Working through the last few books of

BeowulfAn individual process

Step 1

• Review your notes and your readings in Beowulf so far.

• Then, complete act 3-6 using this PowerPoint to assist you. Make sure you use good details from the reading. The more detailed you are the better off you will be later.

Act 3: Beowulf is an Epic Hero

• Beowulf essentially “read” the wanted poster, realized what a horrible monster this was and felt it was his RESPONSIBILITY to do something about it. Why would the Epic Hero feel it was his duty to defend a country that was not his own?

Act 4: Epic Hero Cycle• All epic heroes follow a basic pattern known as

the “epic hero cycle.” This cycle can be repeated many times throughout the course of an epic, but is very distinct. On your worksheet, you will find the different elements of the epic hero cycle that you will need to be familiar with. Fill out the first 5 element examples using SPECIFICS from the TEXT. You will need your textbook for this portion. Most of this will be found in “The Coming of Beowulf” and “The Battle with Grendel”

Epic Hero CycleElement ExampleThe main character is a hero, who is often possessed of super natural abilities or qualities

The hero is charged with a quest (call to Adventure)

“Crossing the Threshold” Moving from the known to the unknownThe hero is tested, often to prove the worthiness of himself and his quest PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL

The presence of numerous mythical beings, magical and helpful animals, and/or human helpers and companions

The hero’s travels take him to a supernatural world, often one that normal human beings are barred from entering

The cycle must reach a low point where the hero nearly gives up his quest or appears defeated

A resurrectionAchieving the goal or the “boon” Restitution. Often this takes the form of the hero regaining his rightful place on the throne. Return to the ordinary world

Applying the “boon”

Act 5: Hand to Hand Combat

• Look at lines 261-270. • What does Beowulf reveal about Grendel’s fighting

method? What is his own resolution? Why? • “Grendel and Beowulf forego weapons to engage in

ferocious hand-to-hand combat. This clash is not a mere battle in a culture dominated by warfare but rather a more personal, primal conflict between equal, opposite forces.” Which of the themes we have discussed does this description of the battle apply to

Act 6: Kennings

• Remember, a kenning is a two word poetic renaming of people, places, and things such as “Whale’s home” for the sea.

• There is a kenning in line 325. Identify it. • Identify at least two more kennings in “The

Battle with Grendel”

Finish the appositive phrase worksheet on page 13 of your packet

Review ... this will be on your quiz

Now…

• Finish reading Beowulf – “The Monster’s Lair” T 51– “The Battle with Grendel’s Mother” T 52– “The Last Battle” T 56

• Answer all study guide questions with as much detail as possible!!! The more detailed you are the better off you will be!!!

Come up with an example for how each theme is seen in the text!

• Good vs. Evil• Forces of darkness—irrational and

menacing—are always at work in society

• Life is a continuing struggle• Actions speak louder than words• Judge the greatness of a human by

the greatness of his deeds and noble ancestry

• Help thy neighbor• To be loyal is to selflessly make

sacrifices for a loved one.

Conflict Christian Values and Heroic ValuesFill out chart on page 2 with specifics

• This tension is at the heart of the poem

• Pagan history and myth are made to point to a Christian moral

• Beowulf is poised between two value systems

Mix of pagan and Christian Values

• Fate vs. choice of good and evil

• Mythological monsters vs. references to God and Jesus

An Epic reflects the values of the culture that produced it. Complete this chart and draw a conclusion about Anglo-Saxon tastes and values.

FeatureWhy is it pleasing? What values are

reflected?

Boastful speeches Makes the hero seem superhuman

Great hero

Lots of action

Good Triumphs over evil

Anglo Saxons had a ________warrior_________ culture. What details reveal the importance of pagan warrior values in Beowulf such as a belief in fate, a taste of boasting, a pride in loyalty, and a desire for fame?

Extra Credit Assignment Peer Evaluation:

Student name

Epic chosen

Presentation Evaluation Scale of 1 (awful)-10 (great)

Substantial comment

After watching the presentations, answer the following question: Why are epics used to preserve values and traditions?

You will have an EXTENDED QUIZ on this material tomorrow!!!

Finish and study your packet carefully

Material to study…

• British Culture and language package• Anglo Saxon notes• Beowulf readings study guide• Beowulf packet• Beowulf notes

• Remember your twitter assignment should be completed by Wednesday! I will check to make sure it is done. You will have a little time to work on it tomorrow after your quiz

The 55 point quiz has…

• 7 matching questions• 13 multiple choice questions• 5 true/false questions• 4 short answer questions• 6 blank chart fill in the blank questions