British Legends Part I

Heroes and Heroism

Beowulf Anticipation Guide

Answer the following questions in detail. Each response should have 2-3 sentences of explanation.

Statement / Agree/Disagree / Explanation with a least 1 specific example
Everyone respect and follow a hero
People should not travel to foreign lands to help defend its inhabitants against any threats b/c it is not their affair.
Monsters no longer exist in modern day.

Epic Elements

Epic Element / Definition / As seen in Beowulf
Epic Hero
Quest
Valorous deeds
Divine intervention
Great events

Essential Vocabulary:

Kenning / caesura / legendary hero / paraphrase / epic / appositive phrase

Christian Vs. Pagan

Christian Beliefs in Beowulf / Pagan Beliefs in Beowulf

Study Guide Questions

Answer each of these questions fully and completely. They may be used on pop-quizzes or tests so make sure you take your time and answer each one.

The Wrath of Grendel (pg. 41-43)

  1. Describe the “Powerful monster, living down in the darkness.” Speculate: Why does he only comes out at night?
  1. Identify a Biblical Allusion on page 42.
  1. What is the main idea of the sentences in lines 34-40? Paraphrase these lines.
  1. Terrorized by Grendel, Hrothgar and the followers face “Twelve winters of grief.” How does the length of the suffering increase the epic feeling of this tale?
  1. How had hate triumphed (line 58)?
  1. Read the translator’s insight on page 43. What does this information reveal about Grendel?
  1. What tactics did Hrothgar and his people try to relieve their suffering?
  1. Why had Hrothgar and his people lose hope?

The Coming of Beowulf (pg. 43-48)

  1. Who is Higlac? Why is this identification so important?
  1. What are some motivating factors for Beowulf’s quick actions?
  1. What good “omens” could Beowulf and his followers have run into to urge the voyage and adventure to continue?
  1. Paraphrase lines 125-131. What is the main idea?
  1. How do word choice and other stylistic features of the watchman’s speech add a serious, epic tone to his question in lines 152-172? How could you shorten the question?
  1. What information does Beowulf reveal about himself in his introduction?
  1. What does Beowulf’s way of identifying himself suggest about the values of a warrior culture?
  1. Why does Beowulf sail to Denmark?
  1. How do Beowulf’s boasts of great deeds and his announcement of his plan establish him as a hero?
  1. Paraphrase Beowulf’s plans in lines 264-279.
  1. What does Beowulf ask of Hrothgar?
  1. What values and beliefs of warrior culture does Beowulf’s attitude toward death express?

The Battle with Grendel (pg. 48-51)

  1. Why does Grendel come to the kingdom? Is he afraid of Beowulf?
  1. What “human eyes” were watching Grendel’s “evil steps”?
  1. How do the “renaming” of Grendel in line 325 emphasize the weighty significance of the battle that is about to begin?
  1. Read the translator’s insight on page 49. Do you agree with his assessment of Grendel? Explain.
  1. Describe the battle between Beowulf and Grendel.
  1. What advantage does Beowulf have in his fight with Grendel?

The Monster’s Lair

  1. Describe the lair using details from the passage.

The Battle with Grendel’s Mother (pg. 52-55)

  1. Who is “Edgetho’s brave son”? How else is he identified throughout the epic? Speculate: Why would the epic refer to him in so many different ways?
  1. Why does Beowulf decide to kill Grendel’s Mother?
  1. Where does Grendel’s mother live?
  1. What does the inability of Grendel’s mother to tear Beowulf apart suggest about his heroic nature?
  1. How does the setting of this battle add to its epic significance?
  1. Describe the fight between Beowulf and Grendel’s Mother.
  2. Read the Translator’s insight on page 53. How does the motivation for honor alone amplify the character of Beowulf?
  1. Why does Beowulf toss aside his sword in the fight?
  1. Why does Beowulf chop off Grendel’s head?
  1. Why did the warriors at the top of the lake lose hope moments before Beowulf surfaced?
  1. Read the “science connection” on page 55. What makes the Hrunting valuable property?
  1. What does Beowulf do after slaying Grendel’s mother?

The Last Battle

  1. What has changed about Beowulf?
  1. Why does Beowulf feel the need to explain his use of sword and shield to fight the dragon?
  1. What does Beowulf’s speech in lines 630-49 suggest to you about Anglo-Saxon values?
  1. How does Beowulf plan to fight the dragon?
  1. Why does Wiglaf join the fight? Why doesn’t anyone else join them?
  1. According to Wiglaf, what is Beowulf’s relationship with his followers like?
  1. What does Wiglaf’s decision suggest about the way in which a legendary hero can inspire heroism in others?
  1. How do Beowulf’s companions react when the dragon breathes flame on him?

