beowfulf and grendel

Unit 1: What is worth the effort?

Beowfulf and Grendel

Beowulf Trailer

What predictions/inferences can you make about this text based on the film trailer?CharactersPlot eventsConflictThemes

Informational Journal EntryRL.11-12.1 I can cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis as well as inferences drawn from the text.

4-2-1- OrganizerCreate the organizer on the top half of a sheet of paper.

Why do we continue to study ancient to medieval texts?List four reasons individuallyPair up with the person next to you; narrow

down to two reasonsPull together with another pair to make a

group of four; decide the One Big Idea that answers the question

On the bottom half of the paper, free write to explore the answer to the question with your One Big Idea.

4-2-1 Free WriteW.11-12.2 I can write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately.

Academic Vocabulary

Definition Example

Allusion

Characterization

Foil(make sure definition is literary)

Kenning

Archetype

Epic

Motif

Symbol

Academic VocabularyL.11-12.4 I can determine or clarify the meaning of unknown words using context and reference materials

Academic Vocabulary

Definition Example

Allusion Reference to something known from literature, history, religion, culture, etc.

Minecraft Easter Egg in Borderlands 2

Characterization The process by which an author reveals a character.

Author reveals character’s origin through Southern-sounding speech

Foil A character that strongly contrasts with a main character.

Batman’s foil is The Joker

Kenning Metaphorical phrase or compound word that name a person or place indirectly

Frodo is the Ring-BearerGandalf carries the Foe-Hammer

Archetype A pattern in literature (such as character, plot type, image, setting) across cultures and ages.

Cinderella is an archetype

Epic A long narrative poem about a national hero.

The Iliad and The Odyssey

Motif A word, character, object, idea, etc. that appears several times in a work.

The phone and weather in The Great Gatsby

Symbol A person, place, thing, or event that represents an abstract idea beyond itself.

The eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleberg in The Great Gatsby

Academic VocabularyL.11-12.4 I can determine or clarify the meaning of unknown words using context and reference materials

Explain why reading ancient to medieval texts is difficult for the modern reader. Describe a strategy or strategies to deal with this difficulty.

Informational Journal EntryW.11-12.2 I can write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately.

Read the historical context article and keep notes using some kind of outline.

Analyzing the Historical ContextRI.11-12.3 I can analyze a complex set of ideas or sequence of events and explain how individuals, ideas, or events interact.

Outlining for the Left or Right BrainRI.11-12.2 I can determine two or more central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text; I can provide an objective summary of the text.

1) Main topic of sectiona) Supporting idea

i. Detailii. Detail

b) Supporting ideai. Detailii. Detail

2) Main topic of sectiona) Supporting idea

i. Detailii. Detail

b) Supporting ideai. Detailii. Detail

Main

idea

Supporting idea

Detail

Detail

Supporting Idea

Detail

Detail

Characteristics of an Objective Summary: FABOFocused – relay the central idea and specific,

relevant detailsAccurate – be true to the essence of the textBrief – balance brevity and thoroughnessObjective – refrain from opinions, reactions,

personal reflectionsWrite a summary of the historical context

article using your notes.

SummarizingRI.11-12.2 I can determine two or more central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text; I can provide an objective summary of the text.

Going around the room, each of you will be assigned a number. Read the section about your group in the textbook.

1. Celts, p. 7-82. Romans, p. 8-93. Anglo-Saxons arrive in England, p. 9-104. Danes/Vikings, p. 10-115. Anglo-Saxons monks, p. 16-176. Anglo-Saxon lifestyle, p. 11-137. Anglo-Saxon pagan warrior-gods, p. 148. Anglo-Saxon bards, p. 14-15

Analyzing the Historical ContextRI.11-12.3 I can analyze a complex set of ideas or sequence of events and explain how individuals, ideas, or events interact.

Analyzing the Historical ContextRI.11-12.3 I can analyze a complex set of ideas or sequence of events and explain how individuals, ideas, or events interact.

