Beowulf Epics and Heroes B R I T I S H L I T E R A T U R E Mrs. N. Fitzgerald Unit 1 Fall 2013 At the end of this unit, the student will be able to: 1. Understand the history of the English language, specifically the Old English period (academically prepared) 2. Read, comprehend, interpret, and analyze an epic (academically prepared) 3. Relate an epic to personal experience and relevant 21st century issues (globally concerned) 4. Paraphrase key ideas and details (academically prepared) 5. Identify the elements of Anglo-Saxon poetry (academically prepared) 6. analyze Christian influence on an Anglo-Saxon epic (spiritually oriented) 7. Build vocabulary in context (academically prepared) 8. Compare and contrast ancient and modern heroes (globally concerned) 9. Respond to an epic through writing, art, or performance (academically prepared) This unit addresses the following Language Arts Standards of the Archdiocese of Agana: RLA.O.12.1.01 RLA.O.12.1.02 RLA.O.12.1.04 RLA.O.12.2.05 RLA.O.12.3.02 RLA.O.12.3.05 21st Century Skills: Demonstrating originality and inventiveness in work Framing, analyzing and synthesizing information in order to solve problems and answer questions Articulating thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively through speaking and writing Utilizing time efficiently and managing workload nfitzgerald@ndhsguam.com/teacherease.com/www.fitzlit.weebly.com 1
Activity 1.1: Heroes Write a one-page, 5-paragraph essay answering the following prompt completely. What are 3 special qualities that the heroes of today possess? 1. Your essay must have an introduction, body (3 paragraphs), and conclusion. 2. All your paragraphs must be properly written. Be sure to include a topic sentence, at least three supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence in each paragraph. 3. Do not use contractions or first and second person pronouns. 4. Your entry must be typed and double-spaced with 1-inch margins. Use a 12 pt font (Times New Roman or Cambria). Upload to dropitto.me/mrsnfitzgerald (password: royals201) by 2:40 p.m. on the due date. 5. Be sure your essay has a creative title. Bring in a picture of the person/ people you find heroic as discussed in your essay. Attach your picture to the class display titled: Our Heroes. Food For Thought: What do our modern heroes suggest about our modern society? Activity 1.2: Before Beowulf Print the Beowulf Introduction outline from the class website: www.fitzlit.weebly.com You must have these printed notes on the day they are going to be discussed in class. Be resourceful in your printing. Use double-sided printing, multiple pages per sheet, recycled paper, etc. *Students who regularly use a laptop in class for note-taking may download the file and save it to their computers or tablets (but not to phones). This must be done before the class period. Students may then digitally annotate and highlight the outline. Students who do not use these devices for class purposes will not be allowed to use them for future class activities. Participate in the class discussion/activity and be prepared for a quiz afterward. Students who do not have their printed or digital notes will receive a zero. Due Date/Quiz Date: Food For Thought: What do our modern monsters suggest about our modern society? Activity 1.3: Monsters Participate in this Word Association Activity. (PARTICIPATION) Activity Date: Activity 1.4: Beowulf and Grendel 1. Read pp. 40-49 "The Wrath of Grendel," "The Coming of Beowulf," and "The Battle with Grendel". Answer the guided reading questions found in this packet. 2. Be prepared for a graded discussion and quiz on the first three sections. Due Date/Quiz 1 Date: Activity 1.5: The Battles Continue 1. Read pp. 50-61 "The Monsters' Lair," and "The Battle With Grendel's Mother," "The Last Battle," "The Spoils," and "The Farewell". 2. Be prepared for a graded discussion and quiz on the content and vocabulary. Due Date/Quiz 2 Date: nfitzgerald@ndhsguam.com/teacherease.com/www.fitzlit.weebly.com 2
Activity 1.4 from Beowulf Guided Reading Questions The Wrath of Grendel, The Coming of Beowulf, and The Battle with Grendel Answer the following questions in preparation for Quiz 1 and Graded Discussion 1. 1) What is the setting of the first three sections of the epic? 2) What images does the poet use to contrast Grendel and the Danes? 3) What is Herot? 4) Explain the allusion in lines 5-12. 5) Who is Hrothgar? 6) Explain the allusion describing the origin of Grendel. What is said to be Grendel s motive for attacking Herot? 7) Describe Grendel s actions in lines 30-40. What does this reveal about Grendel? 8) What had Herot represented in the land? When it stands empty, what does this suggest about the king s power? 9) Summarize the situation of the Danes after Grendel s attacks. 10)Describe at least one pagan reference from lines 1-103 (give line numbers). What does this reference suggest? 