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Exploring Beowulf: Vocabulary, Historical Context, and Literary Significance

This resource provides an in-depth look at the epic poem "Beowulf," focusing on essential vocabulary words from the text, their meanings, and the historical background of the story. "Beowulf," originating in 6th century Scandinavia, illustrates the transition from pagan to Christian culture. The poem is characterized by its rich language, heroic characters, and supernatural elements, revealing the values of Anglo-Saxon society. Learn about epics, their types, and the literary conventions that define them, alongside vocabulary exercises to deepen understanding.

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Exploring Beowulf: Vocabulary, Historical Context, and Literary Significance

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  1. Do Now: 9-16 • Copy the following vocabulary words and definitions from Beowulf in your college ruled notebook that you use for notes. • 1. reparation- compensation for a wrong • 2. solace- comfort; relief • 3. purge- purify; cleanse • 4. writhing- making twisting or turning motions • 5. massive- big and solid; bulky • 6. loathsome- disgusting

  2. Aim • To understand the background of time period of Beowulf, the background of Beowulf and epics

  3. Background on Time Period of Beowulf • Took place in 6th century Scandinavia • Originally told in Old English • Old English-language spoken by Anglo-Saxons of England during years 500 to 1100 • Few people were able to read during Britain’s Anglo-Saxon period • Stories passed along by word of mouth

  4. Religious Elements of Beowulf • England was changing from pagan to Christian culture when Beowulf was composed. • Pagan Anglo-Saxons told grim tales of life ruled by fate: tales in which people struggled against monsters for their place in the world. • Christian missionaries taught them that human beings + their choices of good or evil were at center of creation. • Beowulf reflects both pagan and Christian traditions

  5. Summary of Beowulf • Action packed narrative with highly dramatic language • Characters almost all kings, princes + heroic followers • Plot concentrated by powerful man-eating monsters • Main character Beowulf posses magical qualities • Name means “bear” “wolf”

  6. Epics • Epic- long narrative poem that celebrates heroic deeds and legendary events. • Among earliest forms of literature • Reveal the values of peoples who created them • Celebrate exploits of a legendary, or epic, hero, a larger-than-life character.

  7. Types of Epics • Folk epics- stories about heroes passed down orally (Beowulf) • Literary epics- composed by individual authors who drew on conventions of folk epics

  8. Literary or formal characteristics of epics • Muse is supernatural force used for help in telling the story at beginning of an epic. • Plot begins with action already underway • Epic hero- central character set out on a quest, a dangerous journey that tests his spirit • Supernatural Force- deities that may watch over hero + monsters • Valorous Deeds- acts that reveal epic hero’s extraordinary qualities + reflect values cherished by culture • Elevated Style-contains lofty word choice (diction) that heightens importance of events retold

  9. Homework: 9-16 • Write a sentence for each vocabulary word on loose-leaf to be collected.

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