Collaborative Review Beowulf Lines

Do Now: Hero #1, from “Heroes are Created” ppt.

Your assignment for homework was reading lines 836 – 1278 of Beowulf as translated by Seamus Heaney. This collaborative lesson will review the plot twists, literary elements and cultural questions developed in that section of the text.

Group One What is a digression? Define this term. In what way is the scop’s tale, lines 884 – 915, a digression? On a poster, answer the questions above. Then draw a comic depicting Sigemund’s story. When you present your work to the class, explain why you feel the scop tells this story. What is the connection to Beowulf?

Group 2 Research the “old stone Gods” worshipped by the Anglo- Saxons. Put your findings on a poster. On the same poster, draw the god Hrothgar refers to in lines 925 – 958. Draw the blessings Hrothgar feels god has brought upon the Danes (at least 3 things) When you present your findings to the class, explain why are these gods different? Which would Hrothgar have believed in?

Group 3 Research the significance of boasting in Anglo-Saxon times. Put your findings on a poster. Draw a comic strip depicting Beowulf’s version of the killing of Grendel (lines 958 – 978). Compose a formal boast like Beowulf’s that includes each of your group members. Like Beowulf, be sure your boast covers your talents, bravery and accomplishments and presents them in a larger-than-life way.

Group 4 Research the steps involved in a proper Anglo-Saxon funeral for a high-ranking person. Write the results on a poster. Draw the funeral depicted in lines 1101 – Why would this story, specially chosen by the scop, have been important to Beowulf?

Group 5 Research the proper behavior expected of Anglo-Saxon noble women like Wealtheow. Put that information on a poster. Draw a comic strip depicting Wealtheow’s behavior at the feast (lines 1215 – 1237). What are the differences between that good woman and the woman shown in lines 1251 – 1306? Report your thoughts to the class when you present your work.