We Begin With a Loss Beowulf was part of an oral traditionBeowulf was part of an oral tradition –Few written records –19 th century –Badly burned We may never know “how it really goes”We may never know “how it really goes” –Understanding lost –Oral tradition lost –Missing text

Heaney’s Translation Various authors tried translating BeowulfVarious authors tried translating Beowulf –Heaney (2000) –Fairly faithful –Readable Heaney initially struggled to translate the poemHeaney initially struggled to translate the poem

Heaney’s Translation, Continued He noticed the presence of Anglo-Saxon traditions in his poetryHe noticed the presence of Anglo-Saxon traditions in his poetry –Fascinated by linguistic bleed-over Between Old English and contemporary languageBetween Old English and contemporary language Irish / English relationshipsIrish / English relationships –Attacked the work again

Breaking Down the Poem Heaney has a “prejudice for forthright delivery.”Heaney has a “prejudice for forthright delivery.” –You can see this in the way he captures the Old English Poet’s voice –Even when the language is flowery, the voice is direct

Poetry Terms! Kenning – A combination of two or more words that can be substituted for an original termKenning – A combination of two or more words that can be substituted for an original term –One of the two words (the “base” word) relates to the other word in a way that allows the new term to replace the old one –For example, ocean = whale + road = whale-road –Human body = bones held together – “bone-house” –Other kennings can have many words; what do you think “sleep of the sword” replaces?

Poetry Terms! Alliteration – Refers to the repetition of a vowel or consonant sound (not necessarily the letter itself) in the beginning of each word in a seriesAlliteration – Refers to the repetition of a vowel or consonant sound (not necessarily the letter itself) in the beginning of each word in a series –It can only occur at the beginning of a word –We have numerous examples of this!

Analyze a Bit of Alliteration! “There was Shield Sheafson, scourge of many tribes.”“There was Shield Sheafson, scourge of many tribes.” “…as his powers waxed and his worth was proved.”“…as his powers waxed and his worth was proved.” “…the path to power among people everywhere.”“…the path to power among people everywhere.”

Poetry Terms! Assonance and consonance also refer to repeated sounds in a string of wordsAssonance and consonance also refer to repeated sounds in a string of words –Assonance refers to a repeated vowel sound –Consonance refers to a repeated consonant sound Unlike alliteration, consonance and assonance can occur anywhere within a word – beginning, middle, or end!Unlike alliteration, consonance and assonance can occur anywhere within a word – beginning, middle, or end!

Poetry Terms Enjambment refers to a sentence in a poem that continues over multiple linesEnjambment refers to a sentence in a poem that continues over multiple lines –“He was well-regarded and ruled the Danes For a long time after his father took leave For a long time after his father took leave Of his life on Earth. And then his heir…” Of his life on Earth. And then his heir…”

Poetry Terms Meter refers to the rhythmic pattern of a line of poetryMeter refers to the rhythmic pattern of a line of poetry –Syllables form the basic rhythmic units of poetry The various groups of stressed or unstressed syllables form feet.The various groups of stressed or unstressed syllables form feet. –Types of meter are defined by the number and nature of syllables in a given line

Major Types of Feet You’ll run into four common feet:You’ll run into four common feet: –Iamb – Unstressed/Stressed (“Trapeze”) –Trochee – Stressed/Unstressed (“Hazel”) –Anapest – Unstressed/Unstressed/Stressed (“Anapest”) –Dactyl – Stressed/Unstressed/Unstressed (“Marmalade”) The analysis of the rhythmic and linguistic features of a poem is called scansion.The analysis of the rhythmic and linguistic features of a poem is called scansion. The study of the elements of language that contribute to rhythmic and acoustic effects in poetry is called prosody.The study of the elements of language that contribute to rhythmic and acoustic effects in poetry is called prosody.

Characters! Beowulf (our hero!)Beowulf (our hero!) Comes from over the seas from the land of the Geats (somewhere in Sweden) to save Heorot Hall from GrendelComes from over the seas from the land of the Geats (somewhere in Sweden) to save Heorot Hall from Grendel Proud and boastful, but extremely courageous and formidableProud and boastful, but extremely courageous and formidable Name is a kenning – “bee-wolf”Name is a kenning – “bee-wolf” Son of Ecgtheow, who killed a man during a feud; King Hrothgar ended the feud by paying restitution on Ecgtheow’s behalf (the “death-price”)

More Beowulf! As the poster indicates, pride is Beowulf’s great weakness; he loses many men to Grendel’s attack because he overestimates his own capabilitiesAs the poster indicates, pride is Beowulf’s great weakness; he loses many men to Grendel’s attack because he overestimates his own capabilities However, it is simultaneously his greatest source of strengthHowever, it is simultaneously his greatest source of strength

King Hrothgar Hrothgar (name means a combination of “spear” and “glory”) is a descendent of Shield Sheafson (whose death and funeral opens the poem)Hrothgar (name means a combination of “spear” and “glory”) is a descendent of Shield Sheafson (whose death and funeral opens the poem) He is a good king, and “the fortunes of war favor him”He is a good king, and “the fortunes of war favor him” –With the spoils of successful warfare, Hrothgar builds Heorot Hall – the greatest hall around! However, he is helpless to stop Grendel’s ferocious attacks, and his men become demoralized and fearfulHowever, he is helpless to stop Grendel’s ferocious attacks, and his men become demoralized and fearful

Grendel “A descendent of Cain’s clan”“A descendent of Cain’s clan” Grendel is a tormented creature, banished for the past evils of his line, twisted by evil into something not quite humanGrendel is a tormented creature, banished for the past evils of his line, twisted by evil into something not quite human The sounds of celebration from Heorot infuriate him until he launches a series of vicious attacks on the hall, slaughtering the warriors and striking fear in the hearts of all who survivedThe sounds of celebration from Heorot infuriate him until he launches a series of vicious attacks on the hall, slaughtering the warriors and striking fear in the hearts of all who survived

To Be Continued… …when you come back!…when you come back!