11) Who is Beowulf and how does he learn of Grendel? 12) What is your first impression of Beowulf? 13) What requests does Beowulf ask of Hrothgar? 14) Describe the battle between Beowulf and Grendel. 15) Why were Beowulf s men unable to help him defeat Grendel? 16) Which elements of an epic are found in these first three sections? Explain. 17) Give at least one example of alliteration from the first three sections. Write the quote and the line numbers. 18) Give at least one example of a kenning from the first three sections. Write the quote and the line numbers. Activity 1.5 from Beowulf Guided Reading Questions "The Monsters' Lair," "The Battle With Grendel's Mother," "The Last Battle," "The Spoils," and "The Farewell" Answer the following questions in preparation for Quiz 2 with vocabulary and Graded Discussion 2. 1) Grendel s mother is a major antagonist, but nothing is ever mentioned about Grendel s father. In a poem and culture where ancestry is so important, what does Grendel s ancestry (or lack thereof) suggest about his character? 2) Describe the monsters lair. 3) What does Beowulf credit with helping him fight against Grendel s mother? 4) What final revenge does Beowulf have on Grendel? 5) What does Beowulf take from the monsters hall? 6) What happens to Beowulf after he returns to Geatland? 7) What incident led the dragon to seek revenge? 8) How has Beowulf changed since the battle with Grendel? How has Beowulf remained the same? 9) Who is Wiglaf and what qualities does Wiglaf share with Beowulf? 10)What happens to Beowulf as a result of the battle with the dragon? 11)What does Beowulf ask Wiglaf to retrieve? 12)What does Beowulf give Wiglaf? 13)How is Beowulf honored by his people? 14)In the epic, what are the consequences of seeking revenge? 15)Do you think Beowulf is a hero? Why or why not? 16)What does the epic suggest about the Anglo- Saxon attitude toward treasure and gold? 17)Based on the epic, how is Beowulf a self-portrait of Anglo- Saxon culture? In other words, what can we infer about the Anglo-Saxons through their poetry? 18)Why do you think Beowulf is such an enduring part of English literature? nfitzgerald@ndhsguam.com/teacherease.com/www.fitzlit.weebly.com 3
Vocabulary Test Be prepared for a vocabulary test for all the unit words. Test Date: Activity 1.6: Heroes or Monsters Based on the epic selections, how do you envision Beowulf, Grendel, Grendel s mother, or the Dragon? Choose one of the following to complete: Option 1 - Original Painting Choose either Beowulf, Grendel, Grendel s mother, or the Dragon. Create an original painting of your chosen character using tempera, watercolor, etc. Use the information and descriptions in the poem as the basis of your artwork. Your original painting must be at least 8 1/2 x 11. Fill the entire space and background. Paintings must be neat and use color appropriately. Include the Beowulf text quotation that inspired your work. Option 2 - Character Composite Choose either Beowulf, Grendel, Grendel s mother, or the Dragon. Create a composite of your chosen character using parts from a variety of sources. The composite must be made up of at least 10 different pieces that are combined in a cohesive and proportional manner. Pieces can be from sources such as magazines, newspapers, clip art, etc. Use the information and descriptions in the poem as the basis of your composite. Your composite must be at least 8 1/2 x 11. Fill the entire space and background. Composites must be neat and must use color appropriately. If you choose to do your composite on a computer with software such as Photoshop, you must include a list of the pieces you used. Include the Beowulf text quotation that inspired your work. Option 3 - Torn Paper Collage Choose either Beowulf, Grendel, Grendel s mother, or the Dragon. Create a torn paper collage of your chosen character using bits of paper from various sources (many of you have done these in art class). Use the information and descriptions in the poem as the basis of your torn paper collage. Your composite must be on 8 1/2 x 11 paper. Fill the entire space and background. Torn paper collages must be neat and must use color appropriately. Include the Beowulf text quotation that inspired your work. Unit Test Be prepared for a test on the selections from Beowulf. Content, themes, vocabulary, literary terms, and introduction notes will be included. Thesis statements for the essay test are due on this date. Test Date: In 1939, excavations at Sutton Hoo (in Suffolk, England) uncovered a royal treasure-filled ship buried in the seventh century perhaps not long before Beowulf was first composed. The ship is thought to be the burial site of an early Anglo-Saxon king or nobleman. The treasures found there were so much like those described in Beowulf that scholars suggest Beowulf may have been based, in part, on memories of the ancient burial. Some have even speculated that the poem was composed as a tribute to the late king, but no solid evidence has been found to support this notion. - McGraw Hill nfitzgerald@ndhsguam.com/teacherease.com/www.fitzlit.weebly.com 4
