Beowulf
Listen to how the Scop would have quoted it.
Essential Questions
As we study this epic poem, we will be discussing these
essential questions:
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Beowulf as an Epic Poem
What is an Epic?
The epic is generally defined: An extended narrative poem on a great and serious subject,
related in an elevated style, and centered on a heroic or quasi-divine figure on whose actions
depends the fate of a tribe, a nation, or the human race.
The traditional epics were shaped by a literary artist from historical and legendary materials which had developed in the oral traditions of his nation during a period of expansion and warfare, e.g. Beowulf, The
Odyssey, The Iliad. Modern epics are often written in prose and include Watership Down, Lord of the Rings, and Chronicles of Narnia.
A Simplified Definition: An extended narrative poem, usually simple in construction, but grand in scope, exalted in style,
and heroic in theme, often giving expression to the ideals of a nation or race.
Five Primary Epic Conventions (common to most epics)
1. The hero is a figure of great national or even cosmic importance, usually the ideal
man of his culture. He often has superhuman or divine traits. He has an imposing
physical stature and is greater in all ways than the common man.
2. The setting is vast in scope. It covers great geographical distances, perhaps even
visiting the underworld, other worlds, other times.
3. The action consists of deeds of valor or superhuman courage, especially in battle.
4. Supernatural forces interest themselves in the action and intervene at times.
5. The style of writing is elevated, even ceremonial.
The epic is generally defined: An extended narrative poem on a great and serious subject,
related in an elevated style, and centered on a heroic or quasi-divine figure on whose actions
depends the fate of a tribe, a nation, or the human race.
The traditional epics were shaped by a literary artist from historical and legendary materials which had developed in the oral traditions of his nation during a period of expansion and warfare, e.g. Beowulf, The
Odyssey, The Iliad. Modern epics are often written in prose and include Watership Down, Lord of the Rings, and Chronicles of Narnia.
A Simplified Definition: An extended narrative poem, usually simple in construction, but grand in scope, exalted in style,
and heroic in theme, often giving expression to the ideals of a nation or race.
Five Primary Epic Conventions (common to most epics)
1. The hero is a figure of great national or even cosmic importance, usually the ideal
man of his culture. He often has superhuman or divine traits. He has an imposing
physical stature and is greater in all ways than the common man.
2. The setting is vast in scope. It covers great geographical distances, perhaps even
visiting the underworld, other worlds, other times.
3. The action consists of deeds of valor or superhuman courage, especially in battle.
4. Supernatural forces interest themselves in the action and intervene at times.
5. The style of writing is elevated, even ceremonial.
Reading an Epic Poem
- Understand the nature of the epic hero
- Appreciate Pageantry
- Understand the purpose and nature of dialogue
- Compare and Contrast Parallelisms
- Look for symbolic descriptions
- Examine the Sentence Structure
Hero in the Making
Assignment:
-Create a hero based upon the characteristics of Beowulf and other modern superheroes. - Create a comic strip for that hero. Due Dates: - September 19, 2011: Superhero Concept & Plot Outline o Write a paragraph explaining who your super hero is and what it is that he does to serve his community. o Fill out a plot chart, outlining what will happen in your comic strip: § Setting: who, when, & where? § Conflict § Rising Action § Climax § Falling Action § Conclusion - September 29, 2011: Superhero Comic Strip Consider these questions: § Who or What is a hero? § What are the characteristics of a hero? § Who are some modern heroes? Why? § Who is your favorite superhero? Why? § Should we need or wait for heroes? § What are some responsibilities of heroes? § Should heroes be leaders? Should leaders be heroes? § Is war necessary? When? Why? § Are women more peaceful then men? § How are heroes likened to a Christ-like figure? § Is pride a virtue or a vice? Requirements: Plot: - The hero must demonstrate some sort of justice - The hero must face a moral dilemma - The motives of the hero should be demonstrated - Heroic characteristics must be demonstrated Project: - The comic should be at least 24-30 frames - The comic may be made digitally or by hand - The comic should be in color (if drawn by hand, be sure to trace in pen and color it in). |
Helpful Websites
Pixton.com
Pixton.com is a DIY website that provides templates, backgrounds, characters, and props that can all be manipulated into your very own, original comic strip. Click on the links below to see the series of comics I made. http://Pixton.com/ic:zljrt8sp http://Pixton.com/ic:tz3m8mke http://Pixton.com/ic:0h3pcwkb http://Pixton.com/ic:99i0v7jz http://donnayoung.org/art/comics.htm This site has an excellent variety of printable templates for you to draw your comics on. This is the site where I got the ones that I handed out in class. So if you run out at home, simply go to this site and print out another page. |