Enter the classroom quietly. Pick up your daily packet. Turn in your product proposal form to homework bin BE Once the bell rings, you are NOT to leave your seat. You must be reading silently.

 We will be able to…  Determine the meaning of vocabulary words as they are used in Beowulf.  Study the historical and social contexts of the Anglo-Saxon period of literature.  Examine and convey the complex idea of an archetypal hero.

The first great work of English national literature. The mythical and literary record of a formative stage of English civilization. The epic story of the hero Beowulf, who fights the demonic monster Grendel. Beowulf is

The epic tells of Beowulf (his name means bear), a Geat from Sweden who crosses the sea of Denmark in a quest to rescue King Hrothgar’s people from the monster, Grendel.

Beowulf: nephew of Higlac, king of the Geats. Hrothgar: king of the Danes. Wiglaf: a Geat warrior, one of Beowulf’s select band and the only one to help him in his final fight with the dragon. People

Grendel: man-eating monster who lives at the bottom of a foul mere, or mountain lake. Monsters Grendel’s mother: water- witch who seeks revenge. Dragon: giant fire-breathing serpent whom Beowulf fights in Part Two of the epic.

Beowulf takes place in Scandinavia. Places Scholars think Herot might have been built on the coast of Zealand, in Denmark. Scandinavia Britain

Places Herot: the golden guest hall built by King Hrothgar where warriors gathered to celebrate.

The word “epic” itself comes from the Greek epos, originally meaning “word” but later meaning “oration” or “song.” Epics typically emphasize heroic action as well as the struggle between the hero’s own ethos and his human failings or mortality.

Epics tend to have these characteristics:  The hero is a great leader who is identified strongly with a particular people or society.  The setting is broad and often includes supernatural realms, especially the land of the dead.  The hero does great deeds in battle or undertakes an extraordinary journey or quest.  Sometimes gods or other supernatural or fantastic beings take part in the action.  The story is told in heightened language.

Long narrative poem Talks about the great deeds of a larger than life hero Embodies the culture/values of the time and society Uses many literary devices (repetition, sound effects, imagery, alliteration…) Gods and goddesses often involved Mixes MYTH, LEGEND, and HISTORY

 The hero, Beowulf, is the title character, who represents the values of the heroic age, specifically the honor system that existed in Scandinavia in the 5 th and 6 th centuries between a king and his warriors, called thanes.  Thanes swore devotion to the king and vowed to fight to the death.  Thanes were then rewarded with treasure, protection, and land.  Courage, loyalty, and reputation were virtues of these warriors.

 Heroes are people who are bigger than life. They are the men and women of action, with great thoughts, nerves of steel and have made personal sacrifices to initiate change.  Heroes = models  The definition of a hero is not just some great general or statesman but also men and women who have influenced society, changed our views, sought to make the world a better place, entertained us or made us laugh and even, gave their lives for their ideals and their values.

In modern America, the hero may be a real person or a fictional character.

Seems to have abilities of the gods, but subject to human failure Always faces major obstacles Both inner and outer Often an ARCHETYPE: Model Familiar to all places and times Examples: a hero, an outcast, a caregiver

 Take five minutes to answer the following:  Please write about a contemporary hero, real or fictional, and the challenges he/she faces. Describe your hero, and then analyze him/her using these questions:  What sort of evil or oppression does your hero confront?  Why does he/she confront evil? What’s the motivation?  What virtues does your hero represent?

The epic hero is the central figure in a long narrative that reflects the values and heroic ideals of a particular society. An epic is a quest story on a grand scale. Beowulf is ancient England’s hero and he is also an ARCHETYPE, or a perfect example of an epic hero.  Possesses superior physical strength  High ethical standards  Highest ideals of Anglo-Saxon culture

The epic hero is the central figure in a long narrative that reflects the values and heroic ideals of a particular society. An epic is a quest story on a grand scale. An epic is sometimes called a heroic poem.

Beowulf is one of ancient England’s heroes. King Arthur Joan of Arc Other times and other cultures have had other heroes.

Join the people sitting next to you, and quietly work together to devise of list of archetypes with the following information 

Name characters in books, movies, or TV programs that embody these characteristics:  Wise and brave leader  Loyal Companion  Mysterious Stranger  Villain who plots the downfall of a person  Naïve young person seeking to become an adult During this time: Place your binder and planner open on your desk so that I can come around and check them.

Clear your desk of all materials. Complete the short exit slip for today.  This is considered an assessment. You are not to talk, leave your seat, or look through your notes.  Do your best.  Reminders:  If you did not turn in your product proposal form today, you must bring it in tomorrow.  HW: Complete vocabulary activity one