Transcript Beowulf

Beowulf
Terms to Define:
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Thanes – retinue of fighting men gathered
by the king to protect him, warriors
Mead – fermented drink made from water,
honey, malt and yeast
Scop- singing poet who entertained the
king and his court during feasts, meals
(ministered; he preserved record of
achievement for later generations)
Terms to Define:
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Epic – long verse narrative describing
adventures and achievements of a hero from
the distant past
Epic hero – larger than life warrior hero
Kennings- two or more words that name
something by a metaphor (ex. Candle of heaven
= sum; whale – road = ocean; peace weaver =
woman; light of battle = sword)
Terms to Define:
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Comitatus – concept of social unit bound
together by ties of honor and interdependence –
band of devoted comrades in arms
Lay – short lyric or narrative poem to be sung;
song, tune
Litotes- understatement in which an affirmative
is expressed by the negative of the contrary
(He’s not a bad ball player) – opposite of
hyperbole
Terms to Define:
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Allegory- narrative (verse or prose) where
characters, action and setting represent
abstract concepts apart from the literal
meaning of the story
Caesura – break in the middle of each line of
verse
Alliteration –repetition of consonant sounds at
the beginnings of words or within word,
particularly in accented syllables (it helped
people memorize spoke or sung poems / it was
crucial to the survival of oral literature)
Terms to Define:
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Wergild – remuneration / “man payment”
/ compensation to family of murdered
warrior / victim to avoid blood feuds
Wyrd – Anglo Saxon concept of fall that
manifests itself chiefly in a hero’s
willingness to test fate by matching his
courage against heavy odds
Beowulf Introductory Notes
Beowulf is the first Masterpiece in
English literature.
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Its author is unknown.
The original audience and purpose of the work
is also unknown.
It was written in Old English.
Beowulf (the hero and main character of
the poem) came from what is now the
southern part of Sweden.
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He came to aid people who lived in what is
now Denmark.
The Beowulf stories were probably part of the
cultural history of some Germanic tribe who
invaded and then settled in England (ex. The
Angles, the Saxons or the Jutes).
The fact that there are no references to
pagan gods in the Beowulf poem,
indicates that the poet came from a
Christianized culture.
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Lines 1827 – 1828 contain a possible
reference to the Christian Lord.
“Seed of Cain” is a biblical reference found in
line 65.
The poetry of Beowulf is densely packed
and full of sounds.
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The subject matter deals with heroic
adventures and some fairy –tale themes (i.e.
fire breathing dragons and big scary
monsters).
It also deals with the nature of success and
friendship in Anglo Saxon times, as well as
the final value to be found in life and death.
Part I - Study Guide
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Read the article “Reading an Epic Poem” on
page 8 before you start to read “Beowulf.” Then
copy the five boldface headings from the article
on the lines below.
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Understand the nature of the Epic Hero
Look for parallels and comparisons
Appreciate the pageantry
Understand the purpose and nature of dialogue
Look for symbolism in details
Part I - Study Guide
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The headnote on page 10 is really a
summary of the first 37 lines. Read the
headnote and then read the first 37
lines. Was Scyld a hero? What
happened to him after his death?
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Yes
The Danes set his body amid his heap of
treasure, adrift at sea
Part I - Study Guide
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(lines 38-70) The poet goes on to
describe Hrothgar and the evil spirt
“who dwelt in the darkness” of
Hrothgar’s great hall. What was the
demon’s name?
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Grendel
Part I - Study Guide
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Read lines 71 – 129. What causes
Grendel to attack the mead-hall?
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He can hear the revelry in the mead hall and
it arouses him to attack
How long does the feud between
Greandel and Hrothgar last?
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12 years
Part I - Study Guide
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Lines 130-305 describe Beowulf’s
journey to rescue the Danes and the
welcome given him by King Hrothgar.
Beowulf then gives a speech (lines
311-352). With what weapon does
Beowulf plan to fight Grendel? Why?
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Beowulf plans to use his bare hands
because Grendel doesn’t use a weapon;
also, he wants his omen to admire him
Part I - Study Guide
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What does Beowulf’s speech to King
Hrothgar reveal about his personality?
