Beowulf
Text and Context
HELP! I need somebody!
► Think
of a time when you helped someone in need
or someone helped you OR a time when you did
NOT render help and wish you had. Give a brief
summary of the incident then answer the following
analysis questions:
 What was your/their motivation (why was
help rendered?)?
 What was the result?
 What would have happened if help was not
rendered?
 Did anyone else offer help? Why/why not?
Epic
► Unknown
author
► The national epic of England (first work to
be composed in English)
► A long heroic poem, about a great
legendary warrior renowned for his courage,
strength, and dignity.
The Beowulf Poet
Christian; reflects
established tradition
► Allusions to the Old
Testament
► Beowulf is a Redeemer
who is sent by God to save
man from sin:
► Christ archetype:
Correspondences between
Beowulf’s death and the
death of Christ
► The price of salvation is
life itself
►
The Epic Hero
Defeats his enemies using
Physical strength
Skill as a warrior
Nobility of character
Quick wits
A man of high
social status whose
fate affects the
destiny of his
people
Is not modest – boasting is a ritual
Embodies the ideals and values of his
people
Is eager for fame
Because the Germanic tribes believed
death was inevitable, warriors sought fame
to preserve the memory of their deeds after
death
GRENDEL’S CHARACTER
Direct Characterization
Indirect Characterization
(Include Line #)
Beowulf’s CHARACTER
Heroic Values in Beowulf
► Relationship
between
king and his warriors
► The king rewards his
warriors with gifts
► If a kinsman is slain,
obligation to kill the
slayer or obtain
payment (wergeld) in
compensation
Beowulf on Twitter
• How would Beowulf react to the
arrival?
• Complete at least 1 tweet for “The
Coming of Beowulf”
• Don’t forget the symbol and the
followers!
Epic Elements
► Most
epics are serious in tone and lofty in
style, a technique meant to convey the
importance of the events. Long speeches by
the characters suggest an impressive
formality.
► Use of kennings
Kennings
►A
kenning is a poetic renaming for a
simpler, more concrete noun; for example,
storm of swords is a kenning for
► Examples
guzzler
of modern day kenning: gas
Kennings
Compound Prepositional Phrases
Words
Sky-candle
Whale-road
Ring-giver
Gold-ringed
Battle dew
Sea stallion
Wolf of wounds
Winters of grief
Shepard of evil
Storm of swords
Guardian of the people
Path of the sea
Possessives
Seabird’s bath
Ocean’s face
Heaven’s joy
Arrow’s storm
Water’s chain
Battle’s torch
“The Battle with
Grendel”
Page 48
Summarize
► —in
your own words, define a kenning and an
appositive phrase. Give an example of each—turn
in before you leave
Themes
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
► 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 _________________ 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?
Element
Example
Epic Hero Cycle
The main character is a hero, who is often
possessed of super natural abilities or
qualities
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”