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Beowulf: An Epic Poem Reflecting Anglo-Saxon Culture and Language

Explore the historical context, importance, and themes of Beowulf, an epic poem that provides insights into the early stages of English language and the society in which it was composed.

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Beowulf: An Epic Poem Reflecting Anglo-Saxon Culture and Language

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  1. Beowulf

  2. Background • Epic Poem • Author Unknown • Oral Tradition • Created sometime between the 7th and 9th centuries; finally written down in early 11th century

  3. Historical Context • The poet who composed Beowulf was Anglo-Saxon, a cultural group who inhabited Great Britain from the 5th century. They are the direct ancestors of the majority of the modern British people.

  4. Historical Context The Angles’ and the Saxons’ cultures (as well as that of other Germanic tribes) became the basis for English culture, and their languages fused into Old English, the Anglo-Saxon language.

  5. The Importance of Beowulf So, one reason that Beowulf is so highly revered is that it reflects the very early stages in the development of the English language. “History of the English Language in 10 Minutes”

  6. The Importance of Beowulf Another reason that Beowulf is so highly revered is that it gives us a glimpse into the cultures, beliefs, and values of the society in which it was composed and eventually written down. The Viking Age

  7. Timeline 11th century= Beowulf is written down by a monk in England. ~8th Century= Beowulf is composed by an anonymous Anglo-Saxon poet. ~5th Century= The setting of Beowulf is Scandinavia.

  8. 5th Century Scandinavia

  9. During Reading - A • What contrast is developed between Herot, home of the Danes, and Grendel’s home? • How do the biblical allusions extend this contrast? • What do the hall and Grendel represent?

  10. During Reading - B • What details add to your understanding of the threat that Grendel poses? • What does Grendel’s unwillingness to accept gold or land to settle the feud mean for the Danes? • How does the kenning “shadow of death” contribute to the characterization of Grendel?

  11. During Reading - C • Explain Beowulf’s reasoning behind the method he will use to fight Grendel. What does this reveal about the relationship between warrior and leader? • What details reveal Beowulf’s attitude toward Hrothgar? Why does he feel this way?

  12. During Reading - D • Why does Beowulf allow one of his followers to be taken by Grendel before he attacks him? • In lines 290-305, what do the setting details reveal about the Anglo-Saxon civilization?

  13. During Reading - E • In lines 332-359, what evidence supports the idea that the fight between Grendel and Beowulf is symbolic?

  14. During Reading - F • How does the alliteration (repetition of consonance sounds) and imagery affect the impact of this part of the poem? • How does this passage relate to the Anglo-Saxon view of immortality?

  15. During Reading - G • What details and techniques does the poet use to convey the brutality of Grendel’s mother’s attack? • What does the lake (Grendel’s Mother’s home) symbolize? How is this symbolism established through the use of specific details and techniques?

  16. During Reading - H • In lines 450-473, note where the battle takes place. How does Grendel’s mother inadvertently give Beowulf an advantage? • How does this battle differ from Beowulf’s encounter with Grendel? Are there significant similarities?

  17. During Reading - I • Identify and explain the shifts in lines 545-563. What is the intended effect of these shifts on the audience? • What details in the final lines reinforce the idea that Beowulf is superior to all others?

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