- The tale is set in Scandinavia (Denmark, Sweden - the Geats resided in the southern part of Sweden) in the 500s. The Anglo-Saxon period in England stretched from when the Roman Empire pulled out in 410 until the Norman Invasion in 1066.
- The tale of Beowulf is the first "story" in the history of the English Language (even if Old English sounded way more Scandinavian than "English" ... and it is a reflection of changing society in England during the A-S Period (primarily the switch from a polytheistic pagan society - part of A-S culture - to a Christian society stemming from spread of Catholicism throughout Europe.
- The Mead Hall (Herot was Hrothgar's great mead hall) was the social center of A-S Soiety and was where king's would provide for their people. As societies evolved and became more sophisticated (and the need for security increased) the mead hall .. which was more like a large, long banquet hall with a hole in the center of the roof so that the smoke from the fire could escape ... would later be replaced by castles.
- Beowulf sets the standard for the notion of the "Epic Hero" in our culture - the hero that represents what his society most prizes.
- The hero possesses superhuman (possibly supernatural traits).
- Hero usually has a wise mentor.
- He/She is called on a quest to serve the needs of or to save/protect others.
- Hero is tested and must prove himself/herself.
- Hero conquers biggest evil/threat (which also usually has superhuman or supernatural traits).
- Hero is rewarded and returns home (or to a peaceful existence) until called on another quest.
NO PHONES OR MUSIC TODAY UNTIL YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE READING AND QUESTIONS THAT GO WITH IT.
- Make sure you have a copy of the lit book to read from.
- If you were not here yesterday and need a copy of the interactive reading questions, they are on top of the laptop cart.
- Reading Schedule ...
Wednesday, 9/12 - pages 40-41 for intro material and then pages 42-49 into Beowulf- Thursday, 9/13 - Beowulf pages 50-61
- Friday, 9/14 - Beowulf pages 62-70
