Beowulf

Name a character in a book, movie, TV series that can be described as one of the following:  a wise and brave leader  A loyal companion  A mysterious stranger  A villain who plots someone’s downfall  A naïve young person seeking to become an adult

archtype  Archetype:An archetype is the first real example or prototype of something (as the Model T is the prototype of the modern automobile). In this sense an archetype can be considered the ideal model, the supreme type or the perfect image of something

 Archetypes are universal in human beings. Archetypes result in a deep emotional response for readers.  Archetypes are repeated patterns that recur in the literature of every age

Examples of Archetypes  Characters:  Hero (think of the classic hero journey & qualities of hero)  “The main character leaves his or her community to go on an adventure, performing deeds that bring honor to the community”

 Mother figure  Fairy Godmother (surrogate mother)— comforts and directs child, especially when he or she is confused and needs guidance. Represents powers that can be called on for help when it is needed. Helps young person to solve own problems (Knapp 71).  Earth Mother  Stepmother

 The great teacher/mentor  Wise old men/women—protects or helps main character when he or she faces challenges.  The innocent  Child/Youth  Inexperienced adult

 The Sacrificial Redeemer  The protagonist is willing to die for his or her beliefs; the main character maintains a strong sense of morality  Scapegoat/Sacrificial Victim

Archetype in Beowulf  The dragon slayer representing a besieged community facing evil forces that lurk in the cold darkness  Grendel, the monster lurking in the depths of the lagoon, may represent all of those threatening forces.

Epic  Epic (sometimes called heroic poem) - a lengthy narrative poem in which the action, characters, and language are on a heroic level and the style is exalted and even majestic. Early epics often stemmed from oral traditions  The word is from the Greek epikos which was derived from epos, meaning “word,” “narrative,” or “poem.”

Major characteristics of an epic  1. a setting remote in time and place  2. an objective, lofty, dignified style  3. a central incident or series of incidents dealing with legendary or traditional material  4. a theme involving universal human problems  5. a towering hero of great stature  6. superhuman strength of body, character, or mind  7. superhuman forces entering the action

Epic Heroes  1. Is significant and glorified  2. Is on a quest  3. Has superior or superhuman strength,intelligence, and/or courage  4. Is ethical  5. Risks death for glory or for the greatergood of society  6. Is a strong and responsible leader  7. Performs brave deeds  8. Reflects the ideals of a particular society