Collaborative ReviewBeowulf Lines 836 - 1278

Do Now: Hero #1, from “Heroes are Created” ppt.

Your assignment for homework was reading lines 836 – 1278 of Beowulf as translated by Seamus Heaney.

This collaborative lesson will review the plot twists, literary elements and cultural questions developed in that section of the text.

Group One

• What is a digression? Define this term.

• In what way is the scop’s tale, lines 884 – 915, a digression?

• On a poster, answer the questions above. Then draw a comic depicting Sigemund’s story.

• When you present your work to the class, explain why you feel the scop tells this story. What is the connection to Beowulf?

Group 2

• Research the “old stone Gods” worshipped by the Anglo-Saxons. Put your findings on a poster.

• On the same poster, draw the god Hrothgar refers to in lines 925 – 958.

• Draw the blessings Hrothgar feels god has brought upon the Danes (at least 3 things)

• When you present your findings to the class, explain why are these gods different? Which would Hrothgar have believed in?

Group 3

• Research the significance of boasting in Anglo-Saxon times. Put your findings on a poster.

• Draw a comic strip depicting Beowulf’s version of the killing of Grendel (lines 958 – 978).

• Compose a formal boast like Beowulf’s that includes each of your group members. Like Beowulf, be sure your boast covers your talents, bravery and accomplishments and presents them in a larger-than-life way.

Group 4

• Research the steps involved in a proper Anglo-Saxon funeral for a high-ranking person. Write the results on a poster.

• Draw the funeral depicted in lines 1101 – 1138.

• Why would this story, specially chosen by the scop, have been important to Beowulf?

Group 5

• Research the proper behavior expected of Anglo-Saxon noble women like Wealtheow. Put that information on a poster.

• Draw a comic strip depicting Wealtheow’s behavior at the feast (lines 1215 – 1237).

• What are the differences between that good woman and the woman shown in lines 1251 – 1306? Report your thoughts to the class when you present your work.