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The speech reveals his pride, courage, and
determination.
Continue reading through line 480.
What does Beowulf tell the story of his
battle with Breca (lines 406-451)?
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To reveal the heroic nature of his
accomplishments
Part I - Study Guide
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From the descriptions of Grendel’s
attack (lines 525 – 570), list four words
or phrases that describe Grendel. Give
the line number for these.
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Line 526 – fiend;
Line 529 – evil demon
Line 534 – accursed of God
Line 535 – murderous ravager
Part I - Study Guide
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To what are Grendel’s eyes compared?
Quote the entire line from the poem.
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(a flame); “a baleful glare from his eyes was
gleaming, most like to a flame” (line 547)
During the account of the battle between
Beowulf and Grendel, the narrative point of
view keeps shifting. From whose viewpoint
is the battle described in the following lines:
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Line 556 – Beowulf
Line 602 – the Danes
Line 624 – Grendel
Part I - Study Guide
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Why would the poet use different
points of view to describe the battle?
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More dramatic and vivid
What injury does Beowulf inflict upon
Grendel?
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Tears off shoulder and arm / or claw
Part I - Study Guide
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In lines 649 – 786, the Danes celebrate
Beowulf’s victory over Grendel. How do
King Hrothgar and the Danes show their
gratitude to Beowulf?
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Hrothgar and Danes shower him with gifts and
words of honor
Describe the condition of Heorot after
Beowulf’s battle with Grendel.
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Heorot is “wholly shattered” (line 734) Hinges were
riven (line 736)
Part I - Study Guide
Indicate the correct sequence of the following events in the
poem by listing the letters in their proper order:
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B. Beowulf hears of Grendel’s ravages in Hrothgar’s mead-hall.
G. Beowulf arrives at Hrothgar’s mead-hall.
D. Beowulf tells the story of his race with Breca.
E. Grendel attacks the mead-hall while Beowulf’s men sleep.
C. Beowulf tears Grendel’s arm and shoulder from his body.
A. Grendel slinks off, back to his sea-cave lair.
F. A feast of celebration is held in Heorot.
B, g, d, e, c, a, f
Part I - Study Guide
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What element of the poem makes it
similar to a fairy tale?
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It portrays an elevated hero who must fight
an exaggerated monster like a fire breathing
dragon
Beowulf Part I – Notes
Part I – (Lines 1 – 789) Portrays the
struggle between Beowulf and the
Monster Grendel.
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For 12 years Grendel has slaughtered and
carried away warriors of the Danish King
Hrothgar.
Beowulf Part I – Notes
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Beowulf is a Geat of great strength and
bravery who hears of Hrothgar’s plight and
comes to his aid.
Beowulf set sail to vanquish Grendel and is
warmly welcomed by the Danes.
Beowulf Part I – Notes
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On the night of his arrival, Beowulf confronts Grendel
without a shield or sword and twists off the monster’s
arm.
Grendel slinks off into the night; at a feast, the jubilant
Danes honor Beowulf for ridding them of the fiend.
Beowulf’s motives are a combination of honor, fame
and courage; he wants to help others, but he also
wants fame, financial rewards, and a solid reputation
as a great warrior.
Beowulf Part II – Study Guide
(lines 790 – 831) The men guarding the
mead-hall go to sleep thinking they are
safe from the mortally wounded Grendel.
But “an avenger survived / Prolonging
the feud.” Who is this avenger?
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Grendel’s mother
One of Hrothgar’s warriors is killed.
What is his name?
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AEschere
Part II - Study Guide
Define alliteration, and find an
example of alliteration in Hrothgar’s
lament for his dead friend (lines 847 –
855). Write it down.
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Alliteration is the repetition of consonant
sounds at the beginnings of words or
within words, particularly in accented
syllables. Ex. “He is my comrade, closest
of counselors” (line 849)
Part II - Study Guide
In lines 868 – 887, the poet describe the lair of
Grendel’s mother. List three words or phrases the
poet uses to create a sense of dread in the reader.
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“Dread tracts of fen” (marshyland) – line 870
“Gloom and shadow” (871)
“Darkening cliff” (872)
Lonely mire” (lake / pond) (873
“shadowing gloom” (875)
“haunted pool” (883)
“eerie” (884)
“bottomless depth” (878)
Part II - Study Guide
Why does the poet devote so much time to
describing the monster’s sea-cave?
