British
Literature
September 28,
2015

OBJECTIVE
 Students will be able to interact and engage with the early foundations of conflict in the epic poem Beowulf .
HOW?
 Socratic Circle OR Reading Quiz
 Reading Circle

WERGILD
 Wergild, also spelled Wergeld, or
Weregild, (Old English: “man payment”), in ancient Germanic law, the amount of compensation paid by a person committing an offense to the injured party or, in case of death, to his family.
 On page 22 of Beowulf , read lines
455-473 when Hrothgar discusses his history with Edgetheo, Beowulf’s father.

FAMILY TREE
 Looking over the genealogy of the Geats, add the line of the Geats to your family tree.
 You may also reference page 139 in your books for some clarification.

SOCRATIC CIRCLE VS. SOCRATIC SEMINAR
 A Socratic Circle is a discussion over the reading. I may provide you with questions to inspire your conversations. A
Socratic Circle replaces the form of a reading quiz.
 A Socratic Seminar is a graded discussion in the form of a
Unit Test. You will be evaluated based on your quality of analysis, depth of understanding, preparation, active participation, and the use of textual evidence.

SOCRATIC CIRCLE: CHAPTERS 1-7
For our Socratic Circle today, discuss the prologue through chapter
7 of Beowulf . You may also discuss the background of Anglo -Saxon culture and the components of Old English. If you would like, let these questions inspire your conversations:
 Why does Grendel hunt the men when they are sleeping?
 Does this make him a coward?
 Why does Beowulf go to help the Danes, when he is a Geat?
 Do you think this was right of Beowulf?
 Would you risk your life to help a neighbor?

READING CIRCLE
 Students will participate in a Reading Circle to embark on our journey with Beowulf .
 Beowulf is truly meant to be heard. We will take turns as “Scops” to perform this epic poem.
 All students must demonstrate active listening: following along, annotating, recording entries in the dialectical journal, and willingly participate if called.
 Please jot notes to discuss important phrases and questions of clarification at the conclusion of each chapter.

HOMEWORK
 Meet Unferth, a jealous man who challenges Beowulf and reflects on a story from his childhood with Brecca.
 Read and complete annotation assignment for sections 8-12 of
.