Project 1: Grendel s Narrative Read and discuss the selection from Grendel by John Gardner. John Gardnerʼs modern novel Grendel retells the story of Beowulfʼs encounter with Grendel from the point of view of the monster. Consider how Grendelʼs perspective would differ from Beowulfʼs. Then assume the role of Grendel as narrator and retell a scene from Beowulf from the monsterʼs point of view. The purpose of this narrative is to achieve sympathy for Grendel. Your 2-4 page narrative essay must include an introduction, body (with at least 3 of Grendel's grievances), and conclusion. Give specific details and examples from the readings. First person pronouns are acceptable for this project. Include at least one quotation from the epic and two vocabulary words in your project (underline). You must also incorporate two elements of Anglo-Saxon poetry in your narrative. Use at least one modern kenning (boldface) and at least 5 lines of alliteration (italics). You will be graded on audience and purpose, organization, elaboration, and use of language. All essays must be typed using 12 pt Times New Roman font and 1-inch margins, double-spaced. Upload your projects to me at dropitto.me/mrsnfitzgerald by 2:40 p.m. on the due date. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. (TYPED) Project Activity 1.7: Essay Test Choose one of the following statements with which you agree or disagree. Write a 2-3 page essay which supports your opinions with quotations, episodes, and examples from the text of the epic. 1. Beowulf is steeped in a pagan tradition that shows nature as hostile and forces of death as uncontrollable. Blind fate picks random victims: people are never brought in harmony with the world. Beowulf ends a failure. 2. Beowulf presents an ideal of loyalty. The failure to live up to this ideal on the part of some Geats and Danes points to the extraordinary faithfulness of Beowulf. 3. Beowulf is a blending of Christian traditions with a folk story that praises loyalty, courage, and faith in the face of extreme danger and even death. It presents a model of a human being willing to die to deliver others from terrifying evil forces. 4. Beowulf is the story of a dual ordeal: an external battle with vicious opponents and internal battle with human tendencies of pride, greed, cowardice, betrayal, and self-concern. 5. Beowulf is the universal story of life s journey from adolescence to old age. The hero grows in wisdom about self and the world through pain and triumph of personal experience. Your essay must include an introduction with thesis statement, body, and conclusion. Thesis statement will be due on the day of the unit test. Give specific details and examples, and support your points with quotes from the readings. Include at least 3 vocabulary words in your essay. Underline the words you use. You will be graded on audience and purpose, organization, elaboration, and use of language. NO FIRST OR SECOND PERSON PRONOUNS. Do not use contractions or other informal language. All essays must be typed using 12pt Times New Roman or Cambria font and 1-inch margins, doublespaced, and printed on 8 1/2 x 11 paper (students can print on both sides of the paper or use recycled office paper). Plagiarism will not be tolerated. 5
Option #1: Boasting Like Beowulf Today, many people tend to respect humility more than boastfulness. However, in Beowulf s time, in order to get respect, you had to tell... rather...grab people by their Anglo-Saxon helmets and make them believe you were great. This project option requires you to boast about your ancestry and accomplishments. Your assignment is to write an accurate and formal boast about yourself and perform it for the class. Tell us your about your ancestors, your deeds and accomplishments, what you plan to accomplish in the future and how you are going to achieve this. Your accomplishments may be academic, athletic, musical, artistic, spiritual, etc. Please put your humility aside and be proud of all you have done. Consider it practice for your future college applications and job interviews. Your boast must show your understanding of Anglo-Saxon poetry by following the Anglo- Saxon poetic format: Each line should be between 10 and 12 syllables Do not use end rhyme You must use alliteration in each line. Include at least two examples of an original kenning. Underline your kennings. You must use at least 3 unit vocabulary words correctly. Italicize your vocabulary words. Length: at least 40 lines B R I T I S H L I T E R A T U R E Unit 1 Project 2 Options Presentations must be memorized and at least 2 minutes long Practice, practice, practice! Submit a typed copy of your boast Be prepared to be recorded. Option #2 - Modern Scop Tell the story of Beowulf in a modern way. You may recite, sing, rap, etc. Selections must be memorized and performed in class. 