Date: Wednesday and Thursday, September 28 & 29, 2022
Title: Close Read from Beowulf
I Can Statements:
• I can 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.
• I can analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to
develop and relate elements of a story or drama.
• I can analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure
specific parts of a text contribute to its overall structure and meaning
as well as its aesthetic impact.
Jump start – A mystery explained
• Hrothgar had once come to the aid of Beowulf’s
father in a battle against an enemy tribe. As you
read, note any interactions between Hrothgar
and Beowulf that show signs of this past event
and their mutual appreciation.
Close Read the Text
This model, from lines 23–29 of the
epic, shows two sample annotations,
along with questions and conclusions.
Close read the passage and find
another detail to annotate. Then,
write a question and your
conclusion. This is where the
Cornell Notes are very helpful.
Close Read Model #2 - Analyze Exposition: Let’s dig a bit deeper and look at
lines 19-37 of the exposition. After we are done and you have seen a few Close Read
excerpts modelled, you will do a jigsaw activity in the hall tomorrow so that you can
complete all of the close read passages in a timely fashion. I will come around and
make sure you understand what you are meant to be doing.
ANNOTATE: I have
marked details
in the text that
explain the setting for
this epic poem and
the event that set this
story in motion.
QUESTION: What do
these details tell you?
What can you infer
from what Grendel did
and when he did it?
CONCLUDE: Formulate
conclusions about the
importance of the setting
and Grendel as a
character. Why might the
author have included
these details?
An exposition is a
type of writing that
presents information or
explains something. In a
narrative,
the exposition is the part
of the plot that
introduces the characters,
the setting, and the basic
situation.
Close Read Model #3 - Analyze Antagonist Features: You may have marked lines 40–56 during
your first read. These lines can help you understand how to analyze character. Now that you have see
how this is done, please find a partner and THINK-PAIR-SHARE the next two examples.
ANNOTATE: Note the phrases that
describe Grendel’s attack, including
“delighted with his night’s slaughter,”
“How well he worked,” “no savage
assault quench his lust/For evil.”
Remember that the antagonist is a character
that readers root against in a narrative. In
contrast to the protagonist, the antagonist
demonstrates evil behavior and competes
against the hero (in myth, not necessarily in
all stories)
QUESTION: Consider what
these details might tell you.
What can a reader can infer
about Grendel from the text?
CONCLUDE: Formulate
conclusions about the importance
of these details in the text. Why
might the author have included
these details?
Close Read Model #4 – Traits of an Epic Hero: You may have marked lines 451-462 (p. 31)
during your first read. Please consider your annotations and discuss with your partner about the traits
you have highlighted.
ANNOTATE: Mark
details in lines 451462 that make note of
Beowulf’s request to
King Hrothgar.
QUESTION: What
can you infer from your
annotated lines about
Beowulf’s character?
CONCLUDE: Why
might the author have
included these details?
Remember that an
epic hero has many
traits—bravery,
strength, loyalty,
compassion. This
passage helps the
reader see all of
Beowulf’s virtues.
Well, not really a quiz, but a multiplechoice on your understanding of the text,
“SWEAT”. Please download the provided
pdf (if you have not yet done so) and choose
your answers. You have 15 minutes. Good
Luck!!
Jigsaw Questions – Please refer to the paper on your Group Table
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CLOSE READ lines 67–73 (p. 22): ANNOTATE: Mark the repeated word in lines 67–73. QUESTION: Why might an author choose to repeat a
word in such rapid succession? CONCLUDE: What does the repetition here reveal about Grendel?
CLOSE READ lines 151–171 (p. 24): ANNOTATE: Mark two details in lines 151–171 that show what the watchman finds unusual about the
arrival of Beowulf and his men. QUESTION: What do these details suggest about the threats the Danes face and the personal qualities they value?
CONCLUDE: What is the effect of describing Beowulf’s arrival from the point of view of the watchman?
CLOSE READ lines 235–253 (p. 26): ANNOTATE: Mark details in lines 235–253 that show the specific heroic deeds Beowulf recounts to
Hrothgar. QUESTION: What can you infer about Beowulf from the details he shares with Hrothgar? CONCLUDE: What do these details reveal
about the world in which this story is set?
CLOSE READ line 323 (p. 28): ANNOTATE: In English syntax, apposition may be used to rename or explain a person or thing. Mark the two
identifying, appositive phrases used to rename Grendel in line 323. QUESTION: How do the renamings of Grendel in this line emphasize the
significance of the battle that is about to begin? CONCLUDE: What is the effect of using two or more appositives in a row?
CLOSE READ lines 477–48 (p. 32): ANNOTATE: Mark words and phrases in lines 477–489 that contain sound devices and parallel structures.
