Monstrosity Unit

1. Monstrosity Unit What is your personal definition of monstrosity? What is the recipe for a monster? (Example: ¼ part-anger, ½ part-evil, ¼ part…)

2. Monstrosity Unit Who/what were you afraid of as a young child? Describe this fear, and from where you think it derived?

3. Monstrosity unit • Why do you think humans feel the need to create monsters within our society? Explain.

4. Joseph merrick: the elephant man What is the first thing you thought of when you looked at these images?

5. Beowulf: part 1 - Grendel • Do you believe that evil can be innate? Can a person just be born evil? Defend your position.

6. Grendel Ex: part 1 - grendel Who do you consider to be the definitive monsters of our time? What values have these creatures transgressed to become so demonized within our society? What earns them the right of being labeled a “monster”? Explain.

7. Heroism unit What is your personal definition of heroism? What is the recipe for a hero? (Example: ¼ part-strength, ½ part-hair style, ¼ part…)

8. Heroism unit What is the most heroic thing you have ever done? Retell the story here.

9. Heroism unit • Choose one of your favorite superheroes. What traits do you value in this superhero? • Look back at the recipe you created for a hero. Are those qualities the same as the ones you listed for your superhero? Explain your thoughts on why or why not.

10. Beowulf: part 2 - beowulf • How have you determined within your short life what concepts create the nature of monstrosity and heroism? (In other words, how do you decide whom is the monster and whom is the hero?) How much of the monster, and how much of the hero do you have inside of yourself? Explain.

11. Grendel ex: part 2 - beowulf • Explain the concept of nature vs. nurture in your own words. What do you feel causes a person to become a “monster”? Can an individual be both monster and hero at once? Explain your rationale.

12. Beowulf: part 3 – battle with grendel Why do you think people commit crimes? Have you ever committed a crime or thought of committing a crime? Explain. What do you consider the worst crimes of our time? Explain.

13. Grendel ex: part 3 – battle with grendel MAN IS THE ONLY ANIMAL THAT BLUSHES. OR NEEDS TO. -MARK TWAIN Why do you think that humans often ostracize and label individuals who do not conform to societal norms? Does being different necessarily make you a monster? How many ways do you feel different from what society deems socially acceptable? Explain.

14. Beowulf: part 4 – grendel’s mother Is there a special bond between a mother and her child? What lengths should a mother go to, to protect her child? If a parent withholds their love from their children, can this turn that child into a monster? Explain your reasoning.

15. Grendel ex: part 4 – grendel’s mother What brings out the monster in you? What do you believe is really motivating you during these times? Do you ever feel guilt or shame after experiencing your darker moments?

16. Beowulf: part 5 – Battle With grendel’s mother Are you a bully? Explain. How would you handle someone you felt was threatening your safety or way of life? What values are you reaffirming about yourself through your actions?

17. Grendel Ex: part 5 – battle with grendel’s mother Have you ever intentionally hurt another living thing? Explain.

18. Joseph merrick: the elephant man Look back at your original reaction to the images of Joseph Merrick, upon further reflection, have your thoughts or feelings changed at all? Explain.