The Spoils

  1. What does Beowulf ask of Wiglaf?
  1. In Beowulf’s death scene, what is shown about the importance in warrior culture of the commemoration of individuals after death?

The Farewell

  1. What is Beowulf’s last request?

Enrichment: Film Portrayals of Monsters

For thousands of years evil monsters have played an important role in the world’s literature.

Today, monsters continue to thrive—until a hero comes along—on movie screens andtelevisions. You have probably enjoyed a number of frightening monster films and videos fromthe safety of your living room or local movie theater. You may even have your own favoritemonsters—ones that were effectively presented and gave you a particularly “good scare.”

DIRECTIONS: Think about the creatures of doom and darkness that you have seen in films andvideos. Include aliens from outer space and psychological human monsters, as well as the more“old-fashioned” sort. Make a chart like the one shown here. List your favorite monsters in the firstcolumn. Then fill in the other columns with information about each monster. You must have at least 3 monsters in your chart

Enrichment: Wanted Poster

Use the information inyour chart to help you consider how you would describe Grendel. Write a description using scenes from the poem in which you present your ideas. Then, create a wanted poster using the description and a sketch of what you believe Grendel might look like (don’t copy the yucky picture in the book! Come up with your own idea based on the description in the text). You should also think about what the Danish King might offer as a reward. See rubric on my website (to the right as well) for details.

Beowulf PowerPoint Guide

ACT 1:

Term / Definition / Difference?
Monster
Villain
  • Grendel is a ______because
  • ______poster is most effective because

ACT 2:

  • An acrostic poem is:

G

R

E

N

D

E

L

ACT 3:

  • Beowulf’s duty

Act 4: Beowulf Epic Hero Cycle

Element / Example
The main character is a hero, who is often possessed of super natural abilities or qualities
The hero is charged with a quest
The hero is tested, often to prove the worthiness of himself and his quest
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 resurrection
Restitution. Often this takes the form of the hero regaining his rightful place on the throne.

ACT 5:

  • Grendel fights without :
  • Beowulf decides to fight without:
  • Hand to hand combat is more rewarding because:
  • Theme: “Clash between equal and opposite forces” :

ACT 6:

  • Line 325 kenning
  • Two other kennings

Follow Beowulf on Twitter!!! (40 points) EC (10 points)

You’re ongoing assignment is to create a physical (not a computer based) twitter@beowulf account. This does NOT mean you need to sign up for a twitter account! You are doing this on your own paper, as creatively as possible (see template attached). You are pretending that I am following you on twitter and when you turn in your assignment, you want me to have as much information as possible about Beowulf’s escapades.

Specifics:

  • Create a picture that represents Beowulf. You may draw a picture of Beowulf or you may choose a symbol to represent him. (5 points)
  • You must have at least 2 “tweets” per subtitle for a total of 16. (The last two sections are where Beowulf has died so you will assume that his successor, Wiglaf, has taken over his twitter account. Make sure you demonstrate a change in tone.) (16 points)
  • Each “tweet” must have 3-4 lines of “events” or “Updates” (16 points)
  • This should NOT just be a retelling of events. This should include emotion, aftermath, etc. Things OUTSIDE the text. Ex. What makes him decide to go help the Danes? How does Beowulf respond to the death of Grendel? How does he feel as he enters the Beasts’ lair?
  • Each “tweet” should be in the vernacular; “text talk” is fine, but make sure you can tell me what it means if I run into a translation problem!
  • You must have a list of people who follow him. You must have at least 4, one can be me, one can be you; the others must be from the story. Be creative with this. (3 points)
  • You do NOT have to type your “tweets,” but you can if you so desire. If you hand write your tweets, they should be in PEN (blue or black) and should be written neatly, with the symbol or picture of Beowulf at the top.

*Extra credit opportunity:

  • Have a character respond to Beowulf. To receive credit, the character must respond at least 5 times. (10 points)
  • Illustrate at least 5 “tweets” (10 points)

Rubric:

Beowulf Picture / Represents Beowulf / 2 / 8 points
Evidence of time and thought / 2
Creativity / 2
Color / 1
Format / 1
2 tweets per subtitle / (completion) / 16 points
3-4 lines each / (completion / 16 points
Style / Creativity (slang, text talk etc) / 3 / 10 points
“outside text” / 4
Tone / 1
Represents character / 2
List of people / (Completion) / 5 points
Format / Neat & orderly (separated logically) / 3 / 5 points
Follows a sequence / 2
TPP 60
EXTRA CREDIT
Character Responses / Must have 5 to receive EC points; must be logical and sequencial / 10 points
Illustrations / Must have 5 tweets illustrated; must be neat and orderly with evidence of both time and thought to receive credit / 10 points
Total EC Points 20

