Working through the last few
books of
Beowulf
An individual process
Step 1
• Review your notes and your readings in
Beowulf so far.
• Then, complete act 3-6 using this PowerPoint
to assist you. Make sure you use good details
from the reading. The more detailed you are
the better off you will be later.
Act 3: Beowulf is an Epic Hero
• Beowulf essentially “read” the wanted
poster, realized what a horrible monster this
was and felt it was his RESPONSIBILITY to do
something about it. Why would the Epic Hero
feel it was his duty to defend a country that
was not his own?
Act 4: Epic Hero Cycle
• All epic heroes follow a basic pattern known as
the “epic hero cycle.” This cycle can be repeated
many times throughout the course of an epic, but
is very distinct. On your worksheet, you will find
the different elements of the epic hero cycle that
you will need to be familiar with. Fill out the first
5 element examples using SPECIFICS from the
TEXT. You will need your textbook for this portion.
Most of this will be found in “The Coming of
Beowulf” and “The Battle with Grendel”
Element
Example
The main character is a hero, who is often possessed
of super natural abilities or qualities
Epic Hero Cycle
The hero is charged with a quest (call to Adventure)
“Crossing the Threshold” Moving from the known to
the unknown
The hero is tested, often to prove the worthiness of
himself and his quest
PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL
The presence of numerous mythical beings, magical
and helpful animals, and/or human helpers and
companions
The hero’s travels take him to a supernatural world,
often one that normal human beings are barred from
entering
The cycle must reach a low point where the hero
nearly gives up his quest or appears defeated
A resurrection
Achieving the goal or the “boon”
Restitution. Often this takes the form of the hero
regaining his rightful place on the throne. Return to
the ordinary world
Applying the “boon”
Act 5: Hand to Hand Combat
• Look at lines 261-270.
• What does Beowulf reveal about Grendel’s fighting
method? What is his own resolution? Why?
• “Grendel and Beowulf forego weapons to engage in
ferocious hand-to-hand combat. This clash is not a
mere battle in a culture dominated by warfare but
rather a more personal, primal conflict between
equal, opposite forces.” Which of the themes we
have discussed does this description of the battle
apply to
Act 6: Kennings
• Remember, a kenning is a two word poetic
renaming of people, places, and things such as
“Whale’s home” for the sea.
• There is a kenning in line 325. Identify it.
• Identify at least two more kennings in “The
Battle with Grendel”
Finish the appositive phrase
worksheet on page 13 of your
packet
Review ... this will be on your quiz
Now…
• Finish reading Beowulf
– “The Monster’s Lair” T 51
– “The Battle with Grendel’s Mother” T 52
– “The Last Battle” T 56
• Answer all study guide questions with as much
detail as possible!!! The more detailed you are
the better off you will be!!!
Come up with an example for how each
theme is seen in the text!
• Good vs. Evil
• Forces of darkness—irrational and
menacing—are always at work in
society
• Life is a continuing struggle
• Actions speak louder than words
• Judge the greatness of a human by
the greatness of his deeds and
noble ancestry
• Help thy neighbor
• To be loyal is to selflessly make
sacrifices for a loved one.
Conflict Christian Values and Heroic Values
Fill out chart on page 2 with specifics
• This tension is at the
heart of the poem
• Pagan history and myth
are made to point to a
Christian moral
• Beowulf is poised
between two value
systems
Mix of pagan and Christian Values
• Fate vs. choice of good
and evil
• Mythological monsters
vs. references to God
and Jesus
An Epic reflects the values of the culture that produced it. Complete
this chart and draw a conclusion about Anglo-Saxon tastes and
values.
Why is it pleasing?
Feature
Boastful speeches
What values are
reflected?
Makes the hero seem
superhuman
Great hero
Lots of action
Good Triumphs over evil
Anglo Saxons had a ________warrior_________ culture. What details
reveal the importance of pagan warrior values in Beowulf such as a
belief in fate, a taste of boasting, a pride in loyalty, and a desire for
fame?
Extra Credit Assignment Peer Evaluation:
Student
name
Epic
chosen
Presentation
Evaluation
Substantial comment
Scale of 1 (awful)-10 (great)
After watching the presentations, answer the following
question: Why are epics used to preserve values and
traditions?
You will have an EXTENDED QUIZ
on this material tomorrow!!!
Finish and study your packet carefully
Material to study…
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British Culture and language package
Anglo Saxon notes
Beowulf readings study guide
Beowulf packet
Beowulf notes
• Remember your twitter assignment should be completed by
Wednesday! I will check to make sure it is done. You will
have a little time to work on it tomorrow after your quiz
The 55 point quiz has…
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7 matching questions
13 multiple choice questions
5 true/false questions
4 short answer questions
6 blank chart fill in the blank questions