Meet with other people who researched the same group.

Synthesize information from the textbook and the context article to answer as many of the below questions as possible.

Create a poster to present that answers the discussion questions using visuals and explicit textual evidence.

1. Describe the origin and time period of your group.

2. Describe how your group influenced language and/or literature, particularly Beowulf.

3. Describe how your group influenced religion and/or culture.

Imagine you are an Anglo-Saxon or Viking from the year A.D. 750. Describe your daily life and point of view on the world.

Narrative Journal EntryW.11-12.3 I can write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective techniques, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences.

Conduct a close reading of Lorde’s song “Royals”.Circle any words you don’t know; in the line

spacing, attempt to infer the meanings based on the context

Underline words that evoke strong imagesHighlight ideas or images that are repeatedIn the line spacing, paraphrase lines that are

complex or use figurative languageIn the left margin, summarize the central idea of

each section.On the back, analyze the theme of the song. Use

explicit references to lines and details in the lyrics.

Close Reading – Song LyricsRL.11-12.4 I can determine the figurative meanings of words as they are used in a text and analyze the impact of word choices on meaning and tone.

Repeat the close reading, this time as your imagined Viking character.

Consider how he/she would understand this song.What would he/she struggle to understand?What would he/she still understand?

Close Reading – Song LyricsRL.11-12.4 I can determine the figurative meanings of words as they are used in a text and analyze the impact of word choices on meaning and tone.

Allusion: Reference to something known from literature, history, religion, culture, etc.

Literary shout-outsWhen reading complex or historical texts,

understanding allusions is important to understand the text itself

What allusions appear in the lyrics of “Royals”?What are some ways to understand allusions?

Same as unknown vocab - infer based on the context

Use reference materials: footnotes, appendix, encyclopedia, Internet

AllusionRL.11-12.4 I can determine the figurative meanings of words as they are used in a text and analyze the impact of word choices on meaning and tone.

Read the first section of Beowulf and identify any allusions.

Use your smartphone or other reference material (dictionary, teacher, footnotes) to understand the allusion.

Analyze the Biblical allusion in the first section of Beowulf. What does this allusion refer to? How does understanding this allusion help in

understanding the story?

Allusions Exit SlipRL.11-12.4 I can determine the figurative meanings of words as they are used in a text and analyze the impact of word choices on meaning and tone.

Beowulf Context Quiz

Vocabulary Log – 20 points per pageAs you read, select your own vocabulary words

(these may also be allusions)Higher level questions at the bottom must be

attempt or no credit will be givenReading Log – 60 points total , 20 points per

heading; 2 points per quote, 2 points per answer

Complete the reading log for sections 1-3: The Monster Grendel.

Beowulf Reading Log

CharacterizationCharacterization is the

process by which an author reveals a character; focus is on the author’s choices.

Two types of characterization:Direct (EXPLICIT): the text

explicitly tells something about the character’s personality

Indirect (IMPLICIT): the text implies something about the character’s personality

Speech: Direct: what the character actually

says about himself Indirect: how the character speaks

(dialect), what the character talks about

Thoughts/Emotions: Direct: description of character’s

actual thoughts and feelings Indirect: how the character reacts

Effect on Others: Direct: description of effects on

others Indirect: reactions of other

characters Actions:

Direct: description of what the character actually does

Indirect: what the actions say about inner character

Looks: Direct: description of character

dress and looks Indirect: what the dress and looks

say about the inner character

Characterization of Grendel in Beowulf Powerful monster Lives in darkness Demon, fiend Born of Cain Spawned in slime Haunted moors and marshes Greedy Claws Snatched up and smashed men

sleeping in hall Delighted with slaughter Set on murder; lust for evil Fought with righteous Could not touch Hrothgar

Characterization ComparisonCharacterization of Grendel in Grendel

List examples of characterization from the first three sections of Beowulf.

