The Anglo-Saxon Period (449-1066)

 This period is known as known as the Dark Ages because because written sources were limited, it began with the Celts (900 BCE), There were two tribes one The Brythons where is Britain now and the other one The Gaels where is Ireland now. Both tribes spoke languages from the Celtic family. The lieders were Druids who were priests; they preserved myths and legends also heroic poems. The Roman was the second group that invaded England (55 BCE -407 CE) they established towns and roads. Some Anglo-Saxon elements are:

• King : he supposed to be loyal and kind to his subjects.
• The Mead Hall : was a building with a large room.
•     Religion :they have pagan believes , have a believer in fate  and have Germanic gods, Christianity has been introduced by the Celts and Romans.
• The church promoted Education and written literature
•  Literature was spread by scopes who recited long epic poems ,the verses were written in an easy way to memorize.
•  Caesuras  , pause in a line
•  Alliteration : the 2 parts of the line 

Beowulf Analysis

1.    Which episode did you find most thrilling? Why?

I liked the last battle. The writer put a lot of suspense and the fact that Beowulf was old and his men ran away, I think it made the battle more challenging. Beowulf was in disadvantage and still he kept his bravery.

2.    What annoys Grendel and leads to his attacks? What universal conflict lies behind his war with the Danes?

Grendel was annoyed by the noise from Heorot, he couldn’t stand the Dane’s happiness because deep inside he was jealous as he was exiled to the swamplands to live apart from society. The real conflict lies on his accursed status as he is a descended of Cain, who was condemned by God. Being excluded made him bitter and resentful, which is why he hates and fights the Danes.

3.    Why does Beowulf travel to Heorot? What do his motives for the trip tell you about his character? How does the contrast between Grendel and Beowulf turn their conflict between good and evil?

a.    Beowulf hears about the Dane’s suffering and he wants to grow his reputation by helping the Danish people. Moreover because that was a big challenge for him and he wanted to prove people that he was a great warrior.

b.    Grendel represents the evil; he is a descended of Cain which in the Bible is a symbol of sin and Beowulf is the Hero who will restate the peace.

4.    Beowulf defeat on Grendel might be described as the defeat of the “dark side” of the warrior’s life. Explain.

Grendel represents the evil side of the Scandinavian men because of his urge to kill others. His death is like purging the sin.

5.    Explain how the poem, by keeping Beowulf’s memory alive, keeps a culture’s values alive.

The poem represents a historical era, it gives information about the Anglo Saxon culture and values at that time. It gives an idea of how their ancestors were like, their customs and beliefs, so it gives a sense of identity that worth keeping. 

        Do you think Beowulf deeds make him a good role model? Explain.

Y     y es indeed, Beowulf represents a great heroic warrior that is willing to protect his people and he is also a reliable King that seeks for the good and sacrifices for his people.

7.    How does literature reflect society? What does Beowulf reveal about the way the Anglo-Saxons defined good and evil?

Literature pieces reflect the society in which it was written in the descriptions of the characters, places, events. It uses symbols and different literacy devices. In the case of Beowulf, it defines the good based on their heroic code of honor in which the Anglo-Saxon people believed. The monsters represent the evil, the bad things and sins and by killing these monsters the peace and good are restored.