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To emphasize the dire situation into which Beowulf
enters
In lines 896 – 900, Beowulf suggests that
there is a better reward for him than the
“ancient treasure and twisted gold” (line
892) that Hrothgar promises him. What
reward does he seek?
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Beowulf seeks fame and glory so that his name will
survive him
Part II - Study Guide
In lines 953-989, Beowulf prepares to battle
Grendel’s mother. He carries a borrowed
sword. Who does this sword belong to?
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Unferth (given to him by Hrothgar?)
How is Beowulf’s underwater battle with
Grendel’s mother similar to an earlier tale in
the poem (lines 990 – 1055)?
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This tale is similar to Beowulf’s swimming race
with Breca in length of time in the water in the
struggles with which he must cope.
Part II - Study Guide
What two objects does Beowulf take with
him from the cave (lines 1065 – 1098)?
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Grendel’s head and the sword hilt
In lines 1095 – 1150, Beowulf returns to
Heorot and tells of his battle with Grendel’s
mother. To what source does Beowulf
attribute his escape from death at the
clutches of the monster?
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Beowulf attributed his escape to God’s divine
intervention
Part II - Study Guide
Hrothgar responds to Beowulf’s
account of the battle with a speech
(lines 1160-1227). Describe two main
ideas that Hrothgar addresses.
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Hrothgar formally praises Beowulf
accomplishments; he also issues a
warning of the dangers of pride and
arrogance (possible reference to Christian
ideals – departure from chest beating of
pagan Germanic tribes)
Part II - Study Guide
Hrothgar refers to a “Fiend” in line 1194, a
fiend that threatens to be more powerful
even than Grendel. Who or what is the
fiend?
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The fiend is “pride.”
What does Hrothgar imply about the
accumulation of material riches?
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Hrothgar implies that the accumulation of riches is
acceptable only when those riches are liberally
shared
Beowulf
Youthful, prime
Proud, arrogant
Courageous
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Hrothgar
Old age
Humble
Unable to take
action
Beowulf Part II – Notes
Part II ( Lines790 – 1303) Portrays the
struggle between Beowulf and
Grendel’s Mother.
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The night after Beowulf’s attack on Grendel,
Grendel’s mother takes revenge. She seizes
Aeschere, Hrothgar’s chief counselor, and
flees into the night.
Beowulf Part II – Notes
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Beowulf, armed with a sword given to him by
Hrothgar, descends into the lair where he
defeats Grendel’s mother after a long, fierce
battle with another sword belonging to the
“Old Giants.”
While in the watery lair, Beowulf also
decapitates the wounded Grendel.
A great celebration ensues upon Beowulf’s
return to the hall of Hrothgar.
Beowulf Part II – Notes
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Literary Term: Metaphor – a figure of speech
that makes a comparison between two
otherwise unlike things.
Beowulf, Part III - Study Guide
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Upon his departure, what gift does Beowulf give
to the coast warden of the Danes?
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Identify the two things being compared in the
metaphor in line 1325.
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A battle sword with a gold hilt
Beowulf’s ship is compared to a plow horse
What treasures does Beowulf bring to King
Hygelac from King Hrothgar (lines 1350 –
1354)?
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Headpiece, helmet, sark, war-sword
Beowulf, Part III - Study Guide
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What gifts does King Hygelac bestow
upon Beowulf in honor of his
accomplishments in battle (lines 1359 –
1368)?
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Battlesword of Hrethel, a hall, a stately seat,
land
How long does Beowulf govern his
kingdom?
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50 years (fifty winters)
Beowulf, Part III - Study Guide
How is Beowulf’s old age characterized in lines 1372 –
1373?
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This is essentially a positive view: “Aged and wise with
the wisdom of years.”
Lines 1374 – 1429 describe the events that lead to
Beowulf’s battle with the dragon. How long has the
dragon been guarding the treasure?
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300 years (300 winters)
Why is the dragon “aroused. . . to anger and rage”?
