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Do Now: 9-16. Copy the following vocabulary words and definitions from Beowulf in your college ruled notebook that you use for notes. 1. reparation- compensation for a wrong 2. solace- comfort; relief 3. purge- purify; cleanse 4. writhing- making twisting or turning motions
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Do Now: 9-16 • Copy the following vocabulary words and definitions from Beowulf in your college ruled notebook that you use for notes. • 1. reparation- compensation for a wrong • 2. solace- comfort; relief • 3. purge- purify; cleanse • 4. writhing- making twisting or turning motions • 5. massive- big and solid; bulky • 6. loathsome- disgusting
Aim • To understand the background of time period of Beowulf, the background of Beowulf and epics
Background on Time Period of Beowulf • Took place in 6th century Scandinavia • Originally told in Old English • Old English-language spoken by Anglo-Saxons of England during years 500 to 1100 • Few people were able to read during Britain’s Anglo-Saxon period • Stories passed along by word of mouth
Religious Elements of Beowulf • England was changing from pagan to Christian culture when Beowulf was composed. • Pagan Anglo-Saxons told grim tales of life ruled by fate: tales in which people struggled against monsters for their place in the world. • Christian missionaries taught them that human beings + their choices of good or evil were at center of creation. • Beowulf reflects both pagan and Christian traditions
Summary of Beowulf • Action packed narrative with highly dramatic language • Characters almost all kings, princes + heroic followers • Plot concentrated by powerful man-eating monsters • Main character Beowulf posses magical qualities • Name means “bear” “wolf”
Epics • Epic- long narrative poem that celebrates heroic deeds and legendary events. • Among earliest forms of literature • Reveal the values of peoples who created them • Celebrate exploits of a legendary, or epic, hero, a larger-than-life character.
Types of Epics • Folk epics- stories about heroes passed down orally (Beowulf) • Literary epics- composed by individual authors who drew on conventions of folk epics
Literary or formal characteristics of epics • Muse is supernatural force used for help in telling the story at beginning of an epic. • Plot begins with action already underway • Epic hero- central character set out on a quest, a dangerous journey that tests his spirit • Supernatural Force- deities that may watch over hero + monsters • Valorous Deeds- acts that reveal epic hero’s extraordinary qualities + reflect values cherished by culture • Elevated Style-contains lofty word choice (diction) that heightens importance of events retold
Homework: 9-16 • Write a sentence for each vocabulary word on loose-leaf to be collected.