Beowulf Comprehension Questions

[Prologue] Judith Lee

1. It was unusual how Shield came to be the ruler of Danes as he started off as

an abandoned orphan, but soon built his power to become king. His funeral was a

grand affair. He was shipped off in a boat filled with treasures and gifts.

Hrothgar is Shield's great grandson.

[Heorot is Attacked]

1. The magnificent work that Hrothgar undertook was a mead hall, Heorot,

dedicated to the enjoyment of him and his serving men. Grendel attacked the hall

slaying many of Hrothgar's men eventually taking over the hall; it lasted for

twelve years. In response, the Danes prayed at shrines wishing harm on the

monster.

[The Hero Comes to Herot]

1. When Beowulf hears news of Hrothgar's problems with Grendel, he sets sail for

Denmark with an army to kill the monster, Grendel.

2. The Geats first meet a Danish watchman who stops and questions them. Beowulf

explains that they arrived to help the Danish get rid of Grendel.

[The Hero Comes to Heorot] (lines 189-490, pp. 36-42) Sierra Sanchez

3. Hrothgar’s herald is Wulfgar of the Wendla tribe. He first asks the Geats, why they carry so much armor, and then he infers that they are there for adventure rather than primarily self-gain, because they seem courageous. Wulfgar tells Hrothgar that he shouldn’t deny their help because Beowulf is their leader. In reply Hrothgar says he knows Beowulf’s father, and tells Wulfgar to go get the Geats. I’m not that surprised of Hrothgar and Beowulf knowing each other, because Beowulf wouldn’t put his life and lives of others in harm’s way if he didn’t know Hrothgar.

4. Beowulf tells Hrothgar that he is very skilled and experience and he plans to take on Grendel without any weapons, and for Hrothgar not to refuse him. Hrothgar paid off Beowulf’s father’s debts during a warning period for the Geats.

[Feast at Heorot] (lines 491-661, pp. 42-46)

1. Unferth’s jealousy causes him to claim that Beowulf can’t beat Grendel, and he brings up a time in the past when Beowulf lost a swimming competition to Breca. Beowulf tells Unferth that he’s drunk and the true story was that he was separated from Breca and pulled underwater by a sea monster, that he later killed. This episode shows how brave and confident Beowulf is throughout the story. Beowulf then accuses Unferth of him not being as brave as he said he was supposed to be, and if he was then Grendel would’ve never came to Herolot.

2. Queen Wealhtheow hands out mead Goblets to Hrothgar and then to the rest of the men during the feasting. Then she thanks God for Beowulf and after sits down next to Hrothgar.

The Fight with Grendel Haley Kestler

1. Beowulf's preparations for his battle with Grendel differ from normal heroes in poetry in that he shed his armor instead of putting more on because he planned to fight Grendel with his bare hands instead of with a sword and such.

2. When Grendel enters Heorot, he immediately begins to eat the sleeping soldiers as he did many times before. Instead of eating Beowulf, Grendel is surprised with a fight as Beowulf never fell asleep and Grendel wasn't initially able to escape Beowulf's tight grasp. Despite Beowulf's death grip, Grendel managed to escape, but not without leaving his arm behind.

Celebration of Heorot

1. Sigemund was a great hero who slayed a horrible dragon that was a keeper of a treasure chest that hr won by slaying him. The treasure won by Sigemund symbolizes the gold rewards that Beowulf earned from the ring-giver, King Hrothgar. Sigemund's story is told to celebrate Beowulf and compare both of their heroic acts. Heremod is known as an evil Danish king who turns against his own people. This clearly resembles the reverse of Beowulf’s characteristic and by comparing and contrasting Beowulf to two different kings, the narrator indicates that Beowulf will be king later in the story.

2. Hrothgar responds to Beowulf's deed by celebrating him and pronouncing him as both a son and man that will never be forgotten. Hrothgar then goes on to give Beowulf many gifts, including a sword. Since Beowulf was successful in his attempt to save the Danes, Unferth doesn't have much to say to him as he has become much more humble.

Imanie Patel

3.	The singer sings of Finn during the feasting (lines 1070-1158). The exact details of the Finn story are not clear, but in general, what happens? What does it suggest about the wisdom of using a woman as bride to heal enmity between tribes? The singer sings the story of Finn during the feast. Basically, in the story Finn, Lord of the Frisians, marries Hildeburgh, a Dane, to end a feud between the two tribes. The idea was to use the bride to ensure that the families wouldn’t feud anymore but obviously this was a bad idea. The Frisians killed Hildeburgh’s brother when he came to visit her. Finn was also eventually killed out of revenge.
4.	When the feasting resumes, what does Wealhtheow ask Hrothgar not to do? .Wealhtheow asks Hrothgar not to give the throne to Beowulf, but to trust in his biological son’s abilities to rule as king. She believes that the throne should stay in the bloodline
5.	Wealhtheow gives Beowulf a large, broad necklace. What later happens to it? What does Wealhtheow ask Beowulf to do? It is foreshadowed that Beowulf gives the necklace to his uncle Hygelac, who wears it until he dies in battle. She also asks Beowulf to guide and protect her children, but not to take the throne from them when Hrothgar dies.
6.	Why do so many men remain in the beer hall to sleep? Why is it a mistake?

So many men remain in the beer hall to sleep because they believe it is as safe as it once was now that Grendel is dead. This is a mistake because Grendel’s mother comes to the hall for revenge for her son. She takes one of Hrothgar’s esteemed men and the arm of Grendel back to her cave.

BEOWULF AND GRENDEL'S MOTHER (Victoria Tonascia)

[Another Attack]
1. Grendel's mother came to Heorot to take her son's claw. It was out of anger and vengeance, not exactly similar to Grendel's reason.
2 Hrothgar's response was asking Beowulf to go to her lair and kill her, too. She had killed Hrothgar's best friend.

3. The mere (her lair) was an underwater lair under a dark lake. It had an eerie feel and was described as being very dark.

