Beowulf: The Beginnings of British (English) Literature Power point adapted from : http://literature.pppst.com/ABC/beowulf.html Edited by K. Conner

Old English Beowulf was written in Old English, an early form of English In 1066, William the Conqueror successfully invaded England, bringing his Norman French language with him; the nobility began to speak French, and gradually Old English evolved into Middle English (1100-1500): “Whan that Aprill, with his shoures soote/The droghte of March hath perced to the roote” Modern English has been spoken since the Renaissance – Shakespeare is NOT Old English; he is Early Modern English

Origins Unknown author; possibly one Christian author in Anglo-Saxon England Unknown date of composition (roughly 8th-11th Century)

Literary Devices Anglo- Saxons didn’t read or write, so they had to memorize their stories. So, they used a lot of poetic devices to help. Allusion: Biblical, legend, historical Alliteration (eg. Scyld’s strong son)

Literary Devices Epic poetry: a long narrative poem written in elevated style which celebrates the deeds of a legendary hero or god. Kenning: two-word metaphorical name for something (eg. whale-road=sea) Scop: Anglo-Saxon composers and storytellers

Warrior Code As you have seen, the A-S people lived a difficult, dark life. Since fighting was a common element, they had a warrior code Comitatus: Germanic code of loyalty Thane: warrior – swears loyalty to the king for whom they fought and whom they protected Kings: generous, protected thanes

Warrior Code Reputation: thanes were expected to be loyal, brave, courageous; kings were expected to be generous and hospitable Wergild: “man-payment”; a fee paid to the family of a slain man to atone for his murder and to prevent the family from seeking revenge. This gives us a good view of the A-S ideal

Geats and Danes Beowulf was a war leader of the Geats, a group of people in what is now southern Sweden Hrothgar was king of the Danes

Elements of an Epic Epic hero– an character with a trait or characteristic that is valued by his society. (E.g.– Superman’s bravery or valor) Quest– A journey through which the character or the reader learns something of value Valorous Deeds– Doing something bravely. Divine Intervention– The hand of God (or gods) help the hero, proving his value. Great events– The hero has a hand in something important in the history or mythology of a culture.

3 Epic Conventions Invoke a muse Plot begins in medias res Muse– inspiration provided by the gods Plot begins in medias res In medias red– “In the middle of” the action Serious tone Not necessary to have all on these, but need most at least

Possible OER Evaluate a story you’ve read or seen as an epic story. O! Brother, Where Art Thou? Epic hero– Ulysses Everett McGill Quest– To seek the treasure Valorous deeds– Singing the song, escaping the sheriff, saving Tommy from the KKK, et al. Divine intervention– the flood Great events– Helping elect Pappy O’Daniel as governor of Mississippi instead of the KKK head dragon Literary epic– Cohen brothers wrote it in 2001 Invokes a muse at the beginning Begins in the middle of the story as they escape jail Serious tone? Notsomuch.

Beowulf’s Name Beowulf’s father– Edgetho In most cases, the son is named after the father Don Donald (son of Don) McDonald (son of son of Don) McDonaldson (son of son of son of Don) Proves Beowulf is own individual with own powers and abilities (and more important than his father) Beo– Bear Bears are known as Great Protectors in Norse mythology Strong Wulf– Wolf Wolves are also great protectors, but are also cunning and speedy