Title: Beowulf
1(No Transcript)
2Beowulf is an epic
- An epic is a long poem about a larger than life
hero.
3Characteristics of an epic
- A loyal hero with great strength.
- Broad setting which includes upper and lower
worlds. - The hero does great deeds or goes on long
journeys. - Supernatural beings are involved.
- Poetic language.
4Epic Hero
- Characteristics of the Epic Hero
- Super strong a man of stature or nobility (but
still mortal) - Reflects the values or heroic ideals of his
society - Extremely loyal to his leader and people.
- Brave and courageous.
- Victorious in battle never gives up
- Selflessly fights evil to rid society of danger.
- Has a god-fashioned weapon
- Receives help from the gods
- Is glorified by the people he saves
5Why is Beowulf Special?
- Oldest surviving epic in British Literature.
- Written in Old English between 700-750.
- Depicts life in Anglo-Saxon times.
6Beowulf, The Manuscript
- Story passed down through oral tradition.
- Was later written down by two scribes.
- Dates back to 1000 CE.
- Exists in a single Anglo-Saxon manuscript.
- A fire in 1731 damaged it.
- First translated into Latin in 1815.
- Translated into Modern English in 1837.
- The British Library in London now owns it.
7A peek at OldEnglish
N\My documents\Department Documents\English
IV\1st six weeks - anglo-saxon,
Beowulf\Beowulf\Beowulf Prologue in Old
English.mht
8What is Old English?
- It is also called Anglo-Saxon.
- It is a mixture of Celtic, Roman and Anglo-Saxon.
- It was spoken for a period of 700 years from
Anglo-Saxon invasion (5th century) until 1066
when the Normans invaded. - It has Germanic origin eg, compare the modern
Good day to Old Englishs Gódne dæg and to the
Germans Guten Tag.
9The Anglo-Saxon folk tale originated from oral
tradition, sung by a harpist-bard for kings and
their guests in great halls to entertain and to
encourage the values of the tribe 1. Honoring
courage over long life. 2. Enjoying feasting,
storytelling, and music. 3.Viewing life
fatalistically, even within the Christian
tradition. 4. Admiring physical strength more
than mental acuity. 5. Valuing loyalty to the
lord or king above all.
10The Setting
- The story is set in 6th Century Scandinavia.
- It has a historical perspective, recording the
culture and beliefs of the period. - Beowulfs kingdom would have been what is now
Southern Sweden
North Sea
Baltic Sea
11The Story
- Beowulf tackles three enemies
- He fights and kills the monster Grendel.
- He fights and kills Grendels mother.
- He fights and kills the Dragon
12Recurring Themes
The importance of establishing identity (family
lineage.) Loyalty to ones king and people is
paramount Heroic deeds are rewarded Fame can
be achieved Good vs. Evil. When humans remain
loyal and sacrifice for those in need, even
though it may be painful, good will triumph over
evil.
13Code of Ethics
- A code of conduct that called for a close
allegiance between a leader and his followers. - Loyalty and bravery were rewarded with treasure
and armor. - Ones rich armor was viewed as a symbol of ones
success and bravery in battle.
14Literary Devices in Beowulf
- Alliteration - repetition of initial consonant
sounds in neighboring words eg, sweet smell of
success, a dime a dozen, jump for joy. - In Beowulf, there are three alliterations in
every line - Now Beowulf bode in the burg of the Scyldings,
leader beloved, and long he ruled in fame with
all folk since his father had gone
15Literary Devices in Beowulf
- Kenning - a literary device in which a noun is
renamed in a creative way using a compound word
or union of two separate words to combine ideas. - Examples
- Whale-road (sea)
- Ring-giver (king)
- Battle-friend (arrow)
- Bone house (body)
16Literary Devices in Beowulf
- Caesura rhythm created by pauses. Usually in the
first half of a line there will be two
alliterated sounds and then a pause, followed by
another alliterated sound. - Ex 5218 And then, in the morning, this
mead-hall glittering/
17 and finally
- We have epic poems to
- record and chronicle ones heroic deeds.
- preserve history.
- achieve immortality.
- reward courage and loyalty.
- entertain and flatter.