english history setting why beowulf? beowulf poetic devices terms motifs
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English History
Setting
Why Beowulf?
Beowulf
Poetic devices
Terms
Motifs
Why Study Beowulf?1. Beowulf is the oldest poem in the English language, so everything written since Beowulf stems from it in some way
2. The story of Beowulf encompasses common themes that we still see in English literature today
3. Beowulf is simply good writing
Early History of England
1.First settlers were the Celts around 400 B.C. Their religion was based on animism—they saw spirits everywhere2.Priests (druids) acted as intermediaries between gods and people3.Importance of Stonehenge4.Celtic stories—women warriors, mother goddess, male god5.Romans invaded 55 B.C.6.Angles, Saxons invaded from Germany7.King Alfred of Wessex
8. Religion of Anglo-Saxons a. Co-existed with Christianity b. Woden c. Dragon d. Ethics
9. Bards, scops
10. Importance of Irish monks, monastaries
Beowulf’s Provenance
What we don’t know:
who wrote it
when exactly it was written
how much, exactly, is based on historical truth
Beowulf’s ProvenanceWhat we do know:
Beowulf is the oldest surviving English poem. It’s written in Old English (or Anglo-Saxon), which is the basis for the language we speak today.Some of the characters in the poem actually existed.
The only copy of the manuscript was written sometime around the 11th century A.D. (1000’s), however…
Beowulf’s ProvenanceSo what’s happened to the
manuscript since the 11th century?
Eventually, it ended up in the library of this guy.
Robert Cotton (1571-1631)
Beowulf’s ProvenanceUnfortunately, Cotton’s library burned in
1731. Many manuscripts were entirely destroyed. Beowulf was partially damaged.
The manuscript is now preserved and carefully cared for in the British Museum.
Setting: Beowulf’s time and place
Although Beowulf was written in English, it is set in what is now Sweden, where a tribe called the Geats lived.
The story may take place as early as 400 or 500 A.D.
Setting: Beowulf’s time and place
Europe today Insert: Time of Beowulf
The Poetry in BeowulfA few things to watch
out for1. Alliterative verse
a. Repetition of initial sounds of words (occurs in every line)
b. Generally, four feet/beats per line
c. A caesura, or pause, between beats two and four
d. No rhyme
The Poetry in BeowulfA few things to watch
out for
Alliterative verse – an example from Beowulf:
Oft Scyld Scefing sceapena praetum,
Monegum maegpum meodo-setla ofteah;
Egsode Eorle, syddan aerest weard.
There was Shield Sheafson, scourge of many tribes,
A wrecker of mead-benches, rampaging among foes.
The terror of the hall-troops had come far.
The Poetry in BeowulfA few things to watch
out for
The Poetry in BeowulfA few things to watch
out for2. Kennings
a. Compound metaphor (usually two words)
b. Most were probably used over and over
For instance: hronade literally means “whale-road,” but can be translated as “sea”
Some terms you’ll want to knowscop
A bard or story-teller.
The scop was responsible for praising deeds of past heroes, for recording history, and for providing entertainment
thane
A warrior
mead-hall
The large hall where the lord and his warriors slept, ate, held ceremonies, etc.
Some terms you’ll want to know
wyrd
Fate. This idea crops up a lot in the poem, while at the same time there are Christian references to God’s will.
Some terms you’ll want to know
epicBeowulf is an epic poem.
1.Epic heroes represent the finest values of civilization; ethical
2.Face extraordinary obstacles
3.Seem to be superhuman but they’re mortal
4.Perform brave deeds
5.Quest or journey with followers
6.Name their horses/swords
Some terms you’ll want to know
Motifs and Important Aspects Good vs. Evil
Religion: Christian and Pagan influences
The importance of wealth and treasure
Loyalty and allegiance
The importance of the sea and sailing
The sanctity of the home
Fate
Heroism and heroic deeds