BEOWULF PROJECT 9/1/16-10/16 (Plus Kennings and Newspaper SEE WEBSITE)

1. Beowulf- QW pg. 20, Vocab. pg. 20, 21-31 pg. 32 1-11 ( Part 1)
2. Beowulf Part 2 pg. 33-40 1-10 pg.40 and complete Analyzing the Monster ( Part 2)
3. Discuss the significance of the heroic code of “comitatus”in Beowulf, considering specifically the actions of Beowulf as a young warrior, Wiglaf as a young warrior, and the cowardly warriors who flee at the dragon fight.
4. Consider two of the following as symbols: Herot, Grendel's claw, the cave, or the dragon's treasure-hoard. ( what do these things mean or stand for beyond themselves)
5. How does the poet use the theme of revenge in the poem? Consider the motivation of characters such as Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon, as well as Beowulf.
6. Other than Beowulf, who is your favorite character in the poem? Why?
7. What is the importance of Hrothgar's sermon? Cite at least two specific points that he makes and how they affect our understanding of Beowulf.
8. Scyld Scefing – A foundling, he became the first king in the Danish royal line. He is the father of Beow, and the great-grandfather of Hrothgar. What role does he play in the story?
9. What did Hrothgar build?
10. Is Hrothgar safe from Grendl? Why or why not?
11. What happens to Grendl’s arm?
12. Who is the epic hero, Hrothgar or Beowulf and why?
13. What is an archetype?

Please choose three of the following questions and write a complete essay in paragraph form responding to the question. I would suggest 2- 3 paragraphs each. Get ready to write!

4. Discuss the significance of the heroic code of “comitatus”in Beowulf,considering specifically the actions of Beowulf as a young warrior, Wiglaf as a young warrior, and the cowardly warriors who flee at the dragon fight.

Comitatus was a Germanic friendship structure that compelled kings to rule in consultation with their warriors, forming a warband. The comitatus, as described in the Roman historian Tacitus's treatise Germania (98.AD), is the bond existing between a Germanic warrior and his Lord, ensuring that neither leaves the field of battle before the other. The translation is as follows:

Moreover, to survive the leader and retreat from the battlefield is a lifelong disgrace and infamy

Comitatus, being the agreement between a Germanic lord and his subservients (his Gefolge or host of followers), is a special case of clientage and the direct source of the practice of feudalism. Partly influenced by the Roman practice, exemplified in the Marian Reforms initiated by Gaius Marius, of a general distributing land to his officers after their retirement, the Germanic comitatus eventually evolved into a wholesale exchange between a social superior and inferior. The social inferior (in Feudalism, the Vassal) would pledge military service and protection to the superior (Lord). In return, the superior would reward the inferior with land, compensation, or privileges.^[1]

The Germanic term for the comitatus is reconstructed as *druhtiz, with Old English forms dryht and druht, and Scandinavian drótt.^[2]

5. Consider two of the following as symbols: Herot, Grendel's claw, the cave, or the dragon's treasure-hoard. ( what do these things mean or stand for beyond themselves) Asymbolis an object that represents, stands for, or suggests an idea, visual image, belief, action, or material entity. Symbols take the form of words, sounds, gestures, or visual images and are used to convey ideas and beliefs. For example, a red octagon may be a symbol for "STOP". On a map, a picture of a tent might represent a campsite. Numerals are symbols for numbers. Personal names are symbols representing individuals. A red rose symbolizes love and compassion.
6. How does the poet use the theme of revenge in the poem? Consider the motivation of characters such as Grendel, Grendel's mother, and the dragon, as well as Beowulf.
7. Other than Beowulf, who is your favorite character in the poem? Why?
8. The significance of Hrothgar’s sermon in Beowulf (lines 1700-1784) Hrothgar delivers this speech in his royal hall Heorot, where the Geats and the Danes are celebrating Beowulf’s victory over Grendel’s mother. This victory has finally freed the Danes of the monsters which had been terrorizing them for twelve years. Hence, there is much rejoicing and feasting over the victory as Beowulf and his warriors are feted and rewarded by Hrothgar. Beowulf had earlier given a speech recounting the details of his fight with the monster. He then presented the golden hilt of the sword salvaged from the monster’s den to Hrothgar. In accepting this relic, Hrothgar launches into a long moralizing speech of advice to Beowulf. In his speech Hrothgar highlights the code of the heroic world and the serious repercussions if one were to break or disregard this heroic ideal. According to this code, the relationship between the king/lord and his men, known as thanes/warriors, is very important. It is the responsibility of the thanes to defend their lord and his lands and also to fight his wars. This relationship is one of mutual loyalty, trust and respect. The thane vows his loyalty to his lord and eventually becomes his companion. In return,what is the importance of Hrothgar's sermon? Cite at least two specific points that he makes and how they affect our understanding of Beowulf.
9. SEE WEBSITE FOR KENNINGS AND NEWSPAPER INSTRUCTIONS