Beowulf - Creative Assignments
This is a major project. Some projects will require a special talent, so consider your strengths. For example, I would not choose the comic book option because I have difficulty executing even simple stick figures. But some of you are talented artists and may really enjoy that project. J
Individual Projects
1. Retell the events in Beowulf as a children's story, including color illustrations. Use 8 ½” X 11” paper. Make a cover. Be especially careful about word choice.
2. Write a resumé and cover letter for Beowulf. In the resume include name, origin, height, weight, experience, skills, position applied for, etc. In the cover letter you will be trying to sell yourself, in modern terms, to a potential employer. (Use the attributes you know about Beowulf from his boasts in the tale as well as what you learned about his abilities from his actions in the epic itself.)
3. Compile a scrapbook based on Beowulf. Write captions explaining each item included (should be items that the characters might have saved or which somehow identify the characters). Suggested items include pictures, personal articles, and other physical objects. A twist on this idea is to create a Beowulf time capsule.
5. Create a board game (your design) based on the characters and events in Beowulf. A player should be able to learn what happens in Beowulf or test his knowledge of Beowulf by playing the game. Include clearly written instructions, some type of board, and playing pieces. Be prepared to show the class how to play!
6. Beowulf – the comic book – illustrate key scenes from the story with short narrative sections and dialog bubbles. Warning! Do NOT copy any know illustrations!!
7. Create a rap about Beowulf. Record it on a CD to play for the class. Include a written copy of the lyrics.
8. Create a different point of view by retelling a segment of the story from the point of view of another character in the story: Grendel, the she-wolf, the dragon, Wiglaf, etc. Do not change the actual outcome of the segment. Apply standard writing assignment format.
9. Compare Beowulf to a modern hero from a movie. Include these details: hero’s origin, trusted allies or sidekicks, struggle against evil, the role of violence in the story, hero’s motivation, rewards or glory gained. Use essay style with paragraphs or make a poster including drawings or pictures.
10. The Boast-- We have read of the many exploits of Beowulf among the Danes, Geats, and Swedes. We know, too, that the Anglo-Saxons saw nothing wrong with letting the world know who they were, who their noble parents were, what great feats they had accomplished, and what they planned to do. This boasting was perfectly polite, even expected. Your assignment is to write a formal boast about yourself and perform it for the class. Tell us your deeds, who your daddy/mama are, what you plan to do, and how you're “not gonna take nothing from nobody.” Your accomplishments may be academic, athletic, musical, social, artistic, etc. Lay aside your humility!
Your boast must show your understanding of Anglo-Saxon poetry by following the Anglo-Saxon poetic format:
· Four hard beats per line (like a rap)
· No end-rhyme
· Heavy alliteration
Further, include at least two examples of an original kenning.
Length: 10-20 lines
Group Projects
If you work with one or more people on a group project, you must prepare a “report” of each person’s contribution to the project. You may also be asked to evaluate the group members’ roles in the project.
11. Create a newspaper outlining the major events in Beowulf. Write articles and include appropriate pictures (hand or computer-drawn, cut from magazines or newspapers, or found on the Internet). In addition to major articles, include typical newspaper features like editorials, obituaries, advertisements, and comics.
12. Interpret a scene from Beowulf, dressing as the characters and performing the scene for the class. Some suggested scenes include Grendel's first attack (27-29), the battle between Beowulf and Grendel (46-48), the attack of Grendel's mother (63-64), Beowulf's battle with Grendel's mother (70-71), the battle with the dragon (102-109), or Beowulf's funeral (119-120).
Due Date: Thursday, October 10, 2012 Two weeks!