Beowulf

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Beowulf The Epicby The Beowulf Poet

• Patterson
• English IV

Original painting by Susanne Iles
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Epic

• A long, narrative poem that deals with a heros
  adventures and deeds

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Some Basic Rules

• The hero, generally a male, is of noble birth,
  high position, or of great historical or
  legendary importance

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• The heros character traits reflect important
  ideals of society

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• The hero performs courageous, sometimes even
  superhuman deeds that reflect the values of the
  era.

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• The actions of the hero often determine the fate
  of a nation or group of people

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• The setting is vast in scope often involving more
  than one nation

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• The poet uses formal diction and a serious tone

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• Major characters often deliver long, formal
  speeches

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• The plot is complicated by supernatural beings or
  events and may involve a long and dangerous
  journey through foreign lands

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• The poem reflects timeless values such as courage
  and honor

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• The poem treats universal themes such as good and
  evil or life and death

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Characteristics of an Epic

• Oral tradition
• Epithets- the swift runner
• Epic similes- look for them to extend over
  several lines!

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Central Motifs

• Honor
• Fate/destiny
• Even heroes arent perfect!

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A brief history of Beowulf

• After the fall of Julius Caesar, Rome lost
  control of Britain (55AD)
• With Rome gone, Britain was vulnerable to
  invaders.
• Several tribes invaded from Northern Europe the
  Angles, the Saxons, the Jutes.
• Beowulf takes place on mainland Europe among the
  Danes (from Denmark) and the Geats (from Sweden)

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Beowulf

• Nephew of Higlac (King of the Geats)
• Although there is no record of Beowulf actually
  living, Hygelac was a historical figure somewhere
  around 525 AD.
• It is believed Beowulf is set not
• long after this date.

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What was life like in 6th century Europe?

• Christianity not yet adopted
• Warrior culture respected loyalty, great deeds,
  strength, and courage
• People gathered in mead halls to dink mead and
  listen to tales of heroes

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The Story

• The Mead Hall of Valhalla

• Probably performed by a poet-singer in a chant,
  accompanied by a harp
• Story came into language in 8th-10th century
  (after the conversion to Christianity)
• Originally written in old English and had to be
  translated

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Old English

• First page of Beowulf manuscript
• Old English (OE) existed until approximately
  1100, when the Middle English period started.

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Middle English Beyond

• The Middle English period lasted until
  approximately the year 1500, when we transitioned
  to Modern English.
• Shakespeare wrote near 1600- well into the Modern
  English period! His language is NOT Old English!

Old English readingl