QUESTION: What effect might these word choices have had on listeners? CONCLUDE: In what way does the language of the story help make it
memorable for both the storyteller and the audience?
ANALYZE FOR MEANING lines 621-637 (p. 36): ANNOTATE: Mark details in lines 621-637 that indicate that this is the last battle.
QUESTION: What can the reader infer about the significance of the words “final” and “last” with respect to the coming battle. CONCLUDE: Why
might the author have included these details?
ANALYZE CONFLICT lines 707-740 (p. 38): ANNOTATE: Mark details that describe what all of Beowulf’s followers except Wiglaf did as well
as details that relate to Wiglaf’s internal conflict. Remember that an internal struggle is usually between competing feelings. QUESTION: What can
the reader infer about this character who is being named for the first time. And what is the internal conflict? CONCLUDE: Why might the author
have included these details?
CLOSE READ lines 743–770 (p. 39): ANNOTATE: Mark details in lines 743–770 that show what Beowulf’s men were like in the beginning and
how they changed. QUESTION: How have Beowulf’s men, with the exception of Wiglaf, changed? CONCLUDE: How do these contrasting details
help the reader better understand Beowulf’s dilemma?
CLOSE READ lines 814–828 (p. 41): ANNOTATE: Mark details in lines 814–828 that show how Beowulf wants to be buried and remembered.
QUESTION: What do Beowulf’s dying wishes tell you about him? CONCLUDE: What can you conclude about the character of Beowulf, based on
his last words?
ANALYZE CHARACTER lines 843-867 (p.42): ANNOTATE: mark all of the funeral details in these lines. QUESTION: What can the reader
infer from what was buried in the tomb with Beowulf? CONCLUDE: Why might the author have included these details?
Some Anglo-Saxon music to work by!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQa5QkckGvM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQfdqIyqJ4g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXuasY8pDpA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hk63dYO9xo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0K7MfHEzb5c&list=OLAK5uy
_nzNOskeUoC0xkvzEm75aRE2tCaVxdXTMU&index=2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KC1B9mjG6pU&list=OLAK5uy
_nzNOskeUoC0xkvzEm75aRE2tCaVxdXTMU&index=3
For those who have finished in the book, see if you can analyze some of these lines.
The more you do, the more it will help you with the homework assignment!!!
Analyze Apposition: Look at lines 109–110
Analyze the Epic Hero:
Look at lines 202–21
ANNOTATE: Mark the name
Beowulf and the words that follow
that explain who he is.
QUESTION: Consider what this
detail might tell you. What can a
reader infer from additional
description of Beowulf?
CONCLUDE: Formulate conclusions
about the importance of these details
in the text. Why might the author
have included these details?
Remember that an epic hero is the larger-than-life central character
in an epic. Beowulf epitomizes the epic hero in his feats of strength,
victories in battle, ability to communicate and persuade, and boastful
self-confidence.
ANNOTATE: Mark details in the text that show how the watchman
reacts to Beowulf upon his arrival.
QUESTION: What might these details tell you? What can a reader
infer from the tone of the watchman’s speech.
CONCLUDE: Why might the author have included these details?
Analyze Historical Context: Look at
lines 519-532 (FUN FACT!!! The AngloSaxons took great pride in decorating
their jewellery and weapons with
ornamentation.)
Annotate: Mark details in lines 519–532 that describe
Beowulf’s armour and weaponry, including the sword he found
in the lair.
QUESTION: Consider what these details might tell you. What
can the reader infer about the sword that Beowulf finds in the
lair?.
Conclude: Why might the author have included these details?
Reflect on Theme: Look at lines 561-574 (Remember that
this epic is about heroism, and so far, several levels have been
revealed: physical, spiritual, and emotional
.
Remember that the theme
of an epic poem is its
message about life and
challenges.
In this section, you can see
Beowulf’s unique
situation as a hero, and
how different he is
from the other men. Do
you think this section
expresses the author’s
perspective on heroism?
Annotate: Mark details in lines 561–574 that indicate
where the Danes and the Geats are while Beowulf fights
underwater. Look for details that show how they react
after waiting for him to surface.
QUESTION: What might these details tell you? What
can the reader infer about the responses of Beowulf’s
beloved followers or the people he has saved?
Conclude: Why might the author have included these
details?
Exit Slip for Everyone: Please place your answer on Tuesday’s Discussion
Board.
• Analyzing Tone: Lines 593-620 - compare the difference in the tone of the
story after the end of this battle and the previous one.
ANNOTATE: Write down some of the
details in lines 593–620 that show the
reaction to Beowulf’s return to Herot.
QUESTION: Consider what these
details might tell you. How does the
reaction of the Danes now differ from
their reaction when Beowulf first kills
Grendel.
Conclude: Formulate a conclusion
about the importance of these details.
Why might the author have included
these details?