[Beowulf Fights Grendel's Mother]

1. Beowulf tells Hrothgar to respond (if he should die) in a caring way for his own men that he should leave behind.

Taylor Williams

2. Beowulf sinks into the water for a few hours before he enters the mere.

3. He prepares for the battle by telling Hrothgar what he desires just incase he

dies. Beowulf takes his ring-marked blade sword.

4. When Beowulf enters the mere, Grendel's mother grabs him but his armor

defended him. It's surprising that it take half a day to get down there but

those monsters have each other.

5. The sword breaks while Beowulf trys to strike Grendel's mother.

Beowulf Fights Megan Stevens

6. At one point Beowulf is on the floor, with Grendel's mother sitting on him and drawing her knife. How does Beowulf escape?

Beowulf escapes because his mail protected him from the blow.

7. How does Beowulf kill Grendel's mother? What weapon does he use? What happens when she dies? What does Beowulf take with him from her home? What happens to the sword he used to kill her?

Beowulf notices and uses an enchanted sword hung on the wall. He escapes by drawing the unnaturally heavy sword built by giants and slicing Grendel's mothers neck with it. When she died, the cave burned with light. The sword melted so that the hilt was all that was left.

8. What happens when Beowulf returns to the surface? Did his men expect him to return?

When Beowulf returned to the surface, he found his men waiting, but none of the Danish. It is clear that the Geats were skeptical of his return, so they were pleasantly surprised.

[Further Celebration]

1.What does Beowulf give to Hrothgar?

He gives Grendel's head and sword hilt.

(Further Celebration) #2,3 Elizabeth Smith

2. Hrothgar tells Beowulf an important story about how someone good with deeds and intentions can just as quickly turn bad. Heremod let greed take him over and that led to his ultimate demise. Hrothgar wants Beowulf to know not to let the praise he is receiving go to his head.

3. Beowuld gives Unferth the sword before he leaves.

(Beowulf Returns Home) #1,2

1. Hrothgar is worried Beowulf may become too arrogant and be unable to fight successfully if these small battle victories get to his head.

2. Hygd is Geat’s queen. She is a good queen where as Modthryth is a bad, evil queen.

Shailyn Joesph

3.Beowulf reports to Hygelac that Hrothgar may marry his daughter Freawaru to
Ingeld. Why does he plan to do that? What does Beowulf expect the result will
be? (Remember the Finn story, lines 1070-1158.) How does Beowulf think the peace
will be broken? Is this the type of report we expected from the hero Beowulf, or
are we seeing a new side of him?
- Beowulf reports to Hygelac because he knows that the wedding could cause
problems with the family. Beowulf expects the wedding to recreate family tension
and violence and Hygelac to not like the idea. We would expect this from Beowulf
because he likes to stop situations before they occur and likes to plan for the
problem If it can't be fixed.
4.How does Beowulf report about his own adventures? Does he report accurately?
-Beowulf reports about his own adventures as slightly exaggerated, but mostly
accurate in the ways they are told.
5.What does Beowulf do with the treasure he was given? What does Hygelac give
him?
-What Beowulf does with the treasures he is given is he offers them to his Lord
and gives it to other people also. What Hygelac gives Beowulf is land, a large
house, and the sword of the Geats.
BEOWULF AND THE DRAGON (lines 2200-3182, pp. 79-99)
[The Dragon Wakes] (lines 2200-2509, pp. 79-86)
1.How much later does Part 2 take place? What kings have died in the meanwhile?
What danger now exists?
-Part 2 takes place fifty years later. The king that have died in the mean while
are King Hygelac and King Heardred. The danger that now exists Is a dragon.

Haley Stowe

2. The dragon is angry because someone stole its treasure even though the man only took the cup because he was scared by the dragon. The treasure was put there by a lord who had lost all of his friends and family.

3. He destroyed everything as he searched for the thief.

4. Beowulf thinks he is being punished for something he has done. He decides to order a new shield and fight the dragon with only a few people.

5. Hygelac died fighting a monster and after Beowulf swam through the ocean with 30 sets of armor. Queen Hygd offered Beowulf the chance to become king but he declined and decided to advise Heardred.

[The Dragon Wakes] Stevie Wisz

6.) Heardred was killed along with his father at the shield wall fighting the Heatho-Scilfings. After Heardred's death, Beowulf was ascended to the throne. Under his reign, the feuding with the Sweden terminated when Beowulf avenged Hygelac and his sons deaths. Conscious of avenging his fellow lords, Beowulf befriended Eadgils (one that was provided shelter by Heardred but was part of his death) and assembled an army to scrutinize Onela.

7.) Beowulf was accompanied by 11 others when approaching the dragon.

8.) Herebeald was killed by his brother on accident. Hrethel was devastated to see his young son be sent to the heavens so early on in his life. From this devastating loss on, Hrethel grieved his sons death and gradually lost his passion, love, and care of his kingdom. War sprung up between Swede's and the Geats over waters which resulted in the death of Haethcyn, a Geat member. In revenge for Hygelac's death, Beowulf attacked the dragon with a sword, failing to harm the monster, and was blasted by the enraged dragon's fierce, powerful, and poisonous fire Breath, bitten on the neck by the dragons sharp teeth and was killed.

[Beowulf Attacks the Dragon] 1.) Beowulf tells his companions to not fight the dragon because he knows it

will be his very last battle.

Beowulf Attacks the Dragon (Me)

2. The first time Beowulf and the Dragon fight, Beowulf enters the fight with confidence as he had defeated all of the major giants with just a sword and armor. When he throws his first blow with the sword he is frightened when the sword breaks. Beowulf's companions all leave except for one of them, Wiglaf. Wiglaf remains loyal to Beowulf because he had provided so much for them and gave them gifts even when he had done all the killing. Wiglaf could not imagine going against someone who had remained so loyal to him and his family. Wiglaf tells the others that Beowulf has provided them with good armor and weapons and that if one man falls they all fall together. He also explains that although Beowulf usually does the killing on his own, they must be there to support him when he needs it. Wiglaf calls out to Beowulf telling him that he has come to help. Wiglaf then goes to help him and the dragon blows fire, which makes his shield useless.

