Do Now #1:

• Write the following question(s)/prompt(s) in your composition books and respond in a few sentences. Be prepared to share!

– 1. How would you define a “hero”?

– 2. What characteristics or traits does a “hero” possess?

Do Now #2:

• Read lines #1-#10 in the Beowulf PDF on the AP Eng Resources 2014 web page (BT Website) silently, then write your response to the following prompt in your composition books:– In lines #1- #10, describe what the text is

saying in your own words; that is, summarize or paraphrase what the first lines from Beowulf are describing.

Do Now #3:

Beowulf Review Quiz

The Anglo-Saxon Period & The Epic Poem BEOWULF

AP ENG LIT & COMP –Mrs. Willoughby-Hull

Monday, September 29, 2014

CCSS for ELA Key Ideas and Details:•12RL1 – Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.

Craft and Structure:•12RL4 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful. (Include Shakespeare as well as other authors.)

Beowulf Unit Objective(s)

• SWBAT read, interpret and analyze the epic poem Beowulf, as well as identify the main character’s traits, the traits of the “hero” as defined in Anglo-Saxon literature, and the author’s use of content-specific figurative language (i.e. kennings, caesuras, alliteration, etc.).

Questions? Comments?

Clarifications?

Anglo-Saxon History

A Brief Review

449-1066

Anglo-Saxon Period

Anglo-Saxon Period

•In 449, three groups or tribes invaded Britain

–Angles

–Saxons

–Jutes

Anglo-Saxon Period

• Anglo-Saxons– Drove the natives from the

eastern, central, and southern areas

– Became known as “Angles Land” or England

– Germanic language developed into “Angle-ish” or English

Anglo-Saxon Period• Anglo-Saxons

– Originally started out with several tribal units organized by a king.

– Witan = council of elders who would choose the king for each tribal unit

– Tribal differences ceased, kingdoms intertwined until there were 7 tribes left

– 1. Essex– 2. Wessex– 3. Sussex– 4. North Umbria– 5. Mercia & the Midlands– 6. East Anglia– 7. Kent

Anglo-Saxons & Religion

• Anglo-Saxons were “Pagans”• Paganism = polytheistic religion;

http://www.informationdelight.info/encyclopedia/entry/polytheistic_religion

• Fate vs. Personal Freedom• Christians believe that all individuals have

the freedom to make their own choice and were monotheistic

• Early Anglo-Saxons worshipped ancient gods of German mythology

Questions? Comments?

Clarifications?

Anglo-Saxons & Mead Hall

• All {social} events began and ended at Mead Hall– Mead: Fermented beverages made from

honey (Think of beer made from honey)

• The hall was built by the local lord or king for the entertainment of the Thanes– Thanes: warriors and soldiers loyal to the

local lord or king

Anglo-Saxons & Mead Hall• Feasting and Celebration Hall (Mead Hall)• Great Hall of the King• Safest Place in the Kingdom• Its Appearance:

– Rectangular– Pointed roof– Middle trench (dug-out ground) on the

inside for fires– Two long, low tables on each side of

the trench with long benches– Supported by rows of columns

Objective Review

• SWBAT read, interpret and analyze the epic poem Beowulf, as well as identify the main character’s traits, the traits of the “hero” as defined in Anglo-Saxon literature, and the author’s use of content-specific figurative language (i.e. kennings, caesuras, alliteration, etc.).

The Anglo-Saxon Man

• Athletic• Strong• Seafaring (Sailor)• Adventurous• Strong belief in fair play

Questions? Comments?

Clarifications?

Anglo-Saxons Ideals

• Loyalty to his Lord or King• Great love of personal freedom• Respect for women• Love for glory• Honored the truth

Anglo-Saxon’s Literature• Mostly oral stories, especially riddles told

by “Scops” or oral storytellers (bards)– Written Poetry (Beowulf)

• Does not Rhyme• Uses alliteration• Uses Kennings -

– Compound Metaphors often hyphenated ex. “Whales-path” = sea

– Symbolism with Seasons• Spring: Youth• Summer: Adult• Autumn: Old Age• Winter: Death

Beowulf as an Epic Poem

•Long narrative poem that recounts the adventures of a legendary hero in pursuit of a goal of national importance.

•The hero’s accomplishments reflect the values of his culture.

Beowulf

http://www.history.com/shows/clash-of-the-gods/videos/battle-of-beowulf-and-grendel#battle-of-beowulf-and-grendel

Beowulf

449-1066 AD

Lecture Notes

Notes on the Epic

I. The Epic is a long narrative poem that recounts the adventures of a legendary hero in pursuit of a goal of national importance.

II. Elements of an Epic:A. Epic hero: The epic hero is the central character of an epic. His divine birth is what pits his courage, skill, and virtue against

opposing, often evil, forces.

B. Quest: A quest is a long, dangerous journey or mission undertaken by the epic hero. The quest is the hero’s opportunity to prove his heroism and win honor and undying renown or fame.

C. Valorous Deeds: These actions demonstrate the hero’s courage, strength, or virtue and make up most of the action in the narrative.

D. Divine Intervention: In many epics, the hero receives help from a god or another supernatural force who takes an interest in his quest.

E. Great Events: Important events from the history or mythology of a nation or culture often provide the backdrop for the epic narrative.

III. Types of Epics

A. Folk Epics: In ancient times, stories about heroes were recited or sung as entertainment and passed down orally from one generation to the next.

These stories were eventually written down long after they were first composed.

Examples: Beowulf--- Anglo-SaxonGilgamesh- SumerianMahabharata-- Indian

B. Literary Epics are written by individual authors, drawing on the style and

conventions of the folk epic. Examples:

Iliad and Odyssey-- HomerDivine Comedy-- DanteParadise Lost-- John Milton

IV: Epic Conventions

Most epics share certain characteristics called epic conventions.

A. An epic opens by stating the subject or purpose, followed by an invocation of a muse or supernatural force who tells the story.

B. The plot begins in medias res---Latin for “in the middle of things.”

C. Most epics are serious in tone and lofty in style, a technique meant to convey the importance of the events. Long speeches by

character suggest an impressive formality, as do the lists (catalogs) of battles, weapons, and royal gifts.

Collaborative Assignment Handout

Collaborative Assignment #1

• Individually or with an elbow partner, READ and complete the 4-Box Model Graphic Organizer (See Handout)

– Box 1: Write 2-3 quotes from Sections #1 - #4 of pdf document) as textual evidence that captures how Beowulf embodies the characteristics of an epic hero

– Box 2: Identify, Write down and Interpret 3-4 literary devices from the text including line numbers

– Box 3: Write down 1-3 questions you have as you read (question the text).

– Box 4: Write a 4-5 sentence or more summary of Chapters #1-#2 (pp.39-46)

Collaborative Assignment #2 - #4

1. Using the Internet, research a web site of your choosing and locate a summary of the epic poem Beowulf. Read it!

2. Review “any” Beowulf Summary of your choosing as needed

3. As a group or individually, continue to read Sections #4 - #11 of the Beowulf PDF

Collaborative Assignment #2 - #4

1. In your collaborative groups continue to work on:

– A shared Google doc of “bulleted” Beowulf notes –

(Please share with me @

mswilloughbyhull@gmail.com) – A large Cornell Notes Graphic Organizer

for Sections #4 - #11.

Achieve3000

1. Using the Handout Provided, complete Teen Biz Article #1

2. Achieve3000 articles due Friday, October 3, 2014

Questions? Comments?

Clarifications?