Beowulf

Text

HRW Elements of Literature “Life in 999” p. 47 “Fury of the Northmen” p. 28 Beowulf p. 21-46

Key Terms2. Alliteration - The repetition of consonant sounds in words that are close to one another.

3. Epic - A long narrative poem that relates the great deeds of a larger-than-life hero who embodies the values of a particular society.

4. Epic Hero - the main character or protagonist in an epic that is heroically larger than life, often the source and subject of legend or a national hero.  

5. Kenning - Anglo-Saxon poetry, a metaphorical phrase or compound word used to name a person, place, thing, or event indirectly.

Beowulf-Hero Archetype Archetype is the original form, thought or

idea that is replicated in other images or ideas. This pattern occurs enough to be widely recognized by members of a society or even an entire culture.

It is important to develop an understanding of archetype so that readers can see the patterns of archetypal characters in literature as a way to make connections within the human experience.

Ancient Hero Archetypes: Modern Heroes:

Beowulf King Arthur Odysseus

Luke Skywalker Aladdin Aragon William (Knights

Tale) King Leonidas (300) Simba Rocky Harry Potter

Six Characteristics of an Epic Hero

1. possesses superior physical strength2. is supremely ethical3. goes on a quest 4. battles evil monsters5. embodies the values of a culture6. is glorified by the people he saves

Essential Question

Read “Life in 999” from Time on p. 47

How would conditions in the Anglo-Saxon era contribute to the rise of the epic poem Beowulf?

Life in 999:A Grim Struggle

by Howard G. Chua-Eoan

Page 47

Paraphrasing - During Reading

After reading each paragraph, paraphrase the information in the margins.

Ex.

After Reading Go back to the text and gather information

to fill in to the following two column chart:

Use the information from the “What’s Important” column to write a brief summary of the article.

What’s Interesting What’s Important

“Fury of the Northmen” pages 28 & 29

Read the insert and make note of the shape and decoration on the prow of the Viking ships.

Discuss, how would the depth of their ships’ keels allow Vikings to make sneak attacks on Anglo-Saxon villages near rivers that flow to the sea?

Close Reading of the Text of Beowulf

Listen to the CD of a professional reading of Beowulf.

Read silently as you listen. DO NOT LOOK ANYWHERE BUT AT THE TEXT DURING THE READ. Keep your place in the text by using an index card, a ruler, a sheet of paper, or your fingers.

Side Journal Stop after each numbered part of

Beowulf and write a brief summary of the events in that chapter.

Group Discussion What cultural values does Beowulf’s

boasting about himself to Hrothgar and his men reveal?

What hardships in Anglo-Saxon times do you think Grendel represents?

His mother? The dragon? Your group will need to defend your

ideas against those of other groups in the class.

“Beyond the Line” Question

Based upon the article “Life in 999,” consider how living conditions in the Anglo-Saxon era contributed to the rise of the epic poem Beowulf. Write a one paragraph response, including specific details from “Life in 999” and Beowulf to support your inferences.