3. The second time Beowulf attacks the dragon, Wiglaf works with him. Beowulf is bitten in the neck and is extremely wounded. Wiglaf is able to stab the dragon and wound him very badly. Beowulf gains one last serge of energy in order to strike the dragon one last time to his death. Wiglaf and Beowulf kill the dragon together; if one had not been there the dragon would not be dead. Beowulf dies in the fight with the dragon as he has been struck in the neck.

4. Beowulf asks Wiglaf to go and find the gold that they had just recaptured from the dragon. He wants Wiglaf to bring the gold to him before he dies. Beowulf finally sees the gold and thanks god for allowing him to defeat the dragon and provide treasure for the people. Beowulf wanted his body to be burned at the coastal headland and for it to be known as Beowulf's Barrow.

Beowulf's Funeral

1. As Wiglaf attempts to save Beowulf, the rest of the Geats return, but Beowulf is dead. Wiglaf tells the men that Beowulf had left all the treasure to them but that it was worthless because they had not stayed to fight with Beowulf. Wiglaf says that death will be better then such a life of shame to the men who had left their lord wounded on the battle field. Wiglaf expects that the Geats empire will be destroyed in the future.

Beowulf’s Funeral Hannah Hurd

2. The messenger tells the city of Beowulf’s death. After Ongentheow killed Haethcyn, the Geats were threatened by Ongetheow, but they were saved by Hygelac the next day. Hygwlac proceeded to then kill Ongetheow and his men to avenge the death of his kin even though that morning Ongetheow and his men retreated the area. The messenger said to not get involved with the gold because it was cursed and anyone who steals it will get the punishment on the to. The final image of the messenger’s speech was the dragon that killed Beowulf.

3. Wiglaf tells the crowd that if Beowulf listened to the people then he still would be alive. He also states that Beowulf was a brave and honorable man and not to think less of him or what he did. Although this was a disappointment, he was still given a proper burial because he was a military warrior/hero.

4. The dragon that killed Beowulf is pushed of a cliff by Wiglaf’s men and falls into the ocean and everyone was relieved.

5. During the funeral celebration (weird) everyone is sad of the great loss of Beowulf and mourns. It is ten days long and everyone places rings and jewelry to give respect to the fallen hero. After the funeral celebration, the people of Beowulf’s kin praise him and talk of his achievements.

6. At the end of the poem, the Geats said that Beowulf was the “kindest of kings, friendliest, and most honorable man.” He was a most honorable man because he fought for his kin and people and was unselfish in his duties and gratitude. The description of friendliest and kindest is deceiving because although the Geats thought he was kind, Beowulf’s enemies did not think so. He killed them with no mercy and no regrets so his characteristics are based on perception.

My University

Although today was a short day, I got a lot accomplished during thirty minutes. First I looked over my resume and talked with the people at my table. We looked over each others and clarified Dr. Preston's comments and any other confusions we may have had. This way helpful because I did not understand some of the comments but my partner was able to explain to me what he meant. I can now edit my resume and be more successful and earning whatever I wish to be apart of. Another thing I accomplished today was explaining the club that I will be starting this year. I explained to the people around me what the purpose was and what we would accomplish with this club. It was the first step to spreading the word so that people will join my club. Also, during this period I began to work on my journal, but got into a serious conversation with my partner. I don't feel comfortable sharing her side of the story in case she doesn't wish for me to do so, but we began talking about college and decision making. We discussed how difficult it is to decide first where you want to go to college and second how difficult it is to decide what you want to do for the rest of your life at such a young age. Now I know that we are seniors and getting to the adult ages, but it is a very big transitions in our life and we need to slowly adapt to decision-making that will impact our laugh drastically. As much as I am excited and ready to start a new chapter in my life, I am also nervous and worried I'm not making the perfect decision. But only time and experience will tell, so for now bring it on! I know that may not seem like a very productive day in terms of physically getting my work done, but I interacted with my partners and learned that everyone feels the same way and that we are all in it together.

Beowulf Notes Prologue- Chapter X

 Shailyn Joesph
Prologue

-A King named Scyld the Scefing was a wealthy man who was looked up to by the people of his town.

-Nobody challenged him, he was better than everyone else

-Had a son and named him Beowulf.

-Son was looked up to and was gernerous to all the people of the town. 

-Ship created to hold dead body, very wealthy items, 

-Description of armor and expensive weapons.

-Ship sent to sea, talk about a flood

-Poeple mourn for the death of the child.

Chapter 1

-A new peson came to the thrown named Healfdean. 

-Was a strong leader

-Had four children Heorogar, Hrothgar, Halga, one not living 

-Heorogar was known for his bravery on the battle field.

-A hall was built in his honor 

-Creates an award called Heorot

-Talks about a banquet and a fued between father-in-law and father over wealth. 

-Something of evil comes from "moor-land" to hurt the happiness 

- Cain awakens (evil creature) to ruin the fun. 

Vocab

-march-rieve- A disturber of the border, one who sallies from his haunt in the fen and roams over the country near by. This probably pagan nuisance is now furnished with biblical credentials as a fiend or devil in good standing, so that all Christian Englishmen might read about him. "Grendel" may mean one who grinds and crushes.

