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Sep93:02PM
Monday,Sept.27*"Beowulf"Notes*Timetoworkonreadinglogs
Putyour"Beowulf"packetsinthebasketbeforethebell!
Sep94:01PM
The oldest surviving piece of AngloSaxon literature Only
manuscript we have is from the year 1000 & is stored at the
British Library
composed btwn. years A.D. 700750, but the story takes place much
earlier (around 520) written in what is now called Old English
it somehow survived Henry VIII's burning of the monasteries he
parted with the church b/c the Pope wouldn't give him dispensation
to divorce and marry Anne Bolin
first translated from Old English (AngloSaxon) in 1815
BEOWULFPlea
senote:
asanep
ic
poem,
Beowulf
is
either
italicized
or
underlin
ed
when
discusse
din
writing!
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Sep94:01PM
BEOWULF Even though Beowulf is the oldest surviving English
epic, it is not set in England and its characters are not
English.
In the 400s, Germanic peoples known as Anglo Saxons invaded the
territory that would become known as England They brought the story
of Beowulf with them.
The text of Beowulf shows both Norse pagan belief and
Christianity, often in the same line.
Sep94:01PM
AngloSaxon Storyteller = SCOP (pronounced "shop") HISTORIAN OF A
CULTURE PASSED DOWN HISTORY THROUGH RECITING POEMS
BEOWULF - tHE pOET
Author unknown Probably written by one man Lived in what is now
England Probably Christian Was highly skilled in poetic technique
Was thoroughly familiar with the traditions and legends of early
Germanic culture
Beowulf existed through oral tradition for an estimated 300
years passed on from one scop (shop) to another
BEOWULF's Scop
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Sep94:01PM
BEOWULF - lANGUAGEAngloSaxon scops relied on certain poetic
devices to aid their memory and give their poems structure and
impact. These devices can be found in Beowulf:
Alliteration repetition of similiar sounds at the beggining of
words
Kennings a metaphorical phrase or compound word used to name
something indirectly
"WHALE-ROAD" = SEA"sHEPHERD OF EVIL" = gRENDEL
Caesura forced pause in the MIDDLE of a line of poetry
Sep94:01PM
BEOWULF - lANGUAGEOld English/AngloSaxon Poetry
original lines were divided in half with white space = CAESURA
(forced pause in the middle of a line of poetry)
2 stressed syllables in the first half of the line with 2
ALLITERATIONS
2 stressed syllables in the second half of the line with 1
ALLITERATION
Old English
Translation
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Sep94:01PM
BEOWULF - lANGUAGEAlliteration repetition of sounds at the
beginning of words
Old English
Translation
Sep94:01PM
BEOWULF - lANGUAGEKennings special kinds of metaphors that use
compound words, prepositional phrases, or possessives to name a
person, place, thing, or event indirectly.
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Sep94:01PM
BEOWULF - an epic Epics were originally sang or recited orally
with musical accompaniment. At that time, very few people could
read. Audiences were enthralled by monsters, perilous journeys, and
fierce battles.
The AngloSaxons, in their primitive and harsh environment,
demanded of their heroes:
*largerthanlife*elevate social status*courage*physical
strength*loyalty to a tribal king* wisdom in guiding others*supreme
selfconfidence
The heroes in Beowulf meet these qualifications
Sep94:01PM
BEOWULF - an epicCharacteristics of an Epic Hero: Embodies the
goals & values of a culture Is on a quest Supernatural
integrity, strength, intelligence, and courage Actions are of
interest to the gods & they interfere Has flaws & faces
challenges because of his flaws Is honored after death
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Sep94:01PM
is to England what The Iliad & The Odyssey are to
GreeceBEOWULF - an epic
TheseareLITERARYEPICS
Beowulf is an early AngloSaxon FOLK EPIC. *a long narrative poem
that recounts, in formal language, the exploits
of a largerthanlife hero *the epic hero is usually a man of high
social status and is often
important in the history of his people
Epic Poem Characteristics:*Long goal or journey*Superhuman
deeds*Many obstacles that test bravery*Interference of the gods or
supernatural*Huge setting
*Purpose to teach & inspire*Main character is a hero (or
capable of being a hero)*Long narrative poem
Sep94:01PM
BEOWULF - the Details Setting
When?The 6th Century
Where?Scandinavia
CharactersThe people are the Geats from southern Sweden and the
Danes from Denmark
TheGeats
TheDanes
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Sep104:49AM
Sep71:27PM
BEOWULFWho's Who?
Beowulf was a brave warrior who vanquished evil monsters.
He embodies courage, loyalty, and generosity.
He traveled to Denmark from his home in Geatland (now southern
Sweden) to slay Grendel.
Haven'tweseenthis
imagealot?
WhyamInotitalicizedorunderlined?
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Sep71:27PM
GrendelWho's Who?
An enormous ogre or demonlike creatureA descendent of the
biblical Cain
Adam and Eve had two sons, Cain and Abel. Cain killed Abel out
of jealousy.
Despises mankinds joy Menaces Hrothgar and the Danes for twelve
years before facing Beowulf in battle
Sep71:27PM
HrothgarWho's Who?
The aging king of the Danes
Welcomes Beowulfs assistance in facing Grendel
Built Herot (his giant meadhall) to symbolize the kingdoms
success, civilization, and joy
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Sep71:27PM
Grendel'sMother
Who's Who?
Not as powerful as her son, but still a formidable foe
Lives with her son Grendel in a cave beneath a swampy lake
In her cave is a magical, giant sword
Notlikethis.
Morelikethis.
Important!
Sep71:27PM
Herot
Hrothgars meadhallMore like a palaceSymbolizes the Scyldings
(Danish people) success and mankinds joySocial, governmental, and
emotional center of the villageGrendel delights in raiding and
capturing it nightly
Mead honeybased wine
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Sep71:27PM
Beowulf (Well, the part in our text at least)
For twelve years, Grendel has raided Herot nightly, killing King
Hrothgars Danish warriors.
Beowulf, who has heard of Grendels evil deeds, decides to come
to the aid of the Danes.
Hrothgar had once sheltered Beowulfs father during a deadly
feud, and Beowulf wants to return the favor.Beowulf also hopes to
enhance his own reputation and gain treasure for his king,
Higlac.
Beowulf brings with him fourteen of his finest men... here's
where our adventure with Beowulf begins!
Thestorybeginsinmediasres
Sep94:01PM
Historical value Inspiration for writers like Tolkein, etc.
THEMES SPEAK TO US TODAYGood vs. Evil (victory at what
cost?)What does it mean to be a hero?War vs. ReligionWhat does it
mean to be a good king (leader)?Results of
exclusionLoyaltySelfsacrifice
BEOWULF - wHY uS?
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