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Beowulf & The Epic by The Beowulf Poet

Beowulf & The Epic by The Beowulf Poet. Patterson English IV. Original painting by Susanne Iles. Epic. A long, narrative poem that deals with a hero ’ s adventures and deeds . Some Basic Rules.

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Beowulf & The Epic by The Beowulf Poet

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  1. Beowulf & The Epicby The Beowulf Poet Patterson English IV Original painting by Susanne Iles

  2. Epic • A long, narrative poem that deals with a hero’s adventures and deeds

  3. Some Basic Rules • The hero, generally a male, is of noble birth, high position, or of great historical or legendary importance

  4. The hero’s character traits reflect important ideals of society image.guardian.co.uk

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

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

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

  8. The poet uses formal diction and a serious tone www.fortunecity.com

  9. Major characters often deliver long, formal speeches

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

  11. The poem reflects timeless values such as courage and honor

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

  13. Characteristics of an Epic • Oral tradition • Epithets- “the swift runner” • Epic similes- look for them to extend over several lines!

  14. Central Motifs • Honor • Fate/destiny • Even heroes aren’t perfect! dc-mrg.english.ucsb.edu www.foxnews.com

  15. 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) www.nvcc.edu

  16. 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.

  17. 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 drink mead and listen to tales of heroes www.heorot.dk/heorot.jpg

  18. 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

  19. First page of Beowulf manuscript Old English (OE) existed until approximately 1100, when the Middle English period started. Old English http://web.cn.edu/kwheeler/images/Beowulfpage.jpeg

  20. 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

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