-Ettins-Giants

 

Haley Stowe

Chapter 2 

Went to house and found group of people mourning the death of a person 

The next morning Grendel found out his servant of 12 years was murdered

That night Grendel looked for the person who killed his servant and was determined to get his revenge

The murder wasn't hard to find and Grendel found who he thought killed his servant

There was another person continuing to murder people ruthlessly 

People said he still lurked the "moorlands" but nobody said where this place was because they were so afraid 

People prayed that they wouldn't be killed by this person but also prayed he would be forgiven by god 

Chapter 3 

Grendel seen as a hero and people thought his valor should be recognized by the king 

Grendel chosen to lead a group of 14 men (called the Geats) to sea 

He and his men found the place they were sailing to - Danes 

Get off boat armed with weapons and shields 

Met by a warden (" scylding clansman") on horseback that was armed 

Warden explains that his job is to protect the people of Danes from sailors who land there

He also explains he had never seen people come there and be so obvious that they were warriors

Warden tells them that he is praying for them on their voyage 

Stevie Wisz
Chapter 4:
-the warrior (seafarer) leader claims he is the son of Ecgtheow who's widely
known and honored by many
-the warrior got wind of the "monster" that tortures and haunts the Danes and
demands that he and his men attempt to defeat this "scathing", "dark ill-doer"
monster
-agreeing with the plan, his men marched to the village/palace in which Hrothgar
loved
-some men were assigned to gaurd the boat and escort the others to the palace,
protecting the boat from their foes; "gaurd it kept o'er the man of war..."
-the men can see the shimmery, glistening, gold palace from afar
-the men who were assigned to gaurd the boat and also escort the other men then
return to the boat where they spend their time being on the look out
Chapter 5:
-the men, while marching, observe the shiny, well-decorated streets and
atmosphere of Heorot
-the men were approached by a proud, curious warrior who stopped the men and
asked what their purpose of arrival was
-Beowulf, the leader of the men, and Wulfgar(the warrior described above)
discuss the matters. Wulfgar directs the leader and his men to the throne of
Hrothgar
-Wulfgar asks Hrothgar to speak to the men
and exclaims that Beowulf appears to be a strong, firm leader; "In weeds of the
warrior worthy they, methinks, of our liking, their leader most surely, a hero
that hither his henchmen has led."
Hannah Hurd
Characters: 

The Geats- Beowolf’s clan, Beowolf born around 495

The Dantes- residents of Denmark, Scylding is Anglo Saxon lineage

The Swedes- lived in Sweden north of Geats

Finnsburh- The Fight at Finnsburh overlaps with Beowolf estimated time period and so studied together, example of Germanic heroic lay describing warriors experiences in war

Grendel- monster Beowolf killed and symbolic of when bad Cain killed good Abel (revenge), Beowolf is cause of trouble because rebel, Grendel’s mother is constant vengeful and represents cycle of war even when enemy seems to be defeated

I don't know if needed (above) but it was on the website and the characters are kinda confusing to know who are people talking but I think with rest of notes it will hopefully make sense! Thanks again for all your participation!!!

Chapter Six (VI)

• Hrothgar is talking of Beowolf and only legends have been told (like rumors in today’s world) of how strong and great Beowolf is
• They thank god (grateful) for having him send Beowolf to relive them of Grendel and his destruction
• Grateful for someone/thing that they haven’t even met yet, they just know rumors and stories about.
• Like society today when we want to ay someone for their service but really we should just be grateful for their service and sacrifice to be there rather than having to pay them to make ourselves feel better about “hassling them”
• heros don’t get hassled, they just go out and do because that’s their “job”
• People get mad about Beowolf not taking the money and gold but why should he? He did a good deed and shouldn’t it just be left to that?
• Beowolf gets message that Hrothgar will accept him and his kin in his own kingdom for Beowolf’s bravery
• Beolwolf replies by giving story of his own battles and how he came to be known as a strong man. He fought animals and his foes, many at a time, for his people (the Geats) and to avenge them (symbol of hero)
• Beowolf knows his duty, in specific to defeating Grendel, and knows that he must use only himself and no other armor
• knowledgeable of situation and knows what needs to be done. Doesn’t put brawn over brains
• “So, from thee, thou sovran of the Shining-Danes, Scyldings'-bulwark, a boon I seek, and, Friend-of-the-folk, refuse it not, O Warriors'-shield, now I've wandered far, that I alone with my liegemen here, this hardy band, may Heorot purge!” - I am not sure what he means by I have wandered too far?
• He knows he might die in battle and respects the “rules” of battle and lets his family know that if he is to die in battle, they shouldn’t worry about burying him properly.
• Practical but still with hope that he will win the battle with faith

Chapter Seven (VII)

• Hrothgar retells story of brother’s, Heorogar, death.
• Killed by war between Wylfings and Scyldings over money and gold
• Shows destruction of materialistic world and consequences of it
• “Then was this mead-house at morning tide dyed with gore, when the daylight broke, all the boards of the benches blood-besprinkled, gory the hall: I had heroes the less,” - descriptive language of how warriors died trying to defeat Grendel. Revenge Hrothgar wants. Passionate
• Sit to eat after this gruesome story, shows culture and how they take death as a apart of life but then want revenge for wrongful deaths as do we in today’s world

Chapter 8 (VIII)

• Always refer to seafarers to tell a rumor or story, Why?
• Enferth (son of Ecglaf) questioned Beowolf’s ability to actually fight Grendel and told of story where Beowolf and “rival” Breca swam the seas together and then Breca got out of the sees unharmed but he worries that Beowolf is not strong like Breca.
• Questioning of strength is key in hero battle/adventure because it makes the hero think about his/her strength and if they really can achieve their goal
• Also gives background to Beowolf and adventures
• Questions that Beowolf will do anything without really thinking about it or consequences
• Beowolf reinforces that he is ready and states that he was a child and didn’t know better but he did bring swords for protection
• He stayed by Breca until the very end until it was impossible to stay together because of the seas tearing them apart
• Beowolf defeated the beast of the sea and that shows give evidence behind why he is worthy of fighting Grendel
• He supports this accusation on inadequacy and backs up his point with evidence as seen in today’s culture with giving effective opinions and if you want people to believe you then you give them reasons to
• He proves himself time and time again which is what a hero has to do because the people are putting their faith into him and they want credibility 

Chapter 9:

