Welcome Back Travelers!Monday, September 24, 2012

Enter the classroom quietly.Pick up your daily handout from the bin.Clear your desk of all materials.Place any backpacks or purses under your desk.Begin reading silently.

Our Objectives for Today… Identify the qualities of an epic hero

through comparing and contrasting Beowulf’s characteristics and actions throughout the epic poem. Defend characterization by citing examples and evidence from the text during reading.  

Determine the meaning of context specific vocabulary and literary terms by examining examples in a “search and rescue” activity.

Do Now! Watch the following YouTube video as a

reminder of Epic Hero characteristics. Complete the first half of your graphic

organizer by citing descriptions of Beowulf from the poem.

Essential Question for today

What is an epic poem? Long narrative poem Talks about the great deeds of a larger than

life hero Embodies the culture/values of the time and

society Uses many literary devices (repetition, sound

effects, imagery, alliteration…) Gods and goddesses often involved Mixes MYTH, LEGEND, and HISTORY

Beowulf as an EpicThe hero, Beowulf, is the title character, who

represents the values of the heroic age, specifically the honor system that existed in Scandinavia in the 5th and 6th centuries between a king and his warriors, called thanes.

Thanes swore devotion to the king and vowed to fight to the death.

Thanes were then rewarded with treasure, protection, and land.

Courage, loyalty, and reputation were virtues of these warriors.

What is an epic hero? Seems to have abilities of the gods, but

subject to human failure Always faces major obstacles

Both inner and outer Often an ARCHETYPE:

ModelFamiliar to all places and timesExamples: a hero, an outcast, a caregiver

Epic Hero Archetype

The epic hero is the central figure in a long narrative that reflects the values and heroic ideals of a particular society. An epic is a quest story on a grand scale.

Beowulf is ancient England’s hero and he is also an ARCHETYPE, or a perfect example of an epic hero.Possesses superior physical strengthHigh ethical standardsHighest ideals of Anglo-Saxon culture

BeowulfLiterary Focus: The Epic Hero

Beowulf is one of ancient England’s heroes.

King ArthurJoan of Arc

Other times and other cultures have had other heroes.

Class Reading/ Graphic Organizer As we finish reading Beowulf, you are completing

your graphic organizers. Event: An event or part of the plot of the story

(i.e. Beowulf’s battle with Grendel’s Mother) Traits and Actions: How did Beowulf act during

this event? What did Beowulf do? Effect on Beowulf: What do his traits and action

show about his heroism? Are there any immediate or long-term effects?

Change: How does the description or actions of Beowulf change after this event? Use evidence.

T-SAT/ Exit SlipComplete a T-SAT paragraph using the

graphic organizer you just completed. You are answering the following prompt.

Defend whether Beowulf should be characterized as an epic hero based on his actions and traits throughout the poem. Support your answer with examples and evidence from the text. Make sure in include line numbers and citations

Search and Rescue! Our class norms:

Make responsible choices.Be prompt, professional and prepared.Treat yourself and others with respect.Remain Positive! Embrace the Journey!

“The only person you are destined to become is the person

you decide to be.”- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Reminders/ Weekly Assignments Beowulf Unit Guide: All sections

completed by Thursday for a Test Grade Thesis/ Purpose Statements and Letter

to Judges Typed Due Tomorrow Socratic Seminar tomorrow: Prepare two

questions