NAME __________________
PERIOD ________
Beowulf
Discovery Lesson
You will be spending the next two class periods uncovering
some important material relevant to our study of Beowulf.
This is meant to be a fun assignment, but you will need to
be on task to get it all done. The epic Beowulf is full of
heroes,monsters,& adventure – keep an open mind & allow
yourself to imagine it!
Station #1: Web Quest
45 Minutes - 20 Points
You can easily access the sites by visiting Mrs. Loomer’s webpage & using the links under “Beowulf
Webquest” – explore, have fun, learn! You have one class period – manage your time wisely!
1. BEOWULF BACKDROUND http://www.readwritethink.org/materials/beowulf/
Click on: OVERVIEW
A. How long ago was Beowulf believed to be written?
B. How is an epic poem, like Beowulf or The Odyssey, different from other narratives?
Click on: THE STORY
C. How many major battles does Beowulf fight in his epic?
D. Where does the epic take place?
E. During what century does the story take place?
Click on: THE MANUSCRIPT
F. Where is the only copy of the Beowulf manuscript kept today?
Click on: SIGNIFICANCE
G. How was the story originally communicated to people?
H. What mysteries exist about the text?
I. In its entirety, Beowulf is over 3,000 lines. What line/verse style does the poet employ?
Click on: MODERN EDITIONS
J. When was Beowulf first translated from Old English?
K. Why might different translations of Beowulf contain different words or phrases of the same
lines?
2. MORE BEOWULF FACTS
A. http://historymedren.about.com/library/blbeofacts.htm
a. What language was Beowulf originally written in?
b. Why is the discovery of Sutton Hoo believed to be linked to Beowulf?
B. http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/onlineex/englit/beowulf/
a. Give a brief summary of what Beowulf is about.
b. Who wrote Beowulf?
c. Why is Beowulf considered to be so important?
3. THE POETRY AND LANGUAGE OF BEOWULF
http://www2.bakersfieldcollege.edu/gdumler/Older%20Materials/English%205A/Beowulf/background.htm
A. Important Terms (Under Additional Notes on Anglo-Saxon Culture)
a. Scop –
b. Wyrd –
c. Wergild -
B. Poetic Devices (Under Characteristics of Anglo-Saxon Poetry)
a. Kenning -
b. Alliteration -
c. Caesura -
Station #2: Harry
Potter
20 Minutes
10 Points
You will be viewing some video clips from a movie that
contains elements of an epic. Based on the video clips
and your prior knowledge of this movie, complete the
chart below. Your task is to analyze the movie clips
using the elements of an epic listed. Just write
down examples of each epic element in the chart
below. After completing the chart, predict three things
this movie might have in common with the Beowulf.
Hero who is
Actions
meaningful take place
or
on a grand
represents
scale or
the values
are
of a culture important
nationally
Action
consists of
great deeds
requiring
superhuman
courage
and/or
strength
Supernatural
forces are
involved
Harry
Potter
Predictions
Beowulf?)
1.
2.
(what do you think this movie will have in common with
Purpose
is to
teach or
inspire
3.
Station #3: A Visit to Engaland (yes, that’s how they spelled it!)
20 Minutes
5 Points
At this station you will be learning a bit more about
Anglo-Saxon culture. Watch the video (pay attention to
the history, culture, and music) and enjoy the treat!
Answer the following questions:
1.
What is your opinion of the Anglo-Saxon food you
tasted?
2.
What are 2 things you learned from the video that
you had not learned before (it must be different from
anything you learned during the internet search).
3.
What do you think it would be like to live during
Beowulf’s time?