept epic poem A long narrative poem dealing with the trials and achievements of a legendary hero or heroes.</p><p>Epic hero: a character who resembles the admired qualities of the people, has extraordinary strength and may determine the fate of many people. Many of their qualities are celebrated in today’s modern stories. focus: To analyze the main characters of the story. summary </p><p>-- A brief history is given on how Hrothgar was born, a great king who won many victories for the Scyldings (Danes). -- Hrothgar builds a great mead hall called Heorot. -- Grendel takes offense to the celebration coming from Heorot and attacks without warning. -- He returns the next night and drives the Scyldings out. -- Grendel rules the area for 12 years. -- Beowulf sets out from the land of Geats (Sweden) to help Hrothgar. -- Beowulf states that he will fight the monster without weapons.</p><p>Points to Ponder</p><p>How can you tell that Beowulf is a legendary hero? (he is larger than life and remember from tales long ago) What might Heorot be symbolic of? What is the motivation for Beowulf to help Hrothgar? Describe Beowulf. (brave, loyal, cares about reputation, desires fame.) Describe Hrothgar. Describe Grendel Why does Beowulf not want to fight Grendel with weapons? What does this say about his personality? How is “reputation” shown as a theme in this section? Elaborate please! How is “honor” shown as a theme in this sections? Elaborate please! (How do you know that he is an honorable man? He fights Grendle without weapons because the monster has none.) Why might “Beowulf” be considered a legendary story? Beowulf 9 -15 (ln 1049) focus: To examine the imagery used within the poem. summary:</p><p>-- Unfrerth insults Beowulf at the great feast. -- Grendel comes up from the marsh looking to devour a human. -- Beowulf attacks Grendel in the hall and rips off one of his arms. -- Grendel flees and Beowulf hangs the arm on the wall. -- Beowulf is honored with a great feast and work gets under way to rebuild Hereot.</p><p>Points to Ponder:</p><p>Who insults Beowulf? What does he say? Why might he do this? What is Beowulf’s response? What does this say about his character? What lines paint a vivid picture of Grendel? Describe the monster. Describe the imagery used in the battle scene? 710 -- What does it focus on? What does this show? What does the poet give credit for Beowulf’s victory over Grendel’s mother? (God’s judgement) How is the theme “change of fortune” shown so far in this poem? Describe in detail the various ways in which Beowulf’s victory is celebrated. What might be some minor themes displayed in the story? Beowulf 16 - 21 (ln 1470) summary:</p><p>-- One of Hrothgar’s musicians sings the story of another great Danish victory. -- The warriors sleep easily for the first time in years. -- They are unaware that Grendel has a mother who is intent on seeking revenge. -- Grendel’s mother retrieves the claw and captures one of the men. -- Accompanied by warriors, Beowulf goes to the mother’s lair. -- Unferth gives his sword to Beowulf.</p><p>Points to Ponder:</p><p>How is the theme “revenge” presented in this section? What motivates Beowulf to take on this task? What uses of imagery are effective in creating the picture of the lake? Although the mother is less powerful than Grendel, what might be working in her favor? Why did Unferth give his sword to Beowulf? How is the theme “change in power” shown here? How is honor and reputation shown as a theme in this section? Beowulf 22 - 26 focus: To examine the main character of the poem. summary:</p><p>-- Beowulf dives into the lake and finds that his sword Hrunting is ineffective against the mother’s tough hide. -- The monster makes an attack as well, but can’t pierce Beowulf’s armor. -- Beowulf grabs a sword made by giants and kills Grendel’s mother with it. -- Beowulf returns with the Grendel’s head as a trophy. -- The next day Beowulf and his men sail for home.</p><p>Points to Ponder:</p><p>Describe in detail the battle scene. How is “change in power” shown in this section? Describe Beowulf’s personality in this section. What warning does Hrothgar give Beowulf? Why does he do this? What treasure is probably the most important to Beowulf? Why? Describe the King’s personality. Beowulf 27 - 34 ln2390 focus: To examine the characters present within the story and to review foreshadowing. summary:</p><p>-- Beowulf returns to Geatland and recalls his adventure to King Hygelac. -- Beowulf presents various treasurers to the King and queen. -- The king rewards him with land , a hall, and a throne. -- Beowulf is now a lord but still under King Hygelac’s rule. -- Beowulf becomes king of the Geats after Hygelac’s son is killed in battle. -- A dragon attacks the country side in a rage over stolen treasure. -- Even though he is much older now, Beowulf sets out to defeat the dragon.</p><p>Points to Ponder:</p><p>Contrast the two queens Hygd and Modthrytho. Compare Hygd with Wealhtheow. How is the importance of generosity shown so far in this poem? How might it be a theme? What is the motivation behind the dragon and Beowulf? What does ln 2311 foreshadow? What else in the book foreshadows the outcome of this battle? What is your opinion of Beowulf’s mission? Beowulf 34 - 43 focus: To examine the themes present within the poem. summary:</p><p>-- Beowulf sets out with 11 men to find the dragon who lives by the sea. -- Beowulf pauses to reflect on his victories and gives his last war speech. -- Beowulf realizes he can’t defeat the dragon alone. -- All of his soldiers have left except for Wiglaf. -- The dragon sinks his teeth into Beowulf as Wiglaf strikes a weakening hit. -- Beowulf cuts the dragon with his knife killing him. -- Beowulf speaks his final words as he lays dying. -- Beowulf is laid to rest with much respect from his countrymen.</p><p>Points to Ponder:</p><p>How does Beowulf’s excessive pride bring about his downfall? Does Beowulf think he may die? Explain. Describe in detail the speech Beowulf gives to his men. Describe in detail the battle scene. Describe in detail Wiglaf’s speech to the deserters. How does this fit one of the themes? Describe in detail the main points given in Beowulf’s dying speech. What does it mean when Beowulf gives Wiglaf his gold necklace? Why does Beowulf want a tower built for him? What is the irony when they build it? Describe Wiglaf’s personality. How do some of the themes studied work into the last section of the poem. How do you know that “Beowulf” is an epic poem? Vocab:</p><p>Caesura Wyrd Kenning Writhing Reparation Epic Hero Characteristics</p><p>1. Male Hero of noble birth 2. Hero performs courageous acts 3. Hero’s actions determine the fate of this people 4. Formal tone and diction 5. Hero delivers long formal speeches 6. Plot involves supernatural beings and a dangerous journey into foreign lands 7. Deals with universal themes (good vs. evil) 8. Displays the characteristics admired by the people of the time Anglo Saxon Period</p><p>1. What years does this literary time period span?</p><p>2. Who were the first settlers in Britain and what religion did they practice?</p><p>3. What significant changes did the Romans bring to Britain?</p><p>4. How did Britain change under Anglo-Saxon rule?</p><p>5. Describe Anglo-Saxon life and religion.</p><p>6. Why were bards so significant to the Anglo-Saxon culture?</p><p>7. How did the work of Christian Monks (monasteries) preserve literary classics and great oral traditions? Comment on how this may have impacted Beowulf, and all other classic literature as well. </p>