Analyze how the author characterizes Grendel in Beowulf.Does he use mostly indirect or direct

characterization? What aspects of Grendel’s character does the

author focus on (STEAL)? How do these choices impact the reader’s

understanding of the monster?

Characterization - Beowulf

Read the first two chapters of Grendel; while reading, list examples of characterization.

Analyze how this author characterizes Grendel.Does he use mostly indirect or direct

characterization? Provide examples.What aspects of Grendel’s character does the

author focus on (STEAL)? How do these choices impact the reader’s

understanding of the monster?

Characterization - Grendel

Grab a copy of Grendel.Take out your monster comparison T-chart; if you no longer

have it, work on creating a new one.Continue reading Grendel through chapter 2 and add

examples of the monster’s characterization to the chart.

Characterization Comparison

Characterization of Grendel in Beowulf

Characterization of Grendel in Grendel

Characterization of Grendel in Beowulf Powerful monster Lives in darkness Demon, fiend Born of Cain Spawned in slime Haunted moors and marshes Greedy Claws Snatched up and smashed men

sleeping in hall Delighted with slaughter Set on murder; lust for evil Fought with righteous Could not touch Hrothgar

“Do not think my brains are squeezed shut like the ram’s.”

Hates everythingDoesn’t believe he is noble Believes creatures that can’t

think are happyLots of inner thoughts and

emotionsGrew up in darknessBizarre relationships with

mother

Characterization ComparisonCharacterization of Grendel in Grendel

AcrosticCreate an acrostic for each

characterization of the monster (one on each side of the paper) using Grendel’s name (25 points each)

Each of the 7 letters should represent a trait the author presents in that version

Include textual evidence under each letter (25 points)

Acrostics should be visually appealing (25 points)

Create a drawing for each characterization of the monster (one on each side of the paper); 25 points each

The picture should represent or reference 7 traits the author presents in that specific version

Label the drawings with textual evidence (25 points)

Drawings should be visually appealing (25 points)

Characterization Comparison: Choose ONE option below

Artwork

Write a reflection comparing the two stories in terms of characterizations.How do these different types of characterization

reflect the way their societies view villains?Which do you prefer? Why?

Characterization

Explain what an epic is and give an example.

Elements of the Epic

In your journal, continue to track examples of Grendel’s characterization.

Describe Grendel’s first interactions with the world and how they shaped his opinion of the universe. (5 sentence minimum)

Independent Reading: Grendel 2

Epic: a long narrative poem about a national hero

Carries culture’s history, values, myths, legends, and traditions

Epic heroes are related to Gods but still face obstacles and death

Today, the form has migrated to other genres such as film, music, novels, and video games

Elements of the Epic

Fold a sheet of paper into four squares; as the notes are rotated around, complete the following in each square:Elements/definitionClass Example:Group Example:

Lord of the Rings SupermanBatman Star WarsHarry Potter Skyrim

Elements of the Epic

Hero on a Quest: often of noble or semi-divine birth, he sets out on a quest, a dangerous journey that tests his spirit

Class ExampleEpic of Gilgamesh: Gilgamesh is the son of a goddess and king who journeys to the end of the world

Elements of the Epic

Valorous Deeds: acts that reveal the hero’s extraordinary qualities and reflect the values cherished by his culture

Class ExampleEpic of Gilgamesh: Gilgamesh dives underwater to find a magic plot to help his people conquer death

Elements of the Epic

Supernatural Forces: include deities that watch over the hero and monsters

Class ExampleEpic of Gilgamesh: fights monsters and the Bull of Hell; gods grant immortality

Elements of the Epic

Elevated Style: lofty diction that heightens the importance of events; includes catalogues, or lists of battles, weapons, and royal gifts

Class ExampleEpic of Gilgamesh: “O Urshanabi, was it for this that I toiled with my hands, is it for this I have wrung out my heart’s blood?”