1. Memorize one of the following sections from Beowulf and present it as a 21st century scop. Approved selections: Grendel s first attack (lines 1-40) Beowulf s speech to Hrothgar (lines 235-284) The battle between Beowulf and Grendel (342-410) Beowulf s battle with Grendel s mother (492-542) The battle with the dragon (650-713) Farewell (831-869) 2. If you choose not to use the original text, you may take one of the preceding selections and retell the section in your own words. Memorize your original story and perform it in class. Be creative. You must show your understanding of Anglo-Saxon poetry by following the Anglo-Saxon poetic format: Each line should be between 10 and 12 words Do not use end rhyme You must use alliteration in at least 10 lines. Indicate your alliteration in boldface type. Include at least two examples of an original kenning. Underline your kennings. You must use at least 3 unit vocabulary words correctly. Italicize your vocabulary words. Length: at least 40 lines Submit a typed copy of your original story 3. Musical accompaniment (recorded or instrumental) is required for the performance. 4. Be prepared to be recorded. 6
Unit 1 Project 2 Options Option #3 - Eulogy A eulogy is a speech given in honor of someone who has passed away. Write a eulogy for a modern hero (fictional or nonfictional) who has passed away and whose memory you would like to honor. 1. Deliver your speech in class. 2. You may have a copy of your speech in front of you. Please remember that you will be graded on your volume, pacing, eye contact, and preparation; simply reading from your script would not be effective. 3. Your speech must recall that person s words, deeds, and legacy. Include at least one direct quote from the hero. Be sure to explain why this person was a hero. Your goal is also to pay tribute to the deceased by highlighting some of his or her unique qualities. 4. Submit a typed copy of your speech. 5. You must use at 4 of the vocabulary words from this unit. 6. Your delivered speech must be at least 3 minutes long. 7. Be prepared to be recorded. Option #4 - Monsters in Myth (1-2 students) Prepare a multimedia presentation that offers images and background information on at least 5 creatures or monsters from mythology, epics, or legends from various cultures. Do not use monsters from popular culture (such as Leatherface or Michael Myers). Be sure to relate the monsters to the monsters in the epic poem Beowulf and the ageless conflict between good and evil. How do these monsters compare? 1. Your presentation must include pictures and/or video images. 2. Write an original script and record your narration. 3. Edit your presentation and submit a digital copy. 4. You must also submit a typed script using all the vocabulary from this unit. 5. Your final presentation must be at least 5 minutes and no more than 7 minutes (not including opening or ending credits). 6. Include a reference page for all your credible sources (do not use wikipedia). 7. Sign up for a date to present. Option 5 - History of Heroes (1-2 students) Prepare a multimedia presentation that follows the history of at least 5 superheroes. Find illustrations from older comic books and more current animation and adaptation to show how characters have changed. How did the superheroes reflect the time in which they were created? Be sure to relate the superheroes to the heroes in the epic poem Beowulf, the characteristics of epic heroes, and the conflict between good and evil. How do these heroes compare? 1. Your presentation must include pictures and/or video images. 2. Write an original script and record your narration. 3. Edit your presentation and submit a digital copy. 4. You must also submit a typed script using all the vocabulary from this unit. 5. Your final presentation must be at least 5 minutes and no more than 7 minutes (not including opening or ending credits). 6. Include a reference page for all your credible sources (do not use wikipedia). 7. Sign up for a date to present. Option 6 - Heroic Reenactment (2-3 students) 1. With a partner, plan and rehearse an interpretive dance of all 3 Beowulf battles. 2. You must enhance the performance in some way. Select appropriate music, lighting, and costumes for your presentation. 3. The entire dance routine must be 6-10 minutes. All members of the group must be on stage dancing for at least one portion of the performance. 4. Arrangements must be made with Mrs. Fitzgerald in order to secure the stage during class time. 5. Present your performance to the class and be prepared to be recorded. 7