Beowulf What is an ARCHETYPE What is a

Beowulf • • What is an ARCHETYPE? What is a HERO? What are the elements of a hero? What attributes of a hero are UNIVERSAL?

Beowulf What is an ARCHETYPE? (Noun) the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form; prototype.

Beowulf Language: Old English As opposed to Middle English (Chaucer) or Modern English (Shakespeare) Video clip of Benjamin Bagby performing a few lines from Beowulf: http: //www. bagbybeowulf. com/video/index. html

Beowulf What are the elements associated with epic poetry? • The hero is “larger than life” • Struggle between good & evil, or some other universally human struggle • Elevated language (fancy, pretty words) • Serious tone (as opposed to a MOCK EPIC, which is sarcastic)

Beowulf Two major types of EPIC POEM: HEROIC – focus on achievements of warriors in battle ELEGIAC – sorrowful lament that mourns deaths of loved ones and the past Beowulf is a HEROIC EPIC

Beowulf No known author It began being told in 6 th century by SCOPS. We know the 8 th century version Was written down in 11 th century, probably by monks. • Awkward blending of Christian and pagan beliefs (fate vs. free will) • Reflects the values of the Anglo-Saxon culture • •

Beowulf Handout: Who's who (keep track of characters) While we read, keep track of who's who on identification sheet. Also, look for: Examples of figurative language throughout the poem • Similes • Metaphors • Kennings Examples of Christian and pagan references Examples of HEROIC traits

Beowulf What is a Kenning? (Noun) a conventional poetic phrase used for or in addition to the usual name of a person or thing, especially in Icelandic and Anglo-Saxon verse, as “a wave traveler” for “a boat. ”.