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A thief breaks in and steals a golden goblet
Beowulf, Part III - Study Guide
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How does the reason for this monster’s
attack differ from that of Grendel’s attack?
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Grendel had no grievance. He was envious of the
happiness and revelry he observed in the mead hall.
The dragon, however, is provoked by an intruding
thief.
Beowulf makes a final speech (lines 1488 –
1507) to his men before the battle. How does
his preparation for this battle differ from his
preparation for his fight with Grendel?
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He arms himself heavily (shield and byrny) (shirt of
armor)
Beowulf, Part III - Study Guide
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In lines 1550 – 1565, the poet describes what
happens when Beowulf is “enveloped in
flame.” What do all but one of his fellow
warriors do when they see Beowulf in
trouble?
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His fellow warriors flee to save themselves
What causes Wiglaf to come to the aid of
Beowulf (lines 1566 – 1584)?
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Wiglaf remembers Beowulf’s generosity, admires his
past courage and chooses to risk dying in battle
rather than living with the cowardice of flight.
Beowulf, Part III - Study Guide
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As he lay dying, Beowulf says “. . . And now
for all this, Though my heart is grievous, my
heart is glad.” (lines 1656 – 1657) What
makes his heart glad?
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His heart is glad because he courted no quarrels,
made no false oaths, fought no neighboring rulers
What are Beowulf’s dying wishes?
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To see the treasure for which he has given his life
and to have a barrow (grave / burial mound of
stones or earth over a grave) built in his
remembrance
Beowulf, Part III - Study Guide
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What last gift does Beowulf give to
Wiglaf?
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A collar of gold helmet ring and byrny (shirt
of armor)
What happens to the treasure for
which Beowulf fought?
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The treasure is burned with him in a funeral
pyre
Beowulf, Part III - Study Guide
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What do you think will happen to
Beowulf’s kingdom after his death?
Support your answer with evidence
from the poem.
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There are signs at the end of the poem that
Beowulf’s kingdom will come to an end.
(Thanes who didn’t fight exiled for not doing
their duty / Wiglaf forsees breaking up of
two kingdoms wandering aliens fighting for
their lives and being killed)
Beowulf, Part III - Notes
Part III – (Lines 1304 – 1896) Tells of
Beowulf’s return to Geatland and his
subsequent battle with a dragon over
stolen treasure.
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Beowulf returns to his homeland and is
rewarded with riches and position.
Beowulf, Part III - Notes
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Many years later, one of the Geats
discovers a great treasure and angers the
dragon guarding it by taking away a golden
goblet.
Beowulf, now king of the Geats, fights the
furious dragon with the help of only one of
his warriors, Wiglaf, while all the others
flee.
Beowulf, Part III - Notes
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Though the dragon is dispatched (beaten),
Beowulf is mortally wounded.
The Geats, in accord that their leader
possessed unsurpassed heroism and
courage, gave Beowulf a royal funeral
befitting such a hero.
Beowulf, Part III - Notes
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Literary Term
Foreshadowing – The technique of giving hints or
clues of what is to come. This device helps to
create suspense, as readers are eager to see if the
inferences they draw are correct. It also sets the
stage for future events to be told in the story. It
may be specific (ex. “Everyone knew some tragedy
would befall them. . . “); or may involve only vague
hints expressed through setting or other
description (ex. “Silent, lonely and sublime, the
castle seemed to stand sovereign over the scene
and to frown in defiance on all who dared to invade
its solitary reign…”)
Heroic Morality: (page 39)
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In his work Germania, the Roman historian
Tacitus gave a detailed account of the customs
of Germanic tribes like those who populated
England during Anglo-Saxon times.
It was a disgrace to a chief for what to happen
on the field of battle?
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To be surpassed in courage by his followers or for
his followers not to equal the courage of their chief
Heroic Morality: (page 39)
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If a warrior left the field of battle alive
after his chief had fallen, what would
await him?
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Lifelong shame / infamy
In Tacitus’ account, the Germanic
tribes had no taste for peace.
Heroic Morality: (page 39)
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The warriors received meals in lieu of
pay.
The Germanic tribesman thought it
tame and spiritless to do what?
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To accumulate slowly by hard work what
can be got quickly by loss of a little blood in
battle