• Beowulf encounters evil sea monsters that make him feel threatened. So he kills them with his sword. He kills nine of them and they will never bother the sailors again. This is when he was separated from Breca. Reminds me of Moby Dick in a sense.
• He fought a difficult battle and the tides ended up taking him to the land of the Fins.
• Breca was on of Beowulf’s closest kin, but he left Beowulf in the sea where he had to fight giants on his own, but Beowulf doesn’t wish war with him. Beowulf believes that his bad will come to him.
• Grendel is the son of Ecglaf. Grendel was very jealous of Hrothgar so he brought him humiliation. Now Grendel would “rot in hell”. (Dante’s Inferno)
• Beowulf fears no feud with the Danish; he will fight, murder and eat with them and the next day finds out the strength of the Geats.
• Beowulf will fight with them and Hrothgar, jewel-giver, is pleased with his will to fight. The queen snickers at this but still continues to wear her gold and carried the cup of the hall.
• The queen walked around the hall, first giving the king a drink (Hrothgar), and then giving the rest a drink. She was so happy that Beowulf had committed to fight with the Geats and if he didn’t help win the battle he would die in the process.
• The queen thanked the lord for her Savior, Beowulf.
• The son of Healfdene wants to get to bed, but speaks with Beowulf before he goes. They speak of the hopeful glory for the battle the next morning. Beowulf will remain in the hall bequeathing, or giving the power over to him. Healfdene’s son would obtain the power over the hall, which was called Heorot Hall, for the night. ( A will? In case he died in battle the next day, Healfdene would inherit the power?)

Chapter 10

• Hrothgar and Wealhtheow, the queen, go to bed, but have a guard watch their room in order to prevent the monster from getting to them. The monster being Grendel. (Frankenstein was a monster to everyone)
• Beowulf retires for the night and has a guard watch his armor, but he challenges the monster to a battle without armor or weapons. He says the gods will decide who is right.
• Everyone laid down to rest not fearing of dying or not returning home the next day. Although many people had not made it back, they had no worries.
• Metaphor of one man being different than the rest to god ruling over man-kind. Was Beowulf starting to earn the reputation of a god?
• Beowulf was the only man to lie awake looking at the wandering shadow in the hall. Beowulf could only think of the upcoming battle and would not sleep.

Reading in the Textbook Page 31-60

Pg 31-37 Judith Lee
From Tristia Ovid, Translated by L. R. Lind: Book 10
-Tristia had moved from her mother country, Dardanian Troy, when it was
attacked by the Grecian Army.
   -Now in the Pontus, feels like the days go by like years
-Despises the common theme of death races (referring to gladiator games and/or
the continuous war between the Romans and their enemies)
-Feels like a barbarian not being able to communicate with people of the new
land, had to use body language
-Was exiled from Rome
-"Injured the power of Caesar the god," in result was sent to assimilate with
the Scythian race as a punishment
   -Believes she deserved to be exiled but not to such a city
Far Corners of Earth by Tu Fu translated by David Hinton
Describes a shift from the Chiang-han mountains where clouds begin to hover
over to "a new waste of highway." Gradual decline in mood.
From Beowulf
-portrays the Anglo-Saxon culture of eighth century Britain
-Beowulf: sword-wielding slayer of monsters, upholder of the right,
warrior-chieftain
-Takes place in sixth century Scandinavia, speaks Old English
-Beowulf seeks to help the Danish King Hrothgar in fighting the swampland
monster, Grendel.
   -first of the three mortal battles
-Scops often told long narrative poems by mouth in Anglo-Saxon England which
resulted in it's change and growth
   -finally written down in eleventh century
-main themes: bravery, loyalty, heroism
-The Electronic Beowulf Project revived the burnt original manuscripts of
Beowulf.
Epic: a long narrative poem, sometimes developed orally, that celebrates the
deeds of a legendary or heroic figure
  -hero battles for the order of his world
  -story told in serious matter with sophisticated language
Legendary hero: a larger than life character whose accomplishments are
celebrated in traditional tales
Important words/vocab (pg. 37)
Kenning
Caesura
Reparation
Solace
Purge
Writhing
Massive
Loathsome
Sierra Sanchez Pages 38-41

Background

- England was changing from a pagan to Christianity, when Beowulf was created.

- Pagan Anglo-Saxons told tales rued by fate where people struggled against monsters in regards to their place in the world.

-The Christian converts taught that human choices between good and evil were at the center of creation.

- Beowulf interprets both the Christian and Pagan traditions

- Starts out during a celebration at Herot and outside is the murderous monster, Grendel

The Wrath of Grendel

- Grendel, the powerful monster grew upset with the constant music that played in the banquet hall of the Danish King Hrothgar that rejoiced in the beauty of Earth.

- Thousands of evil spirits formed from their murderous crimes due to God’s banishment of them by Cain’s responsibility for the death of Abel, who opposed God’s will.

- Cain and Abel were the sons of Adam and Eve; Cain killed his brother because he was envious of the attention Abel received from God.

- When all the warriors in the hall were done partying, Grendel went inside killed thirty men and took them back to his lair.

- In the morning the king mourned his companions that he lost, and knew it wouldn’t be the end of Grendel’s wrath.

- The only way the warriors could try to stay alive were if they escaped Grendel.

- For twelve winters Grendel’s defeat of the Danes ruled, killing many and most men.

- Grendel wouldn’t make peace or accept a truce or price

- Grendel continued to kill but wouldn’t touch King Hrothgar’s throne because it was protected by God, and the king’s council debated over remedies to get rid of Grendel.

- The King and council were conflicted by doing the Devils work by trying to get rid of Grendel and banishing him to hell, but trying to do right by God.

