Beowulf

Anglo-Saxon Period The Anglo-Saxon period is the earliest recorded time period in English history.

Why Study Beowulf? The Anglo-Saxon period ranges from 449-1066. 1. Beowulf is the oldest poem in the English language, so everything written since Beowulf stems from it in some way 2. The story of Beowulf encompasses common themes that we still see in English literature today

Why Study Beowulf? 4. In some ways, it doesn’t matter what you read, but how you read it, so…since Beowulf came first, you might as well start there. 5. Studying Old English improves your understanding of modern English 6. It’s a great story

Beowulf’s Provenance What we don’t know: who wrote it when exactly it was written how much, exactly, is based on historical truth

Beowulf’s Provenance What we do know: Beowulf is the oldest surviving English poem. It’s written in Old English (or Anglo-Saxon), which is the basis for the language we speak today. So why wasn’t it written down in the first place?

Anglo-Saxon Literature Few people read in this period Oral tradition – was performed and/or sung by a Bard (Scop) from memory in Old English This is why there are often several versions of the same story. Scops – poet/minstrels Authors were unknown

Beowulf’s Provenance It wasn’t until after the Norman Invasion (1066) that writing stories down became common in this part of the world.

“The Beowulf Poet” who is unknown “The Beowulf Poet” who is unknown. He wrote down the poem which for many years had been only sung or spoken. Scholars believe “The Beowulf Poet” was most likely a Christian monk, thus adding a Christian perspective.

Contains specific Motifs Motifs – a motif is a recurring theme or image in a work of literature Biblical and Christian Allusions Pagan Customs Social Customs Traits of the Warrior Beowulf Boasts

BEOWULF is an EPIC poem. EPIC – a long, narrative poem that relates the great deeds of a larger-than-life hero who embodies the values of a particular society.

Examples of other EPICS are… Greek Illiad and Odyssey – Homer

The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings – Tolkien

And of course there’s the EPIC HERO!!!! EPIC HERO – must undertake a quest to achieve something of tremendous value to himself and his society

Journal Entry What traits make up a hero? How are heroes defined differently between the media/movies and real life?

For discussion: Everyone has the potential to be a hero There are no heroes left in the world A hero must use violence to achieve his/her goals It is okay for a hero to use any means to achieve his/her goal

SUMMARY OF EPIC FEATURES: A long narrative poem Larger than life hero; often with super- human characteristics Concerns eternal human problems like the struggle between good and evil Presented in a serious manner using elevated (poetic) language Hero represents widespread national, cultural, or religious values

Setting: Beowulf’s time and place Insert: Time of Beowulf Europe today

SYMBOLISM –all characters represent a part in the development of Christianity Beowulf himself represents good & Christian values: loyalty valor Selflessness sense of justice

This EPIC poem of BEOWULF is divided into Beowulf’s 3 epic battles w/ evil. The creatures that Beowulf battles symbolize the Pagan beliefs defeated by Christianity

…the Battle with Grendel –Grendel represents pagan beliefs

…the Battle with Grendel’s Mother (She also represents evil.)

…the Battle with the Dragon (It not only represents evil but also Greed.)

WHY? Why do we read Beowulf? It’s a very creative, imaginative, poetic masterpiece. It gives us insight into the origins of the British people, the culture, who, through seafaring conquests, founded the world we currently live in. It gives us insight into the origins of our language.

Why do we read it? It gives us insight into all people everywhere and throughout time (time, birth, death, fame/success/glory, honor, friendship, conflict, home, country, adventure, spirituality – all of these things transcend English literature and matter to all people) It’s challenging and we love a good challenge!!!

Why do we read it? It’s scary and gets us to think about our own worst fears It’s a VERY important piece of literature historically (This is the “because we have to” reason!!)

A few things to watch out for The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for 1. Alliterative verse Repetition of initial sounds of words (occurs in every line) b. Generally, four feet/beats per line c. A caesura, or pause, between beats two and four d. No rhyme

A few things to watch out for The Poetry in Beowulf A few things to watch out for Kennings a. Compound metaphor (usually two or more words Grendel was described as a “Shepherd of evil”

Simile: A direct comparison of two unlike things using like´ or as. The Poetry in Beowulf Alliteration: the repetition of similar sounds, especially the initial consonant sound of a word or of a stressed syllable, Example: “Shild’s strong son” (23, line 19). Alliteration is a literary device that was used frequently by Anglo-Saxons Simile: A direct comparison of two unlike things using like´ or as. Example: The ship foamed through the sea like a bird…”  Allusion: a reference that is made indirectly, subtly suggested, or implied that refers to another work (of literature, art, etc.) Example: Grendel is referred to as the son of Cain, a Biblical allusion.

ACTIVITY Find one example for each of the poetry devices previously mentioned: Alliteration Simile Allusion Kenning

Other terms you’ll want to know epic Beowulf is an epic poem. This means it has a larger-than life hero and the conflict is of universal importance. There’s a certain serious that accompanies most epics.

Some terms you’ll want to know scop A bard or story-teller. The scop was responsible for praising deeds of past heroes, for recording history, and for providing entertainment

Some terms you’ll want to know comitatus Literally, this means “escort” or “comrade” This term identifies the concept of warriors and lords mutually pledging their loyalty to one another

Some terms you’ll want to know thane A warrior mead-hall The large hall where the lord and his warriors slept, ate, held ceremonies, etc.

Some terms you’ll want to know wyrd Fate. This idea crops up a lot in the poem, while at the same time there are Christian references to God’s will.

Some terms you’ll want to know elegy An elegy is a poem that is sad or mournful. The adjective is elegiac. homily A homily is a written sermon or section of the poem that gives direct advice.