Elements of the Epic

Read sections 3-5 of Beowulf and complete the reading log.

Quiz Friday:AllusionCharacterizationEpic

Beowulf 3-5: The Arrival of the Hero

On your four-square notes from yesterday, add details from Beowulf for each category.

Elements of the Epic

Brainstorm your own epic with the following:

Hero on a Quest:

Valorous Deeds:

Supernatural Forces

Elevated Style

Elements of the Epic

In your journal, continue to track examples of Grendel’s characterization.

Describe Grendel’s first interactions with the world and how they shaped his opinion of the universe. (5 sentence minimum)

Independent Reading: Grendel 2

For at each major character (hero, villain, etc.), describe their characteristics and how you will introduce and develop those traits for the audience.

Elements of the Epic/Characterization

Describe Trait Introduce DevelopSpeech:

Thoughts/Emotions:

Effects on Others:

Actions:

Looks:

For at each major character (hero, villain, etc.), describe their characteristics and how you will introduce and develop those traits for the audience.

Elements of the Epic/Characterization

Describe Trait Introduce DevelopSpeech: doesn’t talk much

Refuses to respond when first spoken to

Only ever speaks to his own reflection

Thoughts/Emotions: Loves the queen

Protects her in fight from his own minions

Discussions in mirror reveal feelings

Effects on Others:Disgusted, terrified

Comes across child who runs away

Continually insulted and harassed during battles

Actions: terrorizes people, controlled by higher evil

Destroying village and fighting men

Continues to do evil under curse

Looks: not explicitly described; imposing figure

Towers over the child he meets; only shadow described

Reflection only finally described in ending

Answer each question below accurately in a full paragraph with specific references to the text.

1. Define an epic in terms of the literary genre.2. Identify the hero and describe how the author

characterizes him. 3. Describe the hero’s quest in this epic.4. Describe the supernatural forces in this epic.5. Explain what elevated style is and quote or

describe an example from this epic. Define allusion. Explain the allusion made to

history in this text.

Epic Video Quiz

Epic Element Points PossibleTells of a hero and his quest 25Includes the hero’s valorous deeds 25Involves supernatural forces 25Written in elevated style 25Employs effective characterization 25Writing is neat and organized 25Correct grammar and spelling 25Length – two pages, single spaced 25TOTAL 200

Epic Element Points PossibleElements Brainstorm 50Characterization Pre-write 50TOTAL 100

Chapter Three: Summarize the main events in this chapter; focus on how events, ideas, and individuals affect each other to shape the story.

Chapter Four: Analyze Grendel’s philosophy about life and the meaning of the universe; use specific quotes and/or examples.

Independent Reading: Grendel 3-4

Answer ONE of the following questions in your journal:1. With reference to specific examples from your group

work, explain how an epic reflects the culture it was written in.

2. Epic heroes are epic because they are larger than real life. Defend whether or not they are believable characters. Defend whether or not they are relatable characters.

3. Evaluate why people continue to enjoy the epic genre. 4. Many major cultures have one or two epics that define

their society’s history. Choose and argue what story might be the epic of America.

5. The elements we studied are only a few of the elements that form an epic. Discuss another element that an epic might or should include.

Elements of the Epic

Complete a Venn Diagram contrasting the two men in the clip.

Foil: a character who provides a contrast for another characterLuke Skywalker and Hans SoloWill and Jack in PiratesSam and Frodo in LOTRMarshall and Barney in HIMYM

Read “Unferth’s Challenge”, sections 6-7; focus on answering question #11.

Explain how foils advance the plot and character development.

FOILRL.11-12.3

Complete a Venn Diagram contrasting the two men in the clip.

Foil: a character who provides a contrast for another characterLuke Skywalker and Hans SoloWill and Jack in PiratesSam and Frodo in LOTRMarshall and Barney in HIMYM

Read “Unferth’s Challenge”, sections 6-7; focus on answering question #11.