Symbol/pic for BeowulfFive followers of Beowulf

Tweet #1 “The Wrath of Grendel” / Extra CreditFollower Response:
(include follower name)
Tweet #2 “The Wrath of Grendel”
Tweet #1 “The Coming of Beowulf”
Tweet #2 “The Coming of Beowulf”
Tweet #1 “The Battle with Grendel”
Tweet #2 “The Battle with Grendel”
Tweet #1 “The Monster’s Lair”
Tweet #2 “The Monster’s Lair”
Tweet #1 “The Battle with Grendel’s Mother”
Tweet #2 “The Battle with Grendel’s Mother”
Tweet #1 “The Last Battle”
Tweet #2 “The Last Battle”
Tweet #1 “The Spoils”
Tweet #2 “The Spoils”
Tweet #1 “The Farewell”
Tweet #2 “The Farewell”

Beowulf: Epic Elements and Cunning Kennings

The epic Beowulf is a long narrative poem that recounts the exploits of the legendary warrior Beowulf. Like other epic heroes, Beowulf represents good and earns glory by struggling against the forces of evil represented by several monstrous creatures. He represents the values of his nation, culture, and religion. Beowulf is a typical epic poem in its serious tone and elevated language, which portrays characters, action, and setting in terms larger and grander than life.

The use of kennings, two-word metaphorical names for familiar things, is also a particular characteristic of Anglo-Saxon poetry.

DIRECTIONS: Read each passage from Beowulf. Then list the characteristics of epic poetry represented in it.

1. So mankind’s enemy continued his crimes, / Killing as often as he could, coming / Alone,bloodthirsty and horrible. Though he lived / In Herot, when the night hid him, he never /Dared to touch king Hrothgar’s glorious / Throne, protected by God—God, / Whose loveGrendel could not know. . . .

2. “Hail Hrothgar! / Higlac is my cousin and my king; the days / Of my youth have been filled with glory. Now Grendel’s / Name has echoed in our land: sailors / Have brought us stories of Herot, the best / Of all mead-halls, deserted and useless when the moon / Hangs in skies the sun had lit, / Light and life fleeing together. / My people have said, the wisest, most knowing / And best of them, that my duty was to go to the Danes’ / Great king. They have seen my strength for themselves, / Have watched me rise from the darkness of war. . . .”

3. “Grant me, then, / Lord and protector of this noble place, / A single request! I have come so far, / O shelterer of warriors and your people’s loved friend, / That this one favor you should not refuse me— / That I, alone and with the help of my men, / May purge all evil from this hall.”

Appositives & Appositive Phrases

In your own words, define appositive/appositive phrases:______

In the boxes below, write all the character traits of both Grendel and Beowulf.

Follow the directions for each question to create your own sentences using appositive phrases

1. Write a sentence describing Grendel while using an appositive phrase.

______

2. Write a sentence describing Beowulf while using an appositive phrase.

______

3. Write a sentence describing Grendel’s attack’s using an appositive phrase.

______

4. Write a sentence describing Beowulf’s attitude toward Grendel using an appositive phrase.

______

5. Write a sentence describing the fight between Grendel and Beowulf using an appositive phrase.

______

AFTER READING:

  1. Go back and look at one of the themes we talked about earlier and describe in detail your opinion of the theme in relation to the story.
  2. Do you think Beowulf’s deeds make him a good role model? Explain.
  3. Identify one person who is inspired by Beowulf’s actions. Does this add to his heroic nature? Explain.

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

Feature / Why 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 ______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:

Epics: Because epics have been used the world over to preserve values and traditions, they are a rich resource for exploring world cultures. Your extra credit assignment is to gather information on ONE of these epics and prepare and oral report of your findings for the class. You must fill in the chart below (on a separate sheet of paper) for the epic and must share it with the class to receive the 15 point extra credit coupon. It’s all or nothing. You must commit to the EC assignment by Friday. DO NOT BACK OUT.

Possible epic / Country of origin / Possible epic / Country of origin
Kalevala / Finland / Sundiata / Mali
Chanson de Roland / France / Volsunga Saga / Norway
Ramayana and Mahabharata / India / Maui / Polynesia
Orland Furioso / Italy / The Aeneid / Rome
Heike Monogatari / Japan / Poema del Cid / Spain
Epic I have chosen
Reason I chose this epic
Source of information for epic
Brief summary of epic in my own words
Most interesting thing I learned
Why are epics used to preserve values and traditions (your opinion)

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?

AFTER READING:

  1. Go back and look at one of the themes we talked about earlier and describe in detail your opinion of the theme in relation to the story.
  1. Do you think Beowulf’s deeds make him a good role model? Explain.
  1. Identify one person who is inspired by Beowulf’s actions. Does this add to his heroic nature? Explain.

Carmichael English IV: British Legends: Heroes and Heroism Part I: BeowulfPage 1 of 15