Do Now: 9-16

• Copy the following vocabulary words and definitions from Beowulf in your college ruled notebook that you use for notes.

• 1. reparation- compensation for a wrong• 2. solace- comfort; relief• 3. purge- purify; cleanse• 4. writhing- making twisting or turning motions• 5. massive- big and solid; bulky• 6. loathsome- disgusting

Aim

• To understand the background of time period of Beowulf, the background of Beowulf and epics

Background on Time Period of Beowulf

• Took place in 6th century Scandinavia• Originally told in Old English• Old English-language spoken by Anglo-

Saxons of England during years 500 to 1100• Few people were able to read during

Britain’s Anglo-Saxon period• Stories passed along by word of mouth

Religious Elements of Beowulf

• England was changing from pagan to Christian culture when Beowulf was composed.

• Pagan Anglo-Saxons told grim tales of life ruled by fate: tales in which people struggled against monsters for their place in the world.

• Christian missionaries taught them that human beings + their choices of good or evil were at center of creation.

• Beowulf reflects both pagan and Christian traditions

Summary of Beowulf

• Action packed narrative with highly dramatic language

• Characters almost all kings, princes + heroic followers

• Plot concentrated by powerful man-eating monsters

• Main character Beowulf posses magical qualities

• Name means “bear” “wolf”

Epics

• Epic- long narrative poem that celebrates heroic deeds and legendary events.

• Among earliest forms of literature• Reveal the values of peoples who created

them• Celebrate exploits of a legendary, or epic,

hero, a larger-than-life character.

Types of Epics

• Folk epics- stories about heroes passed down orally (Beowulf)• Literary epics- composed by

individual authors who drew on conventions of folk epics

Literary or formal characteristics of epics

• Muse is supernatural force used for help in telling the story at beginning of an epic.

• Plot begins with action already underway• Epic hero- central character set out on a quest, a dangerous

journey that tests his spirit• Supernatural Force- deities that may watch over hero +

monsters• Valorous Deeds- acts that reveal epic hero’s extraordinary

qualities + reflect values cherished by culture • Elevated Style-contains lofty word choice (diction) that

heightens importance of events retold

Homework: 9-16

• Write a sentence for each vocabulary word on loose-leaf to be collected.