FOILRL.11-12.3

Grendel 3-4Chapter Three: Summarize the main events in

this chapter; focus on how events, ideas, and individuals affect each other to shape the story.

Chapter Four: Analyze Grendel’s philosophy about life and the meaning of the universe; use specific quotes and/or examples.

Beowulf 1-7Complete reading logThree vocab words

Independent Reading

Meet with your group and discuss a set of foils that you are familiar with. Discuss how the foils help you to better understand the characters and plot of a story. Prepare to share with the class.

On the back of your Venn diagram from yesterday, explain how foils advance the plot and character development. Use specific examples from Beowulf, Star Trek, or another epic story you are familiar with.

FOILRL.11-12.3

Grendel 3-4Chapter Three: Summarize the main events in

this chapter; focus on how events, ideas, and individuals affect each other to shape the story.

Chapter Four: Analyze Grendel’s philosophy about life and the meaning of the universe; use specific quotes and/or examples.

Beowulf 8-11Complete reading logFour vocab words

Independent Reading

Reflect on your reading so far; rate yourself on the below scale:1: I do not understand the text on a basic level.2: I understand the text, but do not understand

the deeper meaning or purpose.3: I understand the text, but don’t like the

format.4: I understand the text, I understand the

deeper meaning and purpose, and I like the format.

Grendel Discussion

Summarize chapters 1 & 2Skips in time through the twelve year war with HrothgarAlways thinking, trapped in his own head; thinks about

how dumb animals areMother is foul creature who abandoned languageFinds the world through a lake of firesnakesAttacked by both bull and band of humans; even though

Grendel has language he can communicate with neitherAuthor background: John Gardner

Parents were a preacher and an English teacherRan over his brother with farm machinery

Genre background: postmodern/metafictionPOMO: Focus on how people experience the world rather

than what they actually experience (JT concert)META: fiction about fiction

Grendel Discussion

Grendel 3 DiscussionWork together with your group to create a

poster that identifies and describes the major events, individuals, and ideas in the THIRD CHAPTER of Grendel.

Use a different shape to represent each topic; find at least three of each; use a direct quote from the chapter about each.

CHARACTER EVENT

IDEA

Grendel DiscussionThink about how these events, individuals,

and ideas affect each other; connect the various elements of your poster with association lies that describe the relationship.

Grendel: monster

spying on the humans

Men fought each other and pillaged each

other’s hallsGrendel is disgusted by all the waste

Grendel 3 Discussion Describe the advancement of men and explain why

it disgusted Grendel. Describe how the Shaper inspired Hrothgar and his

men. Describe how the Shaper tortured Grendel. In terms of format, how is Grendel different than

Beowulf? How does this relate to the difference between epics and metafiction?

In terms of message, how is Grendel different than Beowulf?

Based on this chapter and the above discussions, analyze the theme or universal message of Grendel.

Archetype: A pattern in literature (such as character, situation, symbol) that spans cultures and ages.

Cabin in the Woods clip; metafiction like GrendelCommon character archetypes?

Mentors, loyal companions, friendly beasts, devils, damsel in distress, star-crossed lovers,

Common situation archetypes?Journey, the fall, ritual, good vs. evil, coming of

age, nature vs. technology, father/son conflictCommon symbol archetypes?

Water vs. desert, colors, numbers,

Archetype

Choose three archetypes, one of each type, from the list and describe how they occur in a piece of literature or film. Explain the archetypeSpecifically explain the example

In your group, name as many archetype examples as possible.

What are the pros and cons of archetypes? How does Grendel complicate the idea of the

archetype?

