1. Beowulf What is an ARCHETYPE? What is a HERO?
What are the elements of  a hero?
What attributes of a hero are UNIVERSAL? 

2. Beowulf What is an ARCHETYPE?
(Noun) the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form; prototype.

3. Beowulf As opposed to Middle English (Chaucer)
 Language: Old English
As opposed to Middle English (Chaucer)
or Modern English (Shakespeare)
Video clip of Benjamin Bagby performing a few lines from Beowulf:

4. Beowulf What are the elements associated with epic poetry?
The hero is “larger than life”
Struggle between good & evil, or some other universally human struggle
Elevated language (fancy, pretty words)
Serious tone (as opposed to a MOCK EPIC, which is sarcastic)

5. Beowulf Two major types of EPIC POEM:
HEROIC – focus on achievements of warriors in battle
ELEGIAC – sorrowful lament that mourns deaths of loved ones and the past
Beowulf is a HEROIC EPIC

6. Beowulf No known author It began being told in 6th century by SCOPS.
We know the 8th century version
Was written down in 11th century, probably by monks.
Awkward blending of Christian and pagan beliefs (fate vs. free will)
Reflects the values of the Anglo-Saxon culture

7. Beowulf Handout: Who's who (keep track of characters)
  While we read, keep track of who's who on identification sheet. 
Also, look for:
Examples of figurative language throughout the poem
Similes
Metaphors
Kennings
Examples of Christian and pagan references
Examples of HEROIC traits

8. Beowulf What is a Kenning?
(Noun) a conventional poetic phrase used for or in addition to the usual name of a person or thing, especially in Icelandic and Anglo-Saxon verse, as “a wave traveler” for “a boat.”.