1. Grendel
Talking Points

2. Note that there are two sides!
Take the Quiz
First Step
Note that there are two sides!

3. A REVIEW These notes go in your Reader’s Journal.
Author Basics
Second Step
A REVIEW
These notes go in your Reader’s Journal.

4. John Gardner Review
Died in a motorcycle accident
Most famous fiction words are The Sunlight Dialogues, Grendel, and October Light
The latter earned the National Book Critics Award in 1976
All three feature brutish, isolated figures struggling for integrity and understanding in an unforgiving society
Also a famous literary critic and teacher of literature
Two classic books on how to craft literature are by him: The Art of Fiction and On becoming a Novelist

5. Peer Discussions Step Three
Capture insightful aspects from your discussion in your RJ (class notes section)

6. In your assigned groups
Discuss the content of chapters 1-5:
Summarize main ideas and events.
Are there sections that confused you? Explore what was confusing about such sections…
Character of Dragon:
What is his philosophy?
How does it compare/contrast to Grendel’s philosophy?
Grendel’s interaction with the dragon:
What changes/feelings does Grendel experience?
Compare your margin notes/RJ personal notes:
What did you find interesting/valuable?
How are your notes different from your peers? Why?

7. Reader’s Journal In preparation for Thursday’s discussion:
Discuss the development of Grendel’s philosophy about life.
What characters have influenced Grendel’s views (even if only momentarily)?
Support your response with examples and quotes from the text.

8. Whole Group
Discuss findings and questions from small groups discussions.
What effect does the queen have on Grendel? Why
Why is Grendel so upset with what the Shaper does?