Why Study Beowulf?Why Study Beowulf?So what?So what?

It is the oldest piece of literature in the English language.

It is the earliest European epic writing in the vernacular, rather than in Latin.

It teaches us about the development of the English language.

It contains time-honored truths about loyalty and bravery.

It examines the nature of evil.

What makes the study What makes the study of Beowulf universal?of Beowulf universal?

We can learn about the epic poem and apply what we learn to the study of other epics.

Almost everyone can relate to Beowulf’s desire to prove himself and become successful.

We can relate to his desire to prove he is still a good, powerful leader later in life.

What’s the Big Idea What’s the Big Idea implied in the skill of implied in the skill of

reading Beowulf?reading Beowulf? Beowulf is the story of the quest of a

hero.

It is an example of Anglo-Saxon values and beliefs about: Bravery Loyalty Heroism

What larger issue What larger issue underlies a study of underlies a study of

Beowulf?Beowulf? It was composed in a very different time from

our own.

There were different audiences with different values.

How can we relate to these people and their values?

How can we see concepts such as loyalty, bravery, and heroism through their eyes?

How are they different from our concepts of those qualities?

How is Beowulf used How is Beowulf used and applied in today’s and applied in today’s

world?world? Historians learn more about Anglo-

Saxon England.

Literary historians learn more about the development of the English language.

It is used to examine Anglo-Saxon beliefs and values regarding bravery, loyalty, and heroism.

What is a real-world What is a real-world insight about Beowulf?insight about Beowulf?

Beowulf has influenced other more modern popular epics, such as The Lord of the Rings.

Perhaps our own beliefs about bravery, loyalty, and heroism are not so different from those of the Anglo-Saxons.

Class Discussion:Class Discussion:What is a hero?What is a hero?

A mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability

An illustrious warrior

A person admired for his/her achievements and noble qualities

One who shows great courage

An object of extreme admiration and devotion; an idol