1. The Question
Is the epic poem “Beowulf” an accurate
representation of Anglo-Saxon society?
• To answer this question,
you must read the parts of
“Beowulf” in your textbook
and then information on the
internet.
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2. The Information Sources
You will refer to your text book and internet sources to see if Anglo-Saxon
life as represented in the epic poem “Beowulf” gives you a good view of
actual life in an Anglo-Saxon community.
www.visualparadox.com/.../vikingship800.htm
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• An understanding of AngloSaxon society will add to your
appreciation of “Beowulf.” As you
read the poem, pay close
attention to the descriptions of
food, shelter, definition of a hero,
the role of women and religion.
Then your next job will be to see
how the descriptions in the poem
mesh with actual Anglo-Saxon
life.
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3. The Student Activity
Using in the copy of “Beowulf in your textbook and the information on Anglo-Saxons in your textbook and
in the websites below, complete the following chart.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/anglosaxons/index.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-Saxons
http://labyrinth.georgetown.edu/display.cfm?Action=View&Category=English,%20
Old
www.artpassions.net/art/shield.jpg
Food & Shelter
Drink
Definition
Of a
Hero
Role of
Women
AngloSaxons
Beowulf
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Religion
4. The Assessment Activity
Using the information
from your research
that you have
collected in your
table, write an essay
explaining why or
why not “Beowulf”
gives us a accurate
portrayal of AngloSaxon life
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www.memphismuseums.org/media/vikings
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5. Enrichment Activities
If you are interested in learning more about the Anglo-Saxons
or Beowulf, here are some more sites you can visit.
• http://www.lonestar.net/literature/beowulf/
• http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/n
ova/vikings/
• http://csis.pace.edu/grend
el/Proj2004A1/hero.html
csis.pace.edu/grendel/projs4a/be1.htm
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6. Teacher Support Materials – State Standards
Arkansas Language Arts Standards Grade 12
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W.4.12.2
Communicate clearly the purpose of the writing
W.4.12.3
Write clear and varied sentences
W.4.12.4
Elaborate ideas clearly and accurately through word choice, vivid
description, and selected information
• R.9.12.4
• Analyze and evaluate how works of a given period reflect
author’s background, historical events, and cultural influences
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