ANTIGONE/BEOWULF

The tragedy and the Epic

ANTIGONE

ANTIGONE

Greek Tragedy- Shows the downfall of a good person

through a fatal error or misjugdement

Elements of Tragedy• Plot• Characters• Theme• Use of metaphors• Chorus• Spectacle (eye catching, public, dramatic, ex. Fight in

the hallway)

TRAGIC HERO

The Tragic Hero will be admirable and good

The hero’s demise will come from a personal error

or bad decision

Anagorsis- when the tragic hero suddenly

understands that his/her actions caused their own

death or heartache

Hamartia- the mistake the hero made

Nemesis- the punishment itself

CHARACTER ANALYSIS

Chorus – Cautious, indecisive, discreet

Guard – More courage and less wisdom

Ismene – Passive and obedient

Haemon – Importance of Reasoning

Antigone – Uncompromising Realist

Creon – Petty and intolerant

THEMES

Sympathy for Antigone and Haemon

Woman with audacity to challenge a male

dominated world

Vindictiveness of the King

Right of a human being to dispute an unjust law

Broader political allegory of Sophocles

ANTIGONE EQ’S

1. Is it more important to be right than to be happy?

2. Is it our responsibility to rebel again and break an

unjust law?

3. What price should a person be willing to pay if

they break an unjust law?

4. Can a leader show uncertainty and maintain

leadership?

BEOWULF

BEOWULF

Anglo-Saxon Epic• Epic- Long narrative poem, centered on a heroic or

‘god like’ figure whose actions determine the fate of a nation, tribe, or race.

• Develop from oral traditions • Setting will cover great geographical distances.

Including heaven, hell, future, past.

EPIC HERO

Is significant and glorified

Is on a quest

Has superior or superhuman strength, intelligence, and or courage

Is ethical

Risks death for glory or for the greater good of society

Performs brave deeds

Is a strong and responsible leader

Reflects the ideals of a particular society

CHARACTER ANALYSIS

Aeschere- dear friend of King Hrothgar

Beowulf- Strong and courageous prince of Geats

Grendel, Grendel’s Mother, dragon- monsters

Hygelac- King of the Geats, Beowulf’s uncle

Hrothgar- King of the Danes

Unferth- Dane who is jealous of Beowulf and doubts he can

do what he says he can do

Wiglaf- warrior who aids Beowulf

THEME

Good vs. Evil

Identity

Strength and skill

Courage

Tradition and Customs

BEOWULF EQ’S

1. What qualities are essential in an Anglo-Saxon

hero?

2. On what criteria does Beowulf base his decision?

Why does he do what he does?

3. What might monsters symbolize to Anglo-Saxons,

to our culture?

4. What is the purpose of telling the story of

Beowulf? How do the monsters reflect the dark side

of the warrior’s life and values?

WHICH IS BETTER?

EVALUATION

To what degree will you go to preserve self-interest

versus action on behalf of the common good?

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT

Position Paper

• Imagine that you are the leader of a nation. Illegal immigration has divided your nation to the point of civil war. You have two daughters. One is married to an illegal immigrant; the other is married to the general in your army.

YOUR CHOICES

Option A: close the borders, post armed guards, and repatriate

all illegal immigrants. You do this is order to retain honor and

tradition for your country. Your daughter must repatriate with her

husband, if not she will be put to death.

Option B: maintain an open border policy and suffer the

consequences of the country’s majority populace deposing and

killing you and your family. Your second daughter’s husband will

lead the army against you.

YOUR MOST STATE THE FOLLOWING

1. The moral issues behind each option. How will

your choice effect others.

2. Provide logical, ethical, and emotional

justification for the decision

3. Propose a compromise for the opposing side.

4. State your position clearly.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Papers should be at least 5 paragraphs and be one page

long (front)

Written in blue/ black ink or typed

3 point deduction for every 5 spelling or grammar errors

Due in three days ( 5

points off for each day late)

40 points total

START WRITING