1. Beowulf’s Last Battle The Death of beowulf Mourning beowulf

2. Objectives
Analyze nuances in the meaning of words with similar denotations.
Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story.
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging or beautiful.
Interpret figures of speech in context and analyze their role in the text.

3. Opening Discussion
What motivates a hero?

4. Reading Strategies
Alliteration, or the repletion of consonant sounds at the beginning of words, which helps unify the lines. (Then he said farewell to his followers.)
Caesura, or a pause dividing each line, with each part having two accented syllables to help maintain the rhythm of the lines. (When the time came, kindness for kindness,//with our lives if he needed them.)
Kenning, a metaphorical compound word or phrase substituted for a noun or name, which enhances meaning-for example, “spitting-fire terror” for the dragon. “long-bearded lord of the Geats”

5. Vocabulary hoary: gray with age
Ring-giver: king or lord. When a man swore allegiance to a Germanic lord in return for his protection, the lord typically bestowed a ring on his follower to symbolize the bond.
Livid: discolored from being bruised
816 Spit: a narrow point of land extending into a body of water
859 bolted: ran away; fled
896 mild: gentle or kindly

6. Discuss
Lines : Notice the repeated use of the letter f in lines What tone does the alliteration help convey?
Lines : What do these lines reveal about the qualities of an epic hero?
Lines : What values are implied? What message about these values do the lines convey?
Lines : What ideals are reflected in Beowulf’s speech?
Lines : What theme do these lines suggest?
Lines : What does the phrase used to describe Beowulf emphasize about the warrior?
Lines : What does Wiglaf’s speech tell you about the importance of honor and the consequences of dishonorable behaviour in Beowulf’s time?
Lines : How would you describe the tone of the lines?

7. Tiered Discussion Lines 606-612C:
What are your thoughts about Beowulf?
What do these lines foreshadow about the outcome of the last battle?
Why might the author wants to foreshadow the battle’s outcome?