Beowulf

1. Beowulf Day 7

2. Standards Objectives Students will be able to… compare and contrast identify and utilize read and respond analyze describe and predict • 2.0 Reading Comprehension (Focus on Informational Materials) Students read and understand grade-level-appropriate material. They analyze the organizational patterns, arguments, and positions advanced. 2.4 Make warranted and reasonable assertions about the author's arguments by using elements of the text to defend and clarify interpretations. 2.5 Analyze an author's implicit and explicit philosophical assumptions and beliefs about a subject. • Writing 3.6 Analyze the way in which authors through the centuries have used archetypes drawn from myth and tradition in literature, film, political speeches, and religious writings (e.g., how the archetypes of banishment from an ideal world may be used to interpret Shakespeare's tragedy Macbeth).3.7 Analyze recognized works of world literature from a variety of authors:a. Contrast the major literary forms, techniques, and characteristics of the major literary periods (e.g., Homeric Greece, medieval, romantic, neoclassic, modern).b. Relate literary works and authors to the major themes and issues of their eras.c. Evaluate the philosophical, political, religious, ethical, and social influences of the historical period that shaped the characters, plots, and settings.

3. Short Answer/Essay • Respond to all of the following: • 1. We discussed in class how there are allegorical elements to Beowulf, in both setting and the opponents he faces. Choose a setting or opponent from the epic and describe and explain what it represents on a deeper level. • 2. Beowulf is an epic, which, as discussed in class, means more than just something “really awesome.” Based on your understanding of what an epic is describe and explain a movie or story from more modern times that you feel fits the definition. • 3. The pagan Germans, Greeks and other ancient peoples believed that fame and glory are the only things that will survive a human being’s death. What evidence do you find in the epic of the importance placed on a person’s public reputation? • 4. There are many possible themes, morals, or meanings behind the epic of Beowulf. What do you think is the most important theme of the epic? Please include support from the epic in the form of paraphrased examples, not direct quotes.

4. Beowulf Final Test • Things to know: • Lit. terms • caesura • kenning • alliteration • assonance • epic • legendary/epic hero • Characters • motives • character traits • Plot • Vocabulary • words on page 37 • Grammar • appositives and appositive phrases • The poems • The Seafarer • The Wanderer • The Wife’s Lament • common theme of exile • same aspects of Anglo-Saxon lyrics as Beowulf • are considered an elegy • what is an elegy • a lyric poem mourning the loss of someone or something • elements of it • intense personal emotion • use caesuras, kennings, four strong beats per line