The Coming of Beowulf

- The death of the King’s son was extremely painful for the King and kingdom

Haley Kestler Pg. 42-44

 - Higlac was the king of the Geats and Beowulf's feudal lord and uncle as well as a very strong man

- Higlac heard that Grendel violently forced and demanded a boat to be fitted out for him to go see Higlac

- Beowulf chose the mightiest, bravest, and best men of the Geats he could find to accompany him on his journey to Hrothgar (14 men total)

- He knew the sea would lead them straight to that distant, Danish shore

- They sailed their boat and arrived fully dressed in mail with the best armor and uninvited

- Hrothgar's lieutenant met them on the shore, demanding to know who they were and why they came unannounced

- He asked Beowulf to immediately explicate their reason for their visit before they take action against them

- Beowulf explained who they were and that they were there to hunt Grendel and protect the people and their King from the monster

- The mounted officer believed their words and that he and his men would guard their ship and protect it, saying that any warriors who battle Grendel successfully should go home bearing their love

- Once Beowulf and his men arrived at Herot, they were called in to see the King

- Beowulf arose and went to meet Hrothgar with some of his men, ordering a few to remain behind with their weapons

Vocab!

- reparation: (n.) something making up for wrong or injury

- solace: (n.) comfort; relief

- mail: (n.) flexible body armor made of metal (in this context)

Pg 45-47 Imanie Patel

Beowulf and his men arrive at Herot and are called to see the King 

-Beowulf ordered some of his men to stay with their weapons, while he took others and himself "into Hrothgar's Presence"

-Beowulf describes himself to the kind to make him seem more favorable, by saying things like "They have seen my strength for themselves, Have watched me ride form the darkest of war, Dripping with my enemies' blood."

-Beowulf over does it on the compliments to the king then asks for the kings permission to "purge all evil from this hall" (including Grendal, who Beowulf is willing to go into great battle against) Beowulf is willing to die for his cause and exaggeratedly says so. 

The Battle with Grendel 

-Grendal came from the marsh and journeyed to Herot and was met harshly with Herot being so firmly defended. 

-Grendal stormed through the doors quickly, saw the young and sleepy soldiers lining the halls, grabbed one and killed him, snapping shit and drinking the blood. 

-Grendal clutched Beowulf but was suprised by his strength and attack. Grendal's first reaction was to run but Beowulf didn't let him go. 

-Beowulf and Grendal battled violently. Herot shook and trembled, it was built to only come down in fire but the battle was a much great force. 

 

Pg. 48 Victoria Tonascia 

• He was the strongest man, Beowulf was going to kill the "monster"
• Beowulf's men woke up to Beowulf fighting Grendel and were ready to fight, if needed; they were courageous, but Grendel was pretty indestructible against them and he could easily beat them all
• But, he(Grendel) was now declining, dying, and had been defeated
• His shoulder bone broke, a sign of the battle being over
• Beowulf won "glory, Grendel escaped" to his den though, to die a slow and miserable death
• Beowulf was very prod, the Danes were happy and his accomplishments were listed; he ended Hrothgar's people's problems
• Beowulf hung Grendel's "arm, claw, shoulder and all" on the rafters; it was basically a trophy of the victory and proof of the win

Pg. 49 The Monsters' Lair (there was a celebration of Beowulf's victory, but Grendel's mother kills Hrothgar's best friend and takes Grendel's claw, Beowulf hears from the king about the underwater lair)

• The king is talking the whole time
• peasants in fields saw female and male creatures and told the king's wise men
• Grendel they named the man one, no one knows if there were any before them or any other creatures like them
• The creatures lived in a secret wolf den with rocks and a waterfall to an underground lake (my visual interpretation of the text) It's very dark, roots hanging from the top, no one knows how deep
• The king wants Beowulf to kill the mother, Beowulf is his only help and hope of "being saved", he will reward him with gold and treasure for winning

Pg. 50 The Battle with Grendel's Mother (Beowulf decides to kill her and goes to the lake)

• (Beowulf is speaking to the men) To Hrothgar, if he(Beowulf) should die during battle, he wants Hrothgar to be "Father and protector" of his comrades. He wants Higlac to have the things Hrothgar gave him. To Unferth, who questioned his bravery before the Grendel battle, he leaves his "famous old sword" <symbolic value
• He jumped into the lake without others responding
• Sank for "hours" before reaching the bottom
• Grendel's mother saw him, her "welcome" was trying to kill him, but his armor was too strong to penetrate
• She carried him to her home, he couldn't get out his weapon
• the fight brought other monsters swimming to see...

Pg 51-53 Taylor Williams

-She brought him into her home which nothing could attack them in
-He attacked her but realized he couldn't hurt her
-They continue to fight, and she draws a blade on him, her only son, but she hit
his armor and he was unharmed
-He then struck her across the neck and rejoiced at her death
-He then picked up his sword and went to find Grendel but found him dead
-Beowulf then left taking nothing but Grendels head and the jeweled sword
-The Geats rejoiced when Beowulf returned
-They then gifted the Danes with Grendel's head

The Last Battle Pg. 54-56 Megan Stevens

• Beowulf honored by Hrothgar
• He becomes king
• rules Greatland for 50 years
• Dragon comes into kingdom when Beowulf is an old man
• he decided to slay the beast 
• before battle, tells his men about the royal house 
• wanted to fight without any armor, then realizes the dragon breathes fire 
• believes he's the only man who can do it. 
• wants to claim dragon's riches
• dragon attacked with breathe first
• his armor held up, then started to melt
• first time in life, he fought with fate against him
• his sword broke in two, but got a stab into the dragon
• Beowulf fell back, dragon attacked, breathed fire at him, he suffered
• once king, now a beaten warrior 
• all other men fleed without helping him
• only man that stayed was Wiglaf, Wexstan's son
• Wiglaf's mind was made up, he raised his shield and drew his sword

Page 57-60 Elizabeth Smith

Onela got armor from the king. 

Wexstan kept the shining gifts for his son but was killed. 

His heir, Wiglaf, inherited the treasures. He went into war with Beowulf and was strong and courageous. 

Wiglaf brought the soldiers together, telling them Beowulf had given them the swords, it is time to defend with them. It is better for them to suffer than to cause agony to the king. He yelled encouragement and went into the dragons deadly flames. 

