Questions?
We will be coming up with a list of Beowulf related questions after introductions to the topic!
Anglo - Saxons valued loyalty, bravery, and generosity; these were seen in their culture of family, relationships and war. Based on these cultural ideas and our big idea of Culture Influences literature and literature influences culture, the class inferenced that Anglo-Saxon heros (and maybe Beowulf) would reflect these character traits.
Olde English
Modern English versionLO, praise of the prowess of people-kings
of spear-armed Danes, in days long sped,
we have heard, and what honor the athelings won!
Oft Scyld the Scefing from squadroned foes,
from many a tribe, the mead-bench tore,
awing the earls. Since erst he lay
friendless, a foundling, fate repaid him:
for he waxed under welkin, in wealth he throve,
till before him the folk, both far and near, who house by the whale-path, heard his mandate,
gave him gifts:
of spear-armed Danes, in days long sped,
we have heard, and what honor the athelings won!
Oft Scyld the Scefing from squadroned foes,
from many a tribe, the mead-bench tore,
awing the earls. Since erst he lay
friendless, a foundling, fate repaid him:
for he waxed under welkin, in wealth he throve,
till before him the folk, both far and near, who house by the whale-path, heard his mandate,
gave him gifts:
This information was provided at Omniglot. Head over to their website to read a bit more about pronunciation, and the history of Anglo-Saxon linguistics.
An Allusion is when the writer of the book makes a reference to something outside of the realm of the book. This is usually playing of a readers or viewers background knowledge. The two most common allusions are in reference to the Bible and to Shakespeare. Often times understanding these allusions can add a deeper meaning or understanding to what the writer is trying to say, or convey to the imagination. In this picture the creator is making an allusion to an SNL skit with Will Ferrel and Christopher Walken. Another area we often see allusions is in rap music.
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“The side lines is lined with casualties
Who sip the life casually, then gradually become worse Don’t bite the apple, Eve” -Jay-Z “But now we’re facing more poverty, It’s the most we’ve seen since 1993. We need to turn this thing around: Michael Vick, But a recession could be headed for a double dip.” – Flocabulary’s September 16, 2011 Week in Rap |
Right away in Beowulf, readers catch many allusions to biblical references. This is possibly due to the Anglo-Saxon's attempt to "christian" up an old story full of revenge and violence. To begin, it's important for readers to understand the story of Cain and Abel as well as what legend says about Cain's Children. Student's looked up both these things and drew comics to represent or retell the story of Cain and Abel.
Beowulf vs Grendel's Mother
Group 1
Read through the First + Second book of Beowulf Graphic Novel. Make sure to pay special attention to how the story is told without words. |
Group 2
Individually complete a timed writing regarding the demons you struggle with. These can be physical or abstract. What is the connections between this demon and youthfulness or potential immaturity. |
Group 3 http://www.gutenberg.org/files/16328/16328-h/16328-h.htm
Read section XX-XXIV How does Beowulf's personality start to change? How does he regard himself differently? |
Group 4
Individually complete a timed writing How can you be a hero? What cultural values do you need to have in order to be a hero? |