BEOWULF CLASS ASSIGNMENT 9-19-12

                                                                                 9/19/12                                                                                 

                                                                             ENGLISH IV

                                                                              BEOWULF

OBJECTIVE: By the end of today’s lesson SWBAT apply the skills of Literary Analysis

                       Anglo – Saxon Literary works BEOWULF seeking 80% mastery.

HOMEWORK: Examine the Whale Bone Box found on page 38. This is a type of

                          treasure.  Research this questions: (1) What three cultures are represented

                         by  this box? (2) What conclusions can you draw about the eight-century

                         culture that produced this casket?

DO NOW: Read the excerpt from Grendel by John Gardner on page 39.  Then define the

                   word VERBAL IRONY found on page 1422.  Write this definition and then

                  discuss in writing what is ironic about what Grendel is saying in this excerpt.

                  Identify all words and phrases that Grendel uses in his story telling.  What

                 does Grendel’s use of irony suggests about his personality?

DIRECT INSTRUCTION: Reread the bottom of page 39 beginning at “… I  hear the

                                            People praying…” down to “…the dirge-slow shoveling

                                            begins…”  What are some of the theories held by Hrothgar?

                                            Explain in composition form.

                                           

GUIDED PRACTICE: Read pages 40 & 41. Answer the following questions: (1)   

                                      Explain how Feudal Lords operated during 999.  (2) Analyze

                                      the beginning of  “Life in 999: A Grim Struggle.”   Why might

                                      a writer use the concept of speed to define a particular historical

                                      period?  Develop you response in essay form. (3) Analyze the

                                      next to the last paragraph “…Illness and disease…at the age of 21

                                      ….”  Discuss in writing the main idea of this paragraph.  Give

                                      supportive detail in your written responses. (4) Read and analyze

                                      the last paragraph on page 41.  What metaphor does the author

                                      use to sum up the mellinneal period in Europe?

INDEPENDENT PRACTICE: Summarize this article.

CHECKS FOR UNDERSTANDING: Students will demonstrate a show of hands for all

                                                              who understands this assignment.

EXIT TICKET : This article describes life in Europe in A.D. 999.  At that time, European

                            society was rather primitive.  What was life like back then for humans?

                             What were the chances of improving one’s circumstances?  Explain

                              and cite evidence from the reading on pages 40 & 41.