Wiglaf and Beowulf kill the dragon. The Beowulf is wounded and is dying. He asks Wiglaf to retrieve the treasure the dragon was protecting.
The Spoils

Wiglaf goes into the cave. Finds lots of gold and sparkling things. He grabs as much as he can and takes it to the dying king. 

Beowulf says he gave his life for this treasure, use it to help and lead his people. 

He said he wanted to be burned high at the waters edge so sailors could see this tower and call it Beowulf's tower. He gave all he had to Wiglaf and said their family had been swept away as warriors and now he was following them. Then he died. 

Wiglaf is mad at those who deserted Beowulf

The Geats burn his body.

 

Notes on Pages 2-14 in Textbook

From Legend to History (A.D. 449-1485)
The Conquest of Britain:

• Two groups of Celts: Brythons settled in Britain and Gaels settled in Ireland
• First Druids took domination in Britain, then the Romans with Julius Caesar, and finally the Anglo-Saxons
• Stories may reflect the life of having now power, the Celts were always under some type of control other then themselves.
• When I thought of how to connect this, the first thing I thought of was the Celtics. Kind of sad, but I thought they must look up to their chieftain (the players much listen to their coach). Well I don't have to worry about forgetting the people of the time period.

The Coming of Christianity:

• The Celts kept Christianity with them even after they became free of the Romans, who brought the Christian religion to them.
• It seems that the Celts had no problem adopting Christianity and accepted it openly. ?
• Christianity helped the English people to find peace and unity, maybe that's why they didn't rebel against it?

Danish Invasion:

• The Danes and Norse (the Vikings) invaded England in an extremely violent manner
• King Alfred the Great was a hero for keeping Danish descent in the east and north and allowing Anglo-Saxon rule in the south. King Alfred also encouraged a rebirth of learning and education. Takes me right back to Alexander the Great another national hero and The Great Awakening. Just what comes to mind when hearing these things, something to relate to.
• Danish rule eventually took over all of England until 1042 a descendent of Alfred returned, Edward or "The confessor". He was called the Confessor because it was the name for someone who believed to have lived a saintly life but who was not a martyr.

The Norman Conquest;

• The Normans or "north men" (bad connection but Beyoncé's baby North, sorry it popped into my head) invaded England and would eventually have full control over England with William as the king.
• Political tensions will be a big topic of the literature starting with the Battle of Hastings in which Harold II was killed, who was supposed to be the king according to the Saxon council, but William became king instead. Led a Norman way of life in England.
• England would now be ran by a Feudal system which was an exchange of property for personal service. The king parceled his land to his supporters, who were normal and called Barons. Barons were usually noble due to inheritance, but were to lowest rank of nobility. Literature will include social status issues.

The Reign of the Plantagenet's:

• Henry Plantagenet, Henry II, takes the throne and immediately clashes with the church. The king appoints his friend Thomas Becket who sides with the pope instead of the king. This angers the king and he arranges for Becket to be murdered, who is murdered by four men hired by the King. Sign of political corruptness.
• The king condemns his crime by making the holy journey, or pilgrimage, which becomes a tradition as a devotion to religion. Conflict between Church and State, yet they still rely on each other. Going to be helpful or hurtful? Maybe the literature will tell.

 The Magna Carta:

• King Richard I focuses on military expeditions and King John attempts to tax the Barons in order to make up for the money spent on military.
• Signs of overpower within the high status group and also first signs of rebelling. Barons refuse to accept the taxes.
• Magna Carta made in order to limit the power of the government. First time people are protected. Literature will reflect the insult they felt and then the freedom they felt. But the big question is will it last? Probably not.

Lancasters, Yorks, and Tudors:

• Lancastrians against the War of Roses. Henry the IV, V, or VII or Richard III will become king. Henry Tudor leads rebellion against Richard III, who dies in battle. Henry VII is awarded the throne who later marries Richard's niece and the War of Roses comes to an end. I fell like this is Romeo and Juliet. The feud comes to an end by the end of the story, but only after so many deaths (at least they only had a few deaths in this situation)
• Lancaster is supposed to be an allusion in the Game of Thrones TV show, which was mentioned in class. But to be entirely honest I have never seen that TV show and have no idea what they mean by that.

Decline of the Feudal System:

• The Black Death spreads across England killing many people. There is a massive labor shortage as well as discriminatory laws which angers the lower classed citizens. Also heavy taxes. This leads to revolt, which eventually ends the serfdom.
• Work Rights? Civil Rights? What will come of this? Will the lower status people continue to be victorious or is the government going to put their foot down? The literature will hopefully go into some of the detail.

 Anglo- Saxon Literature;

• began with spoken verse and incantations at celebrations. Reminds me or the oratory period in America. Everything was passed down by word of mouth.
• Heroic Poetry: recounting the achievement of warriors.
• Elegiac Poetry: lamenting the deaths of loved ones and the loss of the past.
• This relates to when America entered a period of writing in which most of the literature was accounts of death and military experience.
• Beowulf: national epic of England, first written in English, although makes references to Christian ideas and Latin classics, it shows values of the warrior society. Again the time in America where writing was based on military experiences and times of war.
• Anglo-Saxon Prose: monks saw vernacular as "vulgar tongue", Venerable Bede known for his account of England from the Roman Invasion
• Historical journals written in monasteries using Old English.

 Literature of the English Middle Ages:

• Geoffrey Chaucer: romance and love
• Medieval Drama: religious services that retold stories from the Bible or dealt with aspects of the lives of saints. Religious domination? Was religion gaining more momentum?
• Then came the Morality Plays teaching moral lessons.
• An Emerging National Identity: Johann Gutenberg creates first movable-type, then William Caxton creates first movable-type press. No more hand copies. Time of new technology. How does that impact the people?
• Chaucer wrote in Middle English, born into a higher status which allowed him to observe all kinds of people.
• The Canterbury Tales, shows a cross section of medieval society, new theme of romance and realism, just like in America. Now incorporating techniques in the writing: humor and realism.
• Chaucer develops realism through his variety of stories and through the fictional storytellers who describe their tales and react to previous ones.
• Romances, Lyrics, and Ballads: Romances were tales describing the adventures of knights, King Arthur was very popular amongst these romances. Used a blend of fiction and nonfiction (HELLO modern techniques here!!)
• Thomas Malory creates book called "The Death of Arthur" through the romances he collected
• Lyres are commonly used during poetry. Two types of poetry: Secular (love and nature) and religious (hymns and prayers).
• Ballads or folk song that tells a story. (Robin Hood) Like the girl who cried wolf!