Archetype

Describe the archetypes so far in Beowulf.QuestHero, MonsterLight vs. darkness

Complete reading for sections 12-13: The Monster’s Mother; look for new archetypes in plot, character, and symbolismAnswer question #14

Archetype

CharacterizationCharacterization is the process by which an

author reveals a character.Direct vs. indirect (speech, thoughts/emotions,

effects on others, actions, looks)

Review

Review and Film Analysis - Characterization

Character

Character in written epic

Characterization in epic

Character in film

Characterization in film

Hrothgar

Grendel -banished by God-savage

-direct-indirect, based on actions

Beowulf

Compare and contrast a character from the written and film versions of Beowulf. Focus not only on the character’s traits, but also the process of characterization.

Review and Film Analysis - Characterization

Kennings are compound words or phrases, often metaphorical, that indicate a person or thing by a characteristic or quality.Gas- guzzlerAnkle-biterTree-hugger

The Hobbit; make a quick list of the kennings Bilbo usesxDiscuss the pros and cons of using kennings.

Pro: Adds instant shorthand characterizationPro: Adds to the elevated style, both for the epic and the

personCon: becomes clichéCon: requires background knowledge

Kennings

On a separate sheet of paper, write an introduction for yourself using kennings like Bilbo.

Read The Final Battle, sections 14-17, of Beowulf and focus on question #15, which deals with kennings.

In your journal, describe the relationship between kennings and characterization.

Kennings

Available after school Monday and Wednesday to bring up grades

Progress Reports

Monday: test review, finish reading logsTuesday: Beowulf test, last day of 6 weeksWednesday: ThemeThursday: FilmFriday: Film

Week after: begin Brave New World and study of dystopias

Next Week

Term/Definition Examples in film Compare/contrast with written epic

Foil:

Archetype:

Kenning:

Film Analysis/Test Review

Describe a foil that appears in the film version of Beowulf. Explain how this set of characters helps the viewer better understand a character.

Compare and contrast archetypes that appear in both the written and film versions of Beowulf.

Identify a kenning that appears in the film version of Beowulf. Explain how this kenning helps the viewer better understand a character, setting, or plot event.

Describe a major change from the written epic to the film. Analyze the reasons a director may have made this change.

Film Analysis and Test Review

Turn in borrowed textbooks or copies of Grendel.

Epic assessment tomorrow!Beowulf reading log due

Must complete ALL sectionsStudy guide

Complete study guide outline on your own paper

Today’s participation gradeTurn in completed tomorrow before test for

extra credit

Epic Assessment

Turn in any checked out books directly to meClear your desk except for something to write

with.You may write on both the test and the

reading.When finished, turn over on desk.Work quietly on reading log.

Epic Assessment

Theme: the universal ideas in a literary work.Theme is NOT a plot summary.Theme is NOT one word, it is a full idea.Mature works have a variety of themes; there will usually

be main themes and then smaller ideas as well.The theme is sometimes stated directly or explicitly.Otherwise, the theme is found indirectly or implicitly by

considering:Character personalities, motives, and fatesPlot events, conflict, resolutionSetting and historical contextMood/toneMotifs/symbols

Theme

In your journal, discuss the theme of Beowulf. Support your answer with evidence from the text.

Meet with your group and share themes.Each group will be given a theme of Beowulf.

Working backwards, consider how that theme is supported by the various literary elements. Identify quotes that support these examples.

Share out theme discussions with the whole class.

Theme

Common themes found in Beowulf:1. Violence is not evil - it is a way of life.2. Courage is accepting the inevitability of death.3. Heroism is defending man and fighting

monsters, not fighting other men.4. Fame and fortune outlive death.5. You can’t fight fate.6. Success in life depends on a strong reputation.7. Gifts demonstrate love and loyalty.8. Pure strength is better than skill.

Other themes your groups identified:

Theme

The themes of films are sometimes different than the themes of written works because the literary elements themselves are often changed.

Attempt to find the theme of the film version of Beowulf by examining the literary elements as they are presented on screen.

Film Analysis - Theme

Analyze the theme of the film version of Beowulf.

Compare/contrast this theme with the written epic.

Film Analysis - Theme