Name ______Date ______

Learning Overview

Use this handout to focus your thinking and learning about the next text we will study.

Text: _Beowulf______Author: ______

Genre: ______Era: ______

Source / Notes/Information
Context for Text
What are the important events or features of this time period?
What are the beliefs/values at the time this text is written?
Important details about the author.
Literary Concepts / Text (pg/section) / Example/Evidence
allusion—biblical allusions
alliteration—in old english poems
kenning-descriptive figure of speech used for familiar noun.
epithet
big ideas / Text (pg/section) / Explanation /Evidence
revenge/vengeance
sacrifice
Vocabulary (set 1) / Source / Explanation/Example
lament
reparation
reprisal
solace
Vocabulary (set 2)
fetters
host
imperious
niggardly
surging
Vocabulary (set 3)
bolt
hoary
livid
reproach
skulk
venomous
Important Plot Elements / Text (pg/section) / Example/Evidence/Relevance
character relationships
character development
beowulf (hero or glory seeker)
foreshadowing
deus ex machinar
Text Structure / Source / Example/Evidence
Poetry (written in verse)
Synthesize Segments / Section / Summary
Prologue / 1-18
19-31
32-43
Discussion / Text (pg/section) / Example/Evidence/Relevance
What is an important theme in the text?
How are women portrayed in Beowulf? Does this match the “ideal” for an Anglo-Saxon woman?
How does the author reveal a character’s intent for revenge or feelings of lament in the text?
Does the author use objects as symbols in the story? (i.e. the sword fails in battle) What are the symbols and what do they reveal or add to the story?
Author’s Purpose / Source / Explanation/Evidence
What is the author’s purpose for writing this text?
How would the text change if it was written from a different character’s point-of-view?
Your Critique
In your opinion, did the author achieve his/her purpose?
What is the strength of the text?
What could be improved about the text?
Written Response
Recall a time when you stood up for a friend or family member. Why did you defend the person; explain why you took the stand. Who stands up for Grendel, and why? Compare this with your situation.

Links:

Beowulf Study Guide:

Beowulf

Modern translation