Module #1: Literary Devices
Click on the document provided below to review literary devices commonly used in Anglo-Saxon literature. Review the following literary terms for this unit: narrative poem dramatic poem sonnet ballad elegy simile rhythm compounding variation understatement (litotes) personification hyperbole metaphor fixed meter caesura internal rhyme assonance alliteration refrain allusion kennings Module #2: Beowulf Background Assignment
Use the link below to access background information on the epic Beowulf. Watch the video, take notes if necessary, and be prepared to discuss in class. Module #3: Characteristics of a Hero
Use the link below to complete a chart on the characteristics of a hero for Beowulf. Make a copy of the document in your Google drive and complete electronically. Below is the closest I could come to finding a Beowulf text that is as close to what we have in our class textbook.
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The Anglo-Saxons
“The term Anglo-Saxon is a relatively modern one. It refers to settlers from the German regions of Angeln and Saxony, who made their way over to Britain after the fall of the Roman Empire around AD 410. The Roman armies withdrew from Britain early in the fifth century because they were needed back home to defend the crumbling centre of the Empire. Britain was considered a far-flung outpost of little value. At this time, the Jutes and the Frisians from Denmark were also settling in the British Isles, but the Anglo-Saxon settlers were effectively their own masters in a new land and they did little to keep the legacy of the Romans alive. They replaced the Roman stone buildings with their own wooden ones, and spoke their own language, which gave rise to the English spoken today. The Anglo-Saxons also brought their own religious beliefs, but the arrival of Saint Augustine in 597 converted most of the country to Christianity. The Anglo-Saxon period lasted for 600 years, from 410 to 1066, and in that time Britain's political landscape underwent many changes. The early settlers kept to small tribal groups, forming kingdoms and sub-kingdoms. By the ninth century, the country was divided into four kingdoms - Northumbria, Mercia, East Anglia and Wessex. Wessex was the only one of these kingdoms to survive the Viking invasions. Eric Bloodaxe, the Viking ruler of York, was killed by the Wessex army in 954 and England was united under one king - Edred. Most of the information we have about the Anglo-Saxons comes from the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a year-by-year account of all the major events of the time. Among other things it describes the rise and fall of the bishops and kings and the important battles of the period. It begins with the story of Hengist and Horsa in AD 449. Anglo-Saxon rule came to an end in 1066, soon after the death of Edward the Confessor, who had no heir. He had supposedly willed the kingdom to William of Normandy, but also seemed to favour Harold Godwinson as his successor. Harold was crowned king immediately after Edward died, but he failed in his attempt to defend his crown, when William and an invading army crossed the Channel from France to claim it for himself. Harold was defeated by the Normans at the Battle of Hastings in October 1066, and thus a new era was ushered in.” "BBC - History - Ancient History in depth: The Anglo-Saxons."BBC - Homepage. BBC, 2014. |
Anglo-Saxon Poetry:
Use the tab below to access the following Anglo-Saxon poems: "The Seafarer," "The Wanderer," and "The Wife's Lament." Answer the following sets of questions located on the text pages: Complete questions 1-2 under "Text Analysis" under both "The Seafarer" and "The Wanderer," complete all questions posed in the margins of the text throughout the poems, and complete questions 1-3 and 6-8 located in the section titled "After Reading."
Use the tab below to access the following Anglo-Saxon poems: "The Seafarer," "The Wanderer," and "The Wife's Lament." Answer the following sets of questions located on the text pages: Complete questions 1-2 under "Text Analysis" under both "The Seafarer" and "The Wanderer," complete all questions posed in the margins of the text throughout the poems, and complete questions 1-3 and 6-8 located in the section titled "After Reading."
Beowulf Essay
For the final writing assignment refer to the prompt below. Students may use any material from class assignments to assist them, but may not use anyone else. All essays are to be typed following MLA format, shared through Google, and the original work of the student. Any indication of plagiarism will result in a grade of "F" and disciplinarian action will be taken with school administration.
Prompt:
The hero of an epic poem normally embodies the ideals of conduct that are most valued by the culture in which the epic was composed. Write an essay in which you show how the character Beowulf embodies the ideals of conduct in the Anglo-Saxon culture. You should mention at least three of Beowulf’s virtues. For each one, cite (use quotations) the part or parts of the epic where the virtue is displayed.
Prompt:
The hero of an epic poem normally embodies the ideals of conduct that are most valued by the culture in which the epic was composed. Write an essay in which you show how the character Beowulf embodies the ideals of conduct in the Anglo-Saxon culture. You should mention at least three of Beowulf’s virtues. For each one, cite (use quotations) the part or parts of the epic where the virtue is displayed.