MY OPINION ISN'T (A) RIGHT

The Right to My Opinion is a very controversial writing in that many people become very defensive when it comes to what they think and whether it is right or wrong. Many people hate to face the fact of being wrong and wont admit that other people's ideas are good even if deep down they agree with them. This is not just a problem within our generation, this is a problem amongst the human race. As for this article, I believe that our opinion is not a right. Yes, but I also believe that we are allowed to say what we want. Whether we sound stupid or not depends on what we say and how we use our opinion. Although we are entitled to our own opinion we do not get to use that as a right to do something or enforce something upon others. Many people say something in which they believe, but when someone counteracts their argument they need to provide reasons for why they think what they think. In providing reasons, they must give specific examples and clear reasons so that the other person will maybe accept their view or find ways to again counteract it. The problem with this is many people use well "I'm entitled to my own opinion" as a reason to back up what they are saying. In reality this is doing nothing for them, but making them poorly lose the argument. Many people believe that since they have the right of the first amendment which is freedom of speech they can say and think what they want, which in a sense is true but how they use that amendment reflects the person that they are. In our debate many people I feel went out on a tangent and went a little too far. They focused on people doing what they want or saying whatever they want, but the laws come into play to limit this. What we need to focus on as a whole is being able to accept someone's opinion whether we agree or not, but also we need to work on changing our own opinion based on the reasoning of others. Although we don't want to accept being wrong, we must take others opinions into consideration and change ours to find the true meaning or get closer to the real meaning. For example, in class I got in an argument with Ephraim about driving and whether you would go to jail or not if a pedestrian ran out in front of your car. Now his opinion was that no matter what if you killed the pedestrian you would go to jail, but I strongly disagree with this. Yes you will go to court and be under investigation, but if you were going the speed limit, not texting, and obeying all the laws you will be found innocent and will not go to jail. We got in a heated argument about something that could have been solved very easily, if he would have kindly took a deep breath and listened to my point of the conversation. When he would not listen, nor agree to my opinion I became extremely irritated and defensive, which just shows how the human race reacts when someone does not agree with them. I am just as at fault as any other person because I too became aggressive when he did not listen or accept what I was saying. The more practice we get at seeing other's point of view and learning to listen and maybe accept it maybe not, the better off we will be when our opinion is wrong or not accepted by others. This is a learning experience for everyone, but keep in mind YOU NEED TO LEARN FROM IT!!

Vocabulary #1

1. Adumbrate - to produce a faint image or resemblance of; to outline or sketch.
The teacher adumbrated the syllabus of what was the intention of the learning objective for the class.
2. Apotheosis - the elevation or exaltation of a person to the rank of a god.
She realized with her grades that she had reached the apotheosis of her academic career.
3. Ascetic - a person who dedicates his or her life to a pursuit of contemplative ideals and practices extreme self-denial or self-mortification for religious reasons.
The catholic pope represents the most inspirational and ascetic example within the religious society.
4. Bauble - a showy, usually cheap, ornament; trinket; gewgaw.
The Christmas tree was full of unusual baubles as the family admired their tradition.
5. Beguile - to influence by trickery, flattery, etc.; mislead; delude.
The attractive woman beguiled her way to earn the attention of the wealthy man.
6. Burgeon - to grow or develop quickly; flourish.
The astute young scholar burgeoned his way through Harvard and graduated with honors.
7. Complement -  something that completes or makes perfect
The rich red walls complemented the dark cherry wood within her extravagant kitchen.
8. Contumacious - stubbornly perverse or rebellious; willfully and obstinately disobedient.
The contumacious teenager rebelled against the rules of her parents in every circumstance.
9. Curmudgeon - a bad-tempered, difficult, cantankerous person.
The group of curmudgeons rose in anger and frustration of those less educated.
10. Didactic -  intended for instruction; instructive.
The didactic teacher led a speech that would provide inspiration for all the students.
11. Disingenuous - lacking in frankness, candor, or sincerity; falsely or hypocritically ingenuous;
 insincere.
The disingenuous city council member told the citizens what they wanted to hear.
12. Exculpate - to clear from a charge of guilt or fault; free from blame; vindicate.
The officer exculpated the teenager when he found evidence supporting his/her innocence.
13. Faux Pas - a slip or blunder in etiquette, manners, or conduct; an embarrassing social blunder or indiscretion.
The faux pas of the party happened when a crazy individual voiced their opinion at an inappropriate time.
14. Fulminate -  to explode with a loud noise; detonate.
On the Fourth of July celebration, fireworks fulminated all around the town.
15. Fustian - a stout fabric of cotton and flax.
The fustian had intricate designs that were rich and luxurious.
16. Hauteur - haughty manner or spirit; arrogance.
The hauteur of the business men resulted in him losing close friends and family.
17. Inhibit -  to restrain, hinder, arrest, or check (an action, impulse, etc.).
The teenagers inhibit their feelings as their parents attempt to find out their drama.
18. Jeremiad - a prolonged lamentation or mournful complaint.
The psychologist attempted to help her patient, but the jeremiad was to intensified to address.
19. Opportunist - a person who practices opportunism, or the policy of adapting actions, decisions, etc., to effectiveness regardless of the sacrifice of ethical principles.
The shyster opportunist took advantage of his costumers as he sold a faulty product at a very high price.
20. Unconscionable - not guided by conscience; unscrupulous.
The unconscionable couple had a feverish affair.