Beowulf

The Epic Poem

What is a Kenning?

• compound word or phrase to describe an object or activity. Literary device

• Beowulf examples:– Life – liquid = blood– Whale-road – sea– Sky’s –jewel = sun

• Modern day examples:– Bookworm = someone who read a lot– Pig-skin – football– Tree-hugger = environmentalist

The Battle with Grendel

• When Grendel comes into the Mead-Hall ready to kill, what happens?

• Find a Kenning used for Grendel.• Kenning- Grendel is the shepherd of evil, guardian of

crime. • How does Beowulf fight Grendel? Why is this

significant?• Beowulf does not use any weapons in his fight with

Grendel, because Grendel does not use weapons. A hero will only fight fair.

“The high hall rang…”

• How was the battle described in the Mead-Hall?

• Why couldn’t the men fight Grendel with their swords?

• What did Beowulf do to Grendel? • Beowulf snapped off Grendel’s arm, and

Grendel escaped back to his den.• What did Beowulf do with Grendel’s arm?

Close Reading and Annotation

What is Close Reading?

• Close reading is thoughtful, critical analysis of a text that focuses on significant details or patterns in order to develop a deep, precise understanding of the text's form, craft, meanings, etc.

• Why might close reading be important to you?

How do we perform close reading?

• Annotation- writing notes on the passage for the purpose of deeper understanding of the text.

Tips and hints for annotation

1. read through passage

2. Read passage again using indication marks • circle words that are unclear• Highlight phrases you like• Underline sentences that stand out or make a point• Bracket ideas, words or phrases that are important.

3. Decipher what is and isn’t important based on your prior knowledge

Use the margins!

• On the right side of the margin summarize each section in a few words-

WHAT IS THE AUTHOR SAYING• On the left side- write questions, explain what the

author is doing (explaining, comparing, debating, etc.) draw a picture

WHAT IS THE AUTHOR DOING

Beowulf’s Battle with Grendle’s Mother

• Why must Beowulf fight Grendel’s mother?• What did Beowulf use to kill Grendel’s

mother?• What did Beowulf take with him before

leaving the lair?• Grendel’s head is a symbol of how good

triumphed over evil

“All the graybeards, whispered together”

• What did Hrothgar’s men think when they saw blood fill the lake?

• What did Beowulf’s men do?• How does this relate to the heroic code?• Comitatus- the Geats remained at the edge of

the swamp until Beowulf returned.

Light vs. Dark

• What was the swamp like at first? How did it change after Grendel’s mother was killed?

• Dichotomy- a division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different.

• At first the lair was dark and dingy however, after Grendel’s mother died a brilliant light illuminated the darkness.

Beowulf vs the Dragon

• How much time has passed at this point?• “Beowulf uttered his final boast” (line 623). • Foreshadowing-Beowulf senses that he will

not survive this battle• What does Beowulf use to kill the dragon?

Why must Beowulf fight the Dragon?

• One of Beowulf’s men stole his cup, and the Dragon is menacing Geatland.

• Beowulf is boastful, yet still wants to value honor by taking care of his people.

“his brave noble/ Followers; they ran for their lives”

• Who is the only solider to stay and help Beowulf? • Wiglaf stood by his king like he had vowed to do-

heroic code- he has also never been in battle• What does Wiglaf say on page 57? • Symbol-bravery vs. cowardice- either conforming

or rejecting the heroic code.• His men went against the system of comitatus

which is essential to their way of life and vow that was made.

And the fire breather is dead…

• What happens to Beowulf as he fights the dragon?

• What do Beowulf and Wiglaf do the dragon? • What happens to Beowulf?

Honoring Beowulf

• What does Beowulf request before dying?• Why?• He wants a tower to be built his memory so

that future warriors and kings can be lead by and learn from his examples.

Review-Themes:

• Good always triumphs over evil (the classic battle between Good vs. Evil)

• The difficulties of living up to the heroic code (tension between heroic code and identity)

Symbols

• Monsters:Grendel- JealousyGrendel’s mother- Revenge

Dragon- Greed

Each represent a different vice in each of us that should ultimately be destroyed.

More symbols…

• Fate vs. Christianity- the two co-exist in the poem because of the Christian influence over pagan traditions

• Light vs. Dark- as each monster and source of evil is destroyed in the dark is replaced by light.

• Bravery vs. cowardice- by adhering to the heroic code and honoring vows, a warrior was either brave or a coward.

Outside sources that influence Beowulf

• Christians- they influence Beowulf in the faith and belief aspect. When it refers to Grendel being bound to hell, this is a Christian aspect. Also, Beowulf realizes that his strength comes from the Almighty, and their belief in fate.

• Pagans- The idea of revenge, and Grendel’s mother having to avenge Beowulf for killing Grendel. Going into battle can be seen as a pagan ideal.

• Scops- the story was able to be told orally over the years, and it may have been altered for entertainment purposes. I.e. “the telephone game”.