Points to ponder…really, it’s your homework Find an example of one anecdote in Beowulf. Beowulf contains advice for kings, the qualities of a hero, and the qualities of a villain. Find 2 examples of each from the poem. Beowulf’s boasting- how is boasting during the Anglo-Saxon era different than nowadays? When was it acceptable to boast?

…Yes, there are more questions! How does Beowulf present the roles and place of women? Has the Anglo-Saxons’ viewpoints contributed to those society has had regarding women's roles today? Explain. How did men deal with the emotions of anger, revenge and fear?

…just when you thought you were done! The existence of almost continual feuds is prevalent in Beowulf. Discuss how those feuds can be seen as similar to those between some nations and peoples today. With the existence of monsters, pillaging and feuds, we are presented with differing attitudes that the Anglo-Saxons must have possessed toward life, death, and material possessions. Discuss.

Archetype—the original pattern or model of all things of the same type. – Explain how Beowulf fits the archetype of the Anglo-Saxon hero. – How is Hrothgar the archetype of the Anglo-Saxon king?

Foil-one who serves as a contrast to another. – Who is the foil for Beowulf? – List their similarities. – List their differences.

Theme-fundamental ideas explored in a literary work – One of the prevalent themes in Beowulf is: the importance of establishing identity (ancestral heritage & individual reputation). Discuss.

Motifs-are recurring structures, contrasts, or literary devices that can help to develop and inform the text’s major themes. Discuss how these motifs help to develop the theme of establishing identity: Monsters The oral tradition The mead-hall