1. Beowulf “He slipped through the door and there in the silence
Snatched up thirty men, smashed them
Unknowing in their beds and ran out with their bodies,
The blood dripping behind him, back
To his lair, delighted with his night’s slaughter.”
(II )

2. Beowulf Essential Questions
What qualities did the Anglo-Saxons consider heroic?
What is a hero? What moves a hero to act?
How does telling a story out loud keep it alive?
What is courage? How would most people today define courage?
What qualities do you believe a good leader should possess?
What does it mean to be loyal?
Why is reputation important? What factors influence a person’s reputation?
Why is generosity important? What does it mean to be generous?

3. Why are we reading this?
Beowulf is an epic tale about an epic hero. It is intended to preserve fame and set examples for audience members.
Beowulf is filled with biblical allusions to the Old Testament, and is also influenced by Germanic oral tradition and Old Norse myth and legend.

4. Literary Context
Composed between the mid-seventh century and the end of the tenth century.
Story materials were passed down by word of mouth from one generation to the next.
No one knows the identity of the Beowulf author, but he was highly skilled in poetic technique and was thoroughly familiar with the traditional themes and legends of early Germanic culture.

5. Setting
Set mainly in Denmark and Geatland (now southern Sweden) during the 6th century.

6. Epic Hero Characteristics
Questions to consider while you read:
What qualities constitute a hero?
Would a hero in Beowulf’s society also be a hero in modern- day society?
Are Anglo-Saxon heroic traits admirable or blameworthy?
Look for and identify the qualities that typify epic heroes:
Embarks on journey seeking personal or social moral value
Demonstrates superhuman strength, intelligence, and/or courage
Follows society’s principles of proper moral conduct (is ethical)
Reflects social ideals (like comitatus and wergild)
Risks death for glory
Is a strong, responsible leader
Is glorified by the tale’s conclusion

7. Light & Dark Imagery
Imagery is the descriptive language used in literature to re-create sensory experiences. Imagery enriches writing by making it more vivid, setting a tone, suggesting emotions, and guiding readers’ reactions.
Pay attention to the poet’s use of imagery to describe characters, objects, and events.
In literature, “light” and “dark” often represent the contrast between “good” and “evil” forces.
Note the poet’s symbolic use of light and dark descriptions in his tale.
Find passages and explain what idea is associated with the description.

8. Shame Culture & Pagan Beliefs
Identify instances of:
Brotherhood/ love of man to man
Obsession with fame
Wergild (eye for an eye)
Visible recognition as greatest good in a society
Giving and receiving gifts as visible recognition of worth
Belief in fate

9. Christian Beliefs
The world and ideals of the Beowulf poet and that of the Christian monk who recorded the tale are not the same.
As you read, note conflicting pagan and Christian beliefs.
How do the ideas differ?
Why are the differences important?

10. Poetic Devices Note the poet’s use of literary devices. Symbolism
Kennings
Alliteration
Imagery
Conflict
Irony

11. Women in Society Note passages that tell us about a woman’s role.
What is the woman’s role in Anglo-Saxon society?

12. Anything Else?
Questions: What do you not understand?
Mark confusing or noteworthy passages and record your questions.
Aha! Moments: Anything particularly interesting or unusual?